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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ceremony before the first point is even determined.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to 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 the first century BC.

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

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

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

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," notes the enthusiast.

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

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 come to London - the first time was in over three decades ago.

Even traveling to Asia isn't a guarantee of getting a seat, with the past period seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the premier chance 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 force which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Matches

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the floor using physical force.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to achieve this, often in moments - thrusting, or clenching.

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 competition area are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

During one particular match, a tall wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people consider when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its challenges behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

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

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that accompanies sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it directly, you feel like you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

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