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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of ceremony before the first point is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - largely unaltered for centuries - managed to do just that.

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to drive away negative energies, and where they clap to summon the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "unexpected footage" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the service of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

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

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in 1991.

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

Live Observation

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

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the ground using physical force.

The most use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in moments - shoving, or wrestling.

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

Prime Locations

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one particular match, a large wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the stature of the rikishi is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they think of sumo.

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

Perhaps the strict life of a rikishi doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its following among the younger generation is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it in person, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."