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Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through 45 minutes of tradition before the opening contest is even decided.

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

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to drive away evil spirits, and where they clap to attract the divine beings.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"Subsequently, we tried to discover networks, information, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

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

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To win the match, one competitor needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the ground using physical force.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to succeed in this, often in split seconds - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi crashing together in the first moment of the match echoes around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the competition area are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

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

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the initial aspects most people consider when they think of sumo.

The facility's operators revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

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

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that accompanies sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it live, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."