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Few sports can captivate an audience through an extended period of ceremony before the initial score is even determined.

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

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

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

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to drive away evil spirits, and where they clap to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "random video" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the service of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

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

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the current event represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

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

The Competition

To win the match, one rikishi needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the floor using brute strength.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in moments - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes meeting in the initial contact of the match echoes around the hall.

Premium Seating

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

During one particular match, a tall wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the rikishi is one of the initial aspects most people imagine when they think of sumo.

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

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

Future Challenges

Perhaps the strict life of a professional athlete doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that accompanies sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it directly, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."