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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through an extended period of ceremony before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for generations - managed to do just that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best rikishi showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to drive away negative energies, and where they applaud to attract the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "random video" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We considered it a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

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

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the initial occasion was in the early nineties.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of obtaining admission, with current times seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

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

The Bouts

To win the match, one competitor needs to move the other man off the clay or to the surface using brute strength.

The majority use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - thrusting, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi colliding in the initial contact of the match resounds around the hall.

Prime Locations

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

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the athletes is one of the first things most people consider when they think of sumo.

The venue's management revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that accompanies sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it in person, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."