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Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ceremony before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - virtually unchanged for generations - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the ring.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to drive away negative energies, and where they clap to get the attention of the gods.

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

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to find communities, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

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

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

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

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

The Matches

To win the match, one rikishi needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the ground using raw power.

The primary group use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - thrusting, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers colliding in the opening second of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the competition area are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

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

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the strict life 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 decreasing numbers will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it live, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the other fans.

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