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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ceremony before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - largely unaltered for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to drive away dark forces, and where they applaud to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This current tournament marks only the second time the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even traveling to Asia isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with current times seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To succeed, one wrestler needs to push another out of the ring or to the floor using physical force.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in moments - pushing, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi crashing together in the first moment of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the competition area are of course greatly valued - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one specific contest, a large wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

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

The facility's operators revealed they "were required to locate 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.

Potential Issues

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

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that accompanies sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it in person, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."