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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of tradition before the opening contest is even determined.

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

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

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

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to drive away dark forces, and where they clap to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "unexpected footage" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a established path: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

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

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This London competition marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the first time was in 1991.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a sense of the speed and the force which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To succeed, one competitor needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the ground using physical force.

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

Either way, the sound of the two athletes crashing together in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the venue.

Front Row Positions

The seats right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

During one specific contest, a large wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

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

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its challenges behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a professional athlete doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that goes with sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it live, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."