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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for generations - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to drive away evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to summon the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - 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 caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

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

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has come to London - the initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the force which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Matches

To win the match, one competitor needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the floor using raw power.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in moments - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers crashing together in the opening second of the match echoes around the hall.

Prime Locations

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

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers 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 buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

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

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it live, you sense that you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."