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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of tradition before the first point is even decided.

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

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

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 athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to expel evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This week's event marks only the second time the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.

"Observing directly, you get a sense of the speed and the force which you don't get 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 ground using physical force.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in moments - thrusting, or clenching.

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

Front Row Positions

The positions right next to the dohyō are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

During one specific contest, a large wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a professional athlete doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being threatened by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it in person, you experience being you are more engaged."

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

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."