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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the initial score is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to expel evil spirits, and where they clap to attract the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "random video" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

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

Even going to Japan isn't certain of obtaining admission, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To win the match, one competitor needs to push another off the clay or to the surface using physical force.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to succeed in this, often in moments - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the noise of the two athletes crashing together in the first moment of the match resounds around the venue.

Premium Seating

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

During one specific contest, a large wrestler went plummeting into the audience - 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 think of sumo.

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

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the demanding existence of a rikishi doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its following among young Japanese is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it in person, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."