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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of tradition before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been utterly transformed, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the competition area.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to expel evil spirits, and where they clap to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "unexpected footage" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, waking up early to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the service of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

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

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the ground using physical force.

The most use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi colliding in the opening second of the match echoes around the hall.

Prime Locations

The seats right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler fell into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

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

The facility's operators revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - 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 the younger generation is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it live, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."