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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of tradition before the first point is even determined.

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

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space 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 leg stomps to banish negative energies, and where they clap to summon the gods.

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

Global Fans Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "random video" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

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

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to find communities, materials, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the current event represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To succeed, one competitor needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the ground using physical force.

The most use one of two styles to achieve this, often in split seconds - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes meeting in the first moment of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

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

During one particular match, a large wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the athletes is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they think of sumo.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

Perhaps the strict life of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its following among the younger generation is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it live, you sense that you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

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