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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of ceremony before the initial score is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to expel negative energies, and where they clap to summon the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

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

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of getting a seat, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Matches

To succeed, one wrestler needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the ground using physical force.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in split seconds - pushing, or clenching.

Either way, the noise of the two athletes colliding in the initial contact of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

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

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

Organizational Issues

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle 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 alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that goes with sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it in person, you experience being you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."