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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

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

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to expel evil spirits, and where they clap to attract the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "random video" 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, rising before dawn to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

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

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has come to London - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Competition

To win the match, one rikishi needs to move the other man off the clay or to the ground using raw power.

The primary group use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in split seconds - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes crashing together in the opening second of the match reverberates around the hall.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the competition area are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a large wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the stature of the athletes 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 take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it directly, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to speak to other people who are just as into this as we are - it was worth every penny."