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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the first point is even decided.

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

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to expel evil spirits, and where they clap to summon the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "chance online clip" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

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

"After that, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the first time was in over three decades ago.

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

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

The primary group use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi crashing together in the opening second of the match reverberates around the hall.

Front Row Positions

The positions right next to the ring are of course highly prized - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 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 appealing as it once might have.

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it in person, you feel like you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from 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 similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."