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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to the first century BC.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the competition area.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to banish dark forces, and where they applaud to summon the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the service of increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a established path: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even traveling to Asia isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

"Watching nearby, you get a sense of the speed and the force which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the floor using raw power.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes crashing together in the opening second of the match reverberates around the venue.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the competition area are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the dimensions of the rikishi is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they contemplate wrestling.

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and buy new chairs which can take up to 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

Perhaps the demanding existence of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it directly, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."