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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of tradition before the first point is even determined.

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

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention 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.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to banish negative energies, and where they clap to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "unexpected footage" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We considered it a typical visitor experience, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

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

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

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To succeed, one competitor needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the surface using physical force.

The most use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in split seconds - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes colliding in the opening second of the match resounds around the venue.

Prime Locations

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

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the spectators - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people imagine when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the demanding existence of a professional athlete doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its following among the younger generation is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that goes with sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it live, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans directly and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."