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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 determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

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

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to banish evil spirits, 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 NBA match - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "random video" 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 competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: 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.

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

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

Even going to Japan isn't certain of obtaining admission, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to push another off the clay or to the floor using brute strength.

The primary group use one of two styles to achieve this, often in split seconds - pushing, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes crashing together in the first moment of the match resounds around the hall.

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the competition area are of course extremely sought-after - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

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

The venue's management revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its following among youth in Japan is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it directly, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."