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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ritual before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - managed to do just that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

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

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "chance online clip" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has come to London - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

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

"Observing directly, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the ground using raw power.

The primary group use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in moments - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the noise of the two wrestlers meeting in the opening second of the match echoes around the venue.

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the competition area are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the dimensions of the rikishi is one of the first things most people consider when they consider the sport.

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

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being threatened by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it directly, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."