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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the opening contest is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to banish evil spirits, and where they clap to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

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

"After that, we tried to find communities, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to push another off the clay or to the surface using physical force.

The majority use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in moments - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes crashing together in the opening second of the match reverberates around the venue.

Front Row Positions

The positions right next to the ring are of course highly prized - but also, a bit risky.

During one particular match, a tall wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a professional athlete doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that is part of sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it live, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was worth every penny."