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Few sports can captivate an audience through 45 minutes of ritual before the initial score is even contested.

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 week-long competition at the iconic London venue features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been totally redesigned, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to banish negative energies, and where they strike their hands to attract the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

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

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, resources, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the surface using physical force.

The majority use one of dual approaches to succeed in this, often in moments - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes crashing together in the first moment of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

The positions right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one specific contest, a large wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - 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 threatened by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it in person, you experience being you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the other fans.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."