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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of ritual before the opening contest is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for centuries - managed to do just 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 first mention dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to drive away dark forces, and where they clap to summon the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "unexpected footage" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of increasing mass.

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 developed passion for the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the first time was in 1991.

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

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the current event represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

"Observing directly, you get a sense of the speed and the force which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to move the other man off the clay or to the surface using brute strength.

The most use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in moments - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi meeting in the opening second of the match echoes around the hall.

Premium Seating

The positions right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the size of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people imagine when they contemplate wrestling.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a professional athlete doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its following among the younger generation is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that goes with sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it directly, you experience being you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."