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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of tradition before the first point is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

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

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to drive away negative energies, and where they applaud to attract the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"Subsequently, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This current tournament marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of securing tickets, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the current event represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To succeed, one rikishi needs to push another out of the ring or to the floor using physical force.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in moments - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi meeting in the opening second of the match echoes around the venue.

Prime Locations

The seats right next to the dohyō are of course greatly valued - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people consider when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "had to source 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.

Coming Obstacles

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

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it in person, you experience being you are more engaged."

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

"Leaving a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."