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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ceremony before the initial score is even contested.

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

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to drive away negative energies, and where they applaud to attract the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "chance online clip" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"Subsequently, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the current event represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it lives up to the hype.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

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

The primary group use one of dual approaches to succeed in this, often in moments - thrusting, or wrestling.

Either way, the noise of the two athletes colliding in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the venue.

Prime Locations

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

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the initial aspects most people consider when they contemplate wrestling.

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

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

Potential Issues

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its following among the younger generation is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it in person, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"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 just as into this as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."