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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of tradition before the first point is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to drive away negative energies, and where they applaud to summon the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "random video" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a major championship.

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the initial occasion was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of getting a seat, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to push another off the clay or to the floor using raw power.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi crashing together in the first moment of the match echoes around the hall.

Prime Locations

The positions right next to the competition area are of course extremely sought-after - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the first things most people imagine when they think of sumo.

The facility's operators revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

Perhaps the strict life of a professional athlete doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its following among youth in Japan is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it directly, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."