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

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for generations - managed to do just that.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

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

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the service of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

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

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

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

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Matches

To win the match, one rikishi needs to push another off the clay or to the surface using raw power.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in moments - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes crashing together in the opening second of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the competition area are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

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

Internal Challenges

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

The facility's operators revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a professional athlete doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its following among the younger generation is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's declining population 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. "Now, seeing it in person, you experience being you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Leaving a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."