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Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ritual before the first point is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been totally redesigned, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to banish dark forces, and where they clap to get the attention of the gods.

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

Global Fans Find Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

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

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

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

This London competition marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan isn't certain of securing tickets, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the current event represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the floor using raw power.

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

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi meeting in the first moment of the match reverberates around the venue.

Premium Seating

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

During one specific contest, a large wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it in person, you experience being you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the other fans.

"Leaving a highly specialized 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."