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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of ritual before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to the first century BC.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to drive away negative energies, and where they applaud to get the attention of the gods.

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 stats and replays they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

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

"After that, we tried to locate groups, information, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

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

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

First-Hand Experience

For many attendees, the current event represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the power which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the surface using physical force.

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

Either way, the impact of the two athletes colliding in the opening second of the match echoes around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

The seats right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one particular match, a large wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

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

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can support 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the strict life of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that is part of sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it directly, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."