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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of ritual before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the ring.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to expel evil spirits, and where they clap to attract the divine beings.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "unexpected footage" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you won't feel on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Matches

To succeed, one wrestler needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the ground using brute strength.

The most use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in moments - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi meeting in the opening second of the match resounds around the venue.

Prime Locations

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

During one particular match, a large wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

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

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

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

Future Challenges

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

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that is part of sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it in person, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Leaving a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."