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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ceremony before the opening contest is even contested.

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

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue 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 utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to expel dark forces, and where they clap to get the attention of the gods.

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

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "unexpected footage" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

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

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

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

Even visiting the country isn't certain of securing tickets, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, 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 strength which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Matches

To win the match, one rikishi needs to push another out of the ring or to the surface using raw power.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers colliding in the initial contact of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, potentially hazardous.

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

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people imagine when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture 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 demanding existence of a professional athlete 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.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it live, you sense that you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

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