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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the opening contest is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved 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 earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the dohyō.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to banish evil spirits, and where they applaud to summon the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

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

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To win the match, one wrestler needs to move the other man off the clay or to the floor using physical force.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes colliding in the opening second of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

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

During one specific contest, a large wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source and buy new chairs which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it in person, you feel like you are more engaged."

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

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."