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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

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

London's Victorian concert venue has been totally redesigned, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to drive away evil spirits, and where they clap to attract the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "chance online clip" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with 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 bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Another Perspective

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a conventional method: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in the early nineties.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the current event represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to push another out of the ring or to the floor using physical force.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in split seconds - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi crashing together in the first moment of the match echoes around the hall.

Front Row Positions

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

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

Organizational Issues

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people imagine when they consider the sport.

The facility's operators revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it in person, you experience being you are more part of it."

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

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."