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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the first point is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to drive away evil spirits, and where they applaud to summon the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "chance online clip" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, waking up early to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a conventional method: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We considered it 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 expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This week's event marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even going to Japan isn't certain of getting a seat, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To succeed, one rikishi needs to push another off the clay or to the surface using physical force.

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

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi colliding in the initial contact of the match resounds around the venue.

Prime Locations

The seats right next to the ring are of course highly prized - but also, somewhat dangerous.

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

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people consider when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators revealed they "needed to find and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

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

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it in person, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."