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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of tradition before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for generations - managed to do just that.

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to expel negative energies, and where they applaud to attract the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

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

"We considered it a typical visitor experience, but we actually developed passion for the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, information, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of securing tickets, with the past period seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To win the match, one wrestler needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the ground using brute strength.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in split seconds - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the noise of the two athletes colliding in the first moment of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course greatly valued - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one specific contest, a large wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

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

The venue's management 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 difficulties behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

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

Its following among youth in Japan is also being threatened by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it directly, you experience being you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."