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Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of ceremony before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to the first century BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the competition area.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to banish negative energies, and where they clap to summon the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the current event represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To win the match, one wrestler needs to push another out of the ring or to the surface using physical force.

The primary group use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - thrusting, or clenching.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi crashing together in the initial contact of the match echoes around the venue.

Premium Seating

The positions right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source and buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it live, you experience being you are more involved."

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

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."