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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to banish evil spirits, and where they applaud to summon the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the audience all the data and video 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 dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to train, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the service of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

Another couple discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the first time was in 1991.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the current event represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it lives up to the hype.

"Watching nearby, you get a sense of the speed and the force which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To succeed, one competitor needs to push another off the clay or to the ground using raw power.

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

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi colliding in the initial contact of the match resounds around the venue.

Front Row Positions

The positions right next to the dohyō are of course highly prized - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one particular match, a tall wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the size of the rikishi is one of the first things most people think of when they contemplate wrestling.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

Perhaps the strict life of a professional athlete doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its following among the younger generation is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

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

For other dedicated followers, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."