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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through an extended period of ceremony before the opening contest is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to banish negative energies, and where they applaud to summon the divine beings.

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 statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, waking up early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

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

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with the past period seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

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

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

Either way, the noise of the two wrestlers crashing together in the opening second of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

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

During one specific contest, a large wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

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

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

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being threatened by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population 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 quite special," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it live, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."