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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of ritual before the first point is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for generations - managed to do just that.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records 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.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to expel evil spirits, and where they clap to attract the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "unexpected footage" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to find communities, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

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

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

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

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the ground using physical force.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the noise of the two athletes meeting in the first moment of the match resounds around the hall.

Premium Seating

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

During one particular match, a large wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the dimensions of the athletes is one of the first things most people consider when they think of sumo.

The venue's management revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its following among youth in Japan is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it live, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."