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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of tradition before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to drive away negative energies, and where they strike their hands to summon the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "random video" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually developed passion for the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach 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 going to Japan doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Matches

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to push another out of the ring or to the surface using brute strength.

The most use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi meeting in the opening second of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

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

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the primary elements most people think of when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and purchase additional seating 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 sumo wrestler doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its following among the younger generation is also being threatened by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it live, you experience being you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."