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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of tradition before the first point is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for generations - managed to do just that.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

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

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

For one dedicated fan, 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 athletes reside and practice, waking up early to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the service of bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a major championship.

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

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To win the match, one rikishi needs to push another from the dohyō or to the floor using raw power.

The majority use one of two styles to achieve this, often in split seconds - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the noise of the two athletes meeting in the opening second of the match echoes around the hall.

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the competition area are of course highly prized - but also, a bit risky.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions experience comfort.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the first things most people think of when they consider the sport.

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 sell-out events - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

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

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it live, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."