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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of tradition before the first point is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the iconic London venue 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 massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to expel negative energies, and where they applaud to attract the deities.

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

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, waking up early to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward 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 developed passion for the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to find communities, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a elite competition.

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even traveling to Asia isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the force which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Matches

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

The majority use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in moments - thrusting, or clenching.

Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers colliding in the initial contact of the match echoes around the venue.

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the competition area are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a rikishi doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it live, you sense that you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."