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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of ritual before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for generations - managed to do just that.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been utterly transformed, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to banish evil spirits, and where they clap to attract the deities.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "unexpected footage" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the first time was in 1991.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To win the match, one rikishi needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the ground using brute strength.

The most use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in moments - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes meeting in the first moment of the match reverberates around the venue.

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course extremely sought-after - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one specific contest, a tall wrestler fell into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

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

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its following among youth in Japan is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that is part of sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it live, you sense that you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."