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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the first point is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

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 Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to drive away negative energies, and where they applaud to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "random video" 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 wrestlers live and train, waking up early to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"Subsequently, we tried to discover networks, information, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

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

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of getting a seat, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

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

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Matches

To succeed, one competitor needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the surface using raw power.

The majority use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in moments - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes colliding in the opening second of the match resounds around the hall.

Front Row Positions

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

During one particular match, a large wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

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

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

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - is not without its difficulties 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 young Japanese is also being threatened by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it live, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the other fans.

"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."