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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the opening contest is even decided.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been totally redesigned, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

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

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the service of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, information, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a elite competition.

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of securing tickets, with the past period seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

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

The Matches

To succeed, one competitor needs to move the other man off the clay or to the ground using physical force.

The most use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in moments - shoving, or wrestling.

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

Front Row Positions

The seats 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 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 initial aspects most people consider when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can take up to 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 sumo wrestler doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it directly, you experience being you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."