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Few sports can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the first point is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the historic concert hall features 40 of the very best rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

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

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

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

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

Global Fans Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "random video" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, 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 developed passion for the sport," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a major championship.

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

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To succeed, one competitor needs to push another out of the ring or to the floor using brute strength.

The majority use one of dual approaches to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers crashing together in the opening second of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

The positions right next to the dohyō are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one particular match, a large wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - is not without its challenges behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

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

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it in person, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."