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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the first point is even decided.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - largely unaltered for generations - managed to do just that.

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to the first century BC.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to drive away negative energies, and where they clap to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a major championship.

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has come to London - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of securing tickets, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the current event represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To succeed, one rikishi needs to push another off the clay or to the ground using physical force.

The majority use one of two styles to achieve this, often in moments - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes colliding in the opening second of the match echoes around the venue.

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course extremely sought-after - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one specific contest, a tall wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the rikishi is one of the first things most people imagine when they think of sumo.

The venue's management revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can support 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 professional athlete doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that is part of sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it live, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."