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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ceremony before the first point is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to drive away evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to summon the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "chance online clip" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to find communities, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second time the tournament has come to London - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

In-Person Viewing

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

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the surface using physical force.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in split seconds - pushing, or clenching.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi colliding in the first moment of the match echoes around the venue.

Prime Locations

The cushions right next to the competition area are of course extremely sought-after - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people consider when they think of sumo.

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

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being threatened by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that goes with sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it live, you feel like you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."