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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through 45 minutes of ceremony before the opening contest is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to drive away negative energies, and where they clap to summon the deities.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "random video" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

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

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, 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 Bouts

To win the match, one rikishi needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the floor using physical force.

The majority use one of dual approaches to accomplish this, often in moments - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers 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, a bit risky.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions experience comfort.

Internal Challenges

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

The hall's organizers 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.

Potential Issues

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

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it in person, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to speak to other people who are just as into this as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."