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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of tradition before the opening contest is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - largely unaltered for generations - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to drive away dark forces, and where they applaud to summon the gods.

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

Global Fans Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "chance online clip" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," notes the enthusiast.

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

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has come to London - the first time was in over three decades ago.

Even going to Japan isn't certain of obtaining admission, with current times seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the ground using brute strength.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to accomplish this, often in moments - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi colliding in the opening second of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

The cushions right next to the competition area are of course greatly valued - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers 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 withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its challenges behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

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

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that goes with sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it live, you feel like you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the other fans.

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