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Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the first point is even determined.

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

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to drive away evil spirits, and where they applaud to summon the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the stats and replays they could want.

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "unexpected footage" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

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

"From there on, we tried to find communities, information, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Bouts

To succeed, one rikishi needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the floor using brute strength.

The most use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes meeting in the opening second of the match echoes around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

The positions right next to the competition area are of course extremely sought-after - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people consider when they think of sumo.

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can take up to 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its challenges behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

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

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that is part of sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it in person, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with 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 speak to other people who are just as into this as we are - it was worth every penny."