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Few sports can captivate an audience through an extended period of ceremony before the initial score is even decided.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

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

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to drive away dark forces, and where they clap to summon the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Another couple 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," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with the past period seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

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

The majority use one of dual approaches to accomplish this, often in split seconds - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers colliding in the first moment of the match echoes around the venue.

Prime Locations

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

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the athletes is one of the primary elements most people think of when they think of sumo.

The facility's operators revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture 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 professional athlete doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that is part of sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it in person, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."