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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of ritual before the first point is even determined.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - 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 numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to banish evil spirits, and where they applaud to summon the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the stats and replays they could want.

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

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

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

"After that, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

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 initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

Even traveling to Asia isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with the past period seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the current event represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the floor using brute strength.

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

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi colliding in the opening second of the match resounds around the venue.

Front Row Positions

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

During one recent bout, a large wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people consider when they contemplate wrestling.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find 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 demanding existence of a rikishi 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.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that is part of sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it in person, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was worth every penny."