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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the opening contest is even contested.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been totally redesigned, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to expel negative energies, and where they clap to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "random video" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

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

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This week's event marks only the second time the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even traveling to Asia isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To win the match, one competitor needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the surface using brute strength.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to succeed in this, often in split seconds - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi meeting in the opening second of the match resounds around the hall.

Prime Locations

The cushions right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one recent bout, a large wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

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

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture which can support 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

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

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it live, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."