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Few sports can captivate an audience through 45 minutes of ritual before the first point is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for generations - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to the first century BC.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the ring.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

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

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "unexpected footage" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: 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.

"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 almost the only way to see a major championship.

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

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

The Competition

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the ground using physical force.

The majority use one of dual approaches to accomplish this, often in moments - pushing, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers colliding in the initial contact of the match resounds around the venue.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the competition area are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one particular match, a tall wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

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

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

Perhaps the strict life of a professional athlete doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it in person, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."