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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of ritual before the initial score is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

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

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to expel evil spirits, and where they applaud to attract the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the stats and replays they could want.

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, waking up early to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

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

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

"Subsequently, we tried to discover networks, information, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

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

Even going to Japan isn't certain of securing tickets, with the past period seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To succeed, one competitor needs to move the other man 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 - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi meeting in the initial contact of the match echoes around the hall.

Front Row Positions

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

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people imagine when they contemplate wrestling.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

Perhaps the demanding existence of a rikishi 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.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that accompanies sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it in person, you sense that you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

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