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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the first point is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - largely unaltered for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to drive away negative energies, and where they strike their hands to summon the deities.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

For one dedicated fan, 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 training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

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

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To succeed, one competitor needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the surface using raw power.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers meeting in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the hall.

Premium Seating

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

During one specific contest, a large wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Organizational Issues

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

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 sell-out events - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

Perhaps the strict life of a rikishi doesn't look as attractive 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 create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that is part of sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it in person, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."