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Few sports can captivate an audience through an extended period of ceremony before the initial score is even decided.

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

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the dohyō.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to expel dark forces, and where they clap to get the attention of the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Special Event

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

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

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

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

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To win the match, one rikishi needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the floor using raw power.

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

Either way, the impact of the two athletes meeting in the initial contact of the match echoes around the hall.

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the competition area are of course extremely sought-after - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one specific contest, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions experience comfort.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they think of sumo.

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the demanding existence of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that goes with sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it live, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."