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Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ceremony before the opening contest is even decided.

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

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to banish evil spirits, and where they applaud to summon the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "unexpected footage" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a established path: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in the early nineties.

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the current event represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one wrestler 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 succeed in this, often in moments - thrusting, or clenching.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi meeting in the first moment of the match echoes around the hall.

Premium Seating

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

During one particular match, a large wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

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

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

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

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it live, you sense that you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."