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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the first point is even contested.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's renowned auditorium 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 expel evil spirits, and where they clap to summon the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"Subsequently, we tried to discover networks, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second time the tournament has appeared in the capital - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan isn't certain of securing tickets, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

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

The Matches

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

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in split seconds - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers colliding in the opening second of the match reverberates around the venue.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the competition area are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler fell into the crowd - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people think of when they consider the sport.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it live, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the other fans.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."