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Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the first point is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

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

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, 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 leg stomps to drive away dark forces, and where they applaud to summon the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "random video" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in 1991.

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

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have watched sumo in person - and it lives up to the hype.

"Watching nearby, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To succeed, one competitor needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the surface using brute strength.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi colliding in the opening second of the match echoes around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

The seats right next to the dohyō are of course greatly valued - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one specific contest, a large wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its challenges behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

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

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

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it live, you experience being you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Leaving 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 just as into this as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."