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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the initial score is even contested.

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

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

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

London's renowned auditorium has been totally redesigned, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to banish negative energies, and where they applaud to attract the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the service of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"Subsequently, we tried to discover networks, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the first time was in 1991.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of obtaining admission, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

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

The Bouts

To win the match, one wrestler needs to push another off the clay or to the floor using raw power.

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

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers crashing together in the initial contact of the match echoes around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

The positions right next to the dohyō are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

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

The facility's operators revealed they "were required to locate and buy new chairs which can take up to 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the strict life of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that is part of sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it in person, you sense that you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the other fans.

"Leaving a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."