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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 determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to drive away negative energies, and where they clap to summon the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, 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 Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, waking up early to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

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

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, information, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan isn't certain of securing tickets, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

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

The Matches

To succeed, one rikishi needs to move the other man off the clay or to the ground using brute strength.

The primary group use one of two styles to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers meeting in the opening second of the match resounds around the hall.

Premium Seating

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

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the size of the wrestlers 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 acquire reinforced furniture which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

Perhaps the demanding existence of a rikishi doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its following among young Japanese is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that goes with sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it live, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."