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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of tradition before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - largely unaltered for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to the first century BC.

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

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to banish evil spirits, and where they applaud to attract the gods.

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

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "random video" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to find communities, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a elite competition.

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with current times seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To win the match, one wrestler needs to push another off the clay or to the floor using raw power.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in moments - thrusting, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers meeting in the opening second of the match resounds around the hall.

Prime Locations

The seats right next to the competition area are of course greatly valued - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the dimensions of the athletes is one of the initial aspects most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can support 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

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

Its following among the younger generation is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that is part of sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it in person, you sense that you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the drama "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 directly and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."