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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the first point is even decided.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the ring.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to expel evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to attract the gods.

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

Global Fans Discover Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "random video" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We approached it as 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 learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This week's event 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 a guarantee of securing tickets, with the past period seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the current event represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

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

The Bouts

To succeed, one wrestler needs to push another from the dohyō or to the floor using raw power.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes crashing together in the first moment of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

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

During one particular match, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the rikishi is one of the primary elements most people consider when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the demanding existence of a professional athlete doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that goes with sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it directly, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."