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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This multi-day tournament at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to expel evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

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

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Traveling to Asia is almost the only way to see a major championship.

This London competition marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with current times seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the force which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To win the match, one competitor needs to move the other man off the clay or to the ground using raw power.

The primary group use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in split seconds - shoving, or wrestling.

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

Prime Locations

The cushions right next to the competition area are of course highly prized - but also, a bit risky.

During one particular match, a tall wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the dimensions of the rikishi is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its troubles 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 youth in Japan is also being threatened by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it directly, you experience being you are more part of it."

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

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are just as into this as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."