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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Discover 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 earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to banish evil spirits, and where they applaud to attract the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "random video" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

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

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, 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 Competition

To succeed, one wrestler needs to push another from the dohyō or to the surface using brute strength.

The majority use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in split seconds - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers colliding in the first moment of the match resounds around the venue.

Prime Locations

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

During one recent bout, a large wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the dimensions of the rikishi is one of the initial aspects most people consider when they contemplate wrestling.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its challenges behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

Perhaps the strict life of a rikishi doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its following among young Japanese is also being threatened by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

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. "Now, seeing it directly, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."