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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through 45 minutes of ceremony before the initial score is even decided.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for centuries - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been totally redesigned, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the competition area.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to drive away evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to summon the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

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

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, information, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

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

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of securing tickets, with the past period seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to push another out of the ring or to the floor using raw power.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in split seconds - shoving, or grappling.

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

Prime Locations

The positions right next to the competition area are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they contemplate wrestling.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can take up to 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its challenges behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

Perhaps the strict life of a professional athlete doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it in person, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the other fans.

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."