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Few sports can captivate an audience through 45 minutes of tradition before the first point is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been totally redesigned, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to drive away evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to summon the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, waking up early to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

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

This London competition marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even going to Japan isn't certain of getting a seat, with recent years seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

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

The most use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in moments - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes colliding in the opening second of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one specific contest, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

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

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

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it live, you feel like you are more involved."

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

"Leaving 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 completely valuable."