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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to expel negative energies, and where they strike their hands to summon the divine beings.

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

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

For Sian Spencer, 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 competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

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

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, information, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

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

This week's event marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to move the other man off the clay or to the floor using physical force.

The most use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in moments - shoving, or grappling.

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

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one specific contest, a large wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the rikishi is one of the first things most people imagine when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

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

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that accompanies sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it directly, you sense that you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the drama "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."