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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the first point is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to drive away negative energies, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of securing tickets, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the current event represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Bouts

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

The most use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi colliding in the opening second of the match reverberates around the venue.

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the dimensions of the athletes is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they consider the sport.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can support 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the demanding existence of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its following among the younger generation is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it in person, you sense that you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."