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

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to expel evil spirits, and where they clap to attract the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, waking up early to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

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

"From there on, we tried to find communities, materials, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

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 come to London - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even going to Japan isn't certain of securing tickets, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

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.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Competition

To succeed, one wrestler needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the surface using physical force.

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

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi 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 highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a large wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

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

The venue's management revealed they "had to source 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.

Potential Issues

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

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that accompanies sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it directly, you feel like you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are just as into this as we are - it was worth every penny."