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Not many athletic disciplines can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the opening contest is even contested.

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

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to banish evil spirits, and where they applaud to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to find communities, information, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the initial occasion was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the current event represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to push another from the dohyō or to the surface using raw power.

The primary group use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in moments - shoving, or wrestling.

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

Front Row Positions

The seats right next to the ring 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 feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the size of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they think of sumo.

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and purchase additional seating which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

Perhaps the strict life of a rikishi doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it in person, you experience being you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a particularly focused 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 worth every penny."