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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the initial score is even decided.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

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

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to banish negative energies, and where they strike their hands to attract the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, 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 training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," notes the enthusiast.

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

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

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 obtaining admission, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the current event represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To win the match, one competitor needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the surface using brute strength.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi crashing together in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the venue.

Front Row Positions

The positions right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the rikishi is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they consider the sport.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it live, you feel like you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."