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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through an extended period of ceremony before the opening contest is even contested.

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

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to expel evil spirits, and where they clap to attract the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, 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 sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"Subsequently, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is almost the only way to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of securing tickets, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To win the match, one competitor needs to push another off the clay or to the ground using brute strength.

The majority use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or grappling.

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

Prime Locations

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

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the first things most people imagine when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it in person, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

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