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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through an extended period of tradition before the opening contest is even determined.

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

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the competition area.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to expel evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a established path: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We considered it a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to find communities, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has come to London - the initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To win the match, one rikishi needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the floor using raw power.

The most use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the noise of the two wrestlers meeting in the first moment of the match echoes around the hall.

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course greatly valued - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one particular match, a tall wrestler fell into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

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

The facility's operators revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture 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 rikishi doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it in person, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."