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

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to drive away evil spirits, and where they applaud to summon the deities.

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

Global Fans Embrace Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, 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 service of increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

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

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in over three decades ago.

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

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have watched sumo in person - and it doesn't disappoint.

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

The Bouts

To succeed, one wrestler needs to push another out of the ring or to the ground using raw power.

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

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi meeting in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Prime Locations

The positions right next to the dohyō are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

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

The venue's management revealed they "were required to locate and buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its following among the younger generation is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it live, you feel like you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."