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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the opening contest is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for centuries - managed to do just that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition 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 massive traditional roof structure hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to banish evil spirits, and where they clap to attract the divine beings.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, waking up early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has come to London - the initial occasion was in the early nineties.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of obtaining admission, with current times seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have watched sumo in person - and it lives up to the hype.

"Observing directly, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To succeed, one wrestler needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the ground using brute strength.

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

Either way, the noise of the two athletes meeting in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the venue.

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

During one particular match, a large wrestler fell into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the rikishi is one of the first things most people think of when they consider the sport.

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that goes with sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it live, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."