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Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ritual before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been totally redesigned, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to banish dark forces, and where they applaud to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"Subsequently, we tried to discover networks, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of getting a seat, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

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

The Competition

To succeed, one rikishi needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the ground using brute strength.

The most use one of two styles to achieve this, often in moments - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two athletes meeting in the first moment of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

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

During one specific contest, a large wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the dimensions of the rikishi is one of the initial aspects most people think of when they think of sumo.

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

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

Future Challenges

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

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Currently, observing it live, you feel like you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a particularly focused online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."