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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of ceremony before the opening contest is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been totally redesigned, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to expel negative energies, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

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

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has come to London - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To succeed, one rikishi needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the floor using brute strength.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi meeting in the opening second of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

The seats right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the dimensions of the rikishi is one of the initial aspects most people imagine when they consider the sport.

The facility's operators revealed they "needed to find 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.

Coming Obstacles

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

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

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it directly, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."