🔗 Share this article

Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - largely unaltered for centuries - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the iconic London venue features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been completely reimagined, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to drive away dark forces, and where they applaud to attract the deities.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced 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 midday rest - all in the effort toward bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

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

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

Even traveling to Asia isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Competition

To win the match, one rikishi needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the surface using brute strength.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to accomplish this, often in moments - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes crashing together in the first moment of the match reverberates around the venue.

Prime Locations

The seats right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can support 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 desirable as it once might have.

Its following among youth in Japan is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's declining population will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it live, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the drama "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."