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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of tradition before the opening contest is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

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

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to banish dark forces, and where they clap to summon the divine beings.

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

International Enthusiasts Embrace 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 training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts 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," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, information, just to learn more 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 occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in 1991.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

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

The Competition

To succeed, one wrestler needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the surface using brute strength.

The majority use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers colliding in the opening second of the match resounds around the hall.

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

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

The facility's operators revealed they "were required to locate 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 sumo wrestler doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that accompanies sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it in person, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."