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

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to drive away evil spirits, and where they clap to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"Subsequently, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with the past period seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To win the match, one competitor needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the floor using raw power.

The most use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or wrestling.

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

Prime Locations

The seats right next to the ring are of course highly prized - but also, a bit risky.

During one recent bout, a large wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the size of the rikishi is one of the first things most people imagine when they think of sumo.

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and purchase additional seating which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the demanding existence of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's declining population will not help.

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that goes with sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it live, you experience being you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the other fans.

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