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Few sports can captivate an audience through 45 minutes of ritual before the initial score is even contested.

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

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best rikishi 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 ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to banish evil spirits, and where they applaud to get the attention of the divine beings.

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

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it lives up to the hype.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To succeed, one competitor needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the floor using raw power.

The majority use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in moments - pushing, or clenching.

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

Prime Locations

The cushions right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

During one particular match, a large wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the athletes is one of the initial aspects most people imagine when they consider the sport.

The hall's organizers 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 challenges behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

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

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that accompanies sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it directly, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."