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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the initial score is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for generations - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to banish negative energies, and where they strike their hands to attract the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to find communities, resources, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

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

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Bouts

To win the match, one competitor needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the surface using physical force.

The most use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or wrestling.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi meeting in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the hall.

Front Row Positions

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

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators 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 troubles behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a professional athlete doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

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

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that goes with sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it in person, you feel like you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."