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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

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

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to drive away evil spirits, and where they clap to attract the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We considered it a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

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

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

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

The primary group use one of dual approaches to accomplish this, often in moments - thrusting, or clenching.

Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers crashing together in the opening second of the match reverberates around the hall.

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the rikishi is one of the initial aspects most people imagine when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators revealed they "needed to find and purchase additional seating which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the strict life of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its following among young Japanese is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it directly, you experience being you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."