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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of ritual before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been totally redesigned, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to drive away dark forces, and where they clap to attract the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

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 came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to find communities, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

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

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of securing tickets, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the floor using raw power.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in moments - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the noise of the two athletes meeting in the opening second of the match reverberates around the hall.

Premium Seating

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

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people think of when they think of sumo.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

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

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it live, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

"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 just as into this as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."