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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to the first century BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to banish evil spirits, and where they applaud to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, information, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

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

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the surface using brute strength.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - thrusting, or clenching.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes meeting in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

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

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the athletes is one of the first things most people think of when they think of sumo.

The facility's operators revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its following among young Japanese is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it live, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the other fans.

"Getting out of a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."