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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ceremony before the opening contest is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been totally redesigned, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to banish dark forces, and where they clap to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "random video" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the effort toward bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

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

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to push another from the dohyō or to the ground using brute strength.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in split seconds - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi crashing together in the initial contact of the match resounds around the venue.

Prime Locations

The seats right next to the dohyō are of course highly prized - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one particular match, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Organizational Issues

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and purchase additional seating which can support 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

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

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

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it live, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."