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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the opening contest is even contested.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

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 the first century BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the competition area.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to expel dark forces, and where they applaud to summon the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "unexpected footage" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, 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 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 approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"Subsequently, we tried to discover networks, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even going to Japan isn't certain of securing tickets, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - 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 Competition

To succeed, one wrestler needs to move the other man off the clay or to the floor using raw power.

The most use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or wrestling.

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

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they contemplate wrestling.

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and purchase additional seating which can support 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

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

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being threatened by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it in person, you sense that you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."