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Few sports can captivate an audience through an extended period of ritual before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

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

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

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to expel evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to attract the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

For one dedicated fan, 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 training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

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

"After that, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it lives up to the hype.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To succeed, one competitor needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the surface using physical force.

The primary group use one of two styles to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi colliding in the first moment of the match resounds around the hall.

Prime Locations

The seats right next to the dohyō are of course highly prized - but also, a bit risky.

During one particular match, a tall wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the first things most people consider when they contemplate wrestling.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it directly, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."