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Few sports can captivate an audience through an extended period of ritual before the first point is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for hundreds of years - managed to do just that.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to banish negative energies, and where they clap to attract the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

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

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Going to Japan 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 initial occasion was in the early nineties.

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

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the ground using raw power.

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

Either way, the noise of the two athletes colliding in the opening second of the match echoes around the venue.

Front Row Positions

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

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

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

The venue's management 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 challenges behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

Perhaps the demanding existence of a professional athlete doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its following among youth in Japan is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that accompanies sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it directly, you feel like you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a particularly focused online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."