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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 determined.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to expel negative energies, and where they clap to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

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

"After that, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with current times seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the current event represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Competition

To win the match, one wrestler needs to move the other man off the clay or to the ground using raw power.

The primary group use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - thrusting, or wrestling.

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

Prime Locations

The seats right next to the dohyō are of course highly prized - but also, a bit risky.

During one specific contest, a large wrestler fell into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the stature of the athletes is one of the first things most people consider when they think of sumo.

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that is part of sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it directly, you sense that you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Leaving a highly specialized online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."