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Not many athletic disciplines can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of ceremony before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

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

London's Victorian concert venue has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to drive away dark forces, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "unexpected footage" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

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

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

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

Rare Opportunity

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

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To win the match, one competitor needs to push another from the dohyō or to the surface using raw power.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in split seconds - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes crashing together in the opening second of the match resounds around the venue.

Front Row Positions

The positions right next to the competition area are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the size of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people imagine when they contemplate wrestling.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a rikishi doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its following among youth in Japan is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that is part of sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it live, you sense that you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."