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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of ceremony before the first point is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to banish evil spirits, and where they clap to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to train, 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 trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

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

Rare Opportunity

Traveling to Asia 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 initial occasion was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To win the match, one wrestler needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the surface using brute strength.

The most use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in split seconds - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the noise of the two wrestlers colliding in the initial contact of the match resounds around the hall.

Front Row Positions

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

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people think of when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a rikishi doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it directly, you feel like you are more engaged."

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

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."