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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

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

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to drive away dark forces, and where they clap to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "unexpected footage" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, information, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second time the tournament has come to London - the initial occasion was in the early nineties.

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

Live Observation

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Bouts

To succeed, one wrestler needs to move the other man off the clay or to the surface using brute strength.

The majority use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi meeting in the initial contact of the match echoes around the venue.

Premium Seating

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

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the rikishi is one of the first things most people think of when they think of sumo.

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it in person, you experience being you are more engaged."

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

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."