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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of tradition before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a compact earthen circle - largely unaltered for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

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

London's Victorian concert venue has been utterly transformed, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to expel dark forces, and where they strike their hands to attract the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

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

"After that, we tried to find communities, resources, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

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

Even going to Japan isn't certain of obtaining admission, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To succeed, one competitor needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the ground using physical force.

The majority use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes meeting in the initial contact of the match echoes around the venue.

Front Row Positions

The seats right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one particular match, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

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

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its following among the younger generation is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that goes with sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it live, you experience being you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Getting out of a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."