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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of ritual before the first point is even contested.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a compact earthen circle - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to banish dark forces, and where they applaud to attract the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

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

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"Subsequently, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has come to London - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

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

The primary group use one of two styles to achieve this, often in moments - pushing, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes meeting in the initial contact of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

The cushions right next to the competition area are of course extremely sought-after - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one specific contest, a large wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

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

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

Perhaps the demanding existence of a professional athlete doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its following among the younger generation is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it live, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was worth every penny."