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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through an extended period of tradition before the initial score is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for centuries - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

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

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

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to expel evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to summon the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a enormous circular monitor - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the stats and replays they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

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

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

"After that, we tried to discover networks, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This London competition marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the first time was in over three decades ago.

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have watched sumo in person - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To win the match, one rikishi needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the surface using raw power.

The most use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in moments - pushing, or clenching.

Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers crashing together in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the venue.

Front Row Positions

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

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

Organizational Issues

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people consider 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.

Coming Obstacles

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

Its following among young Japanese is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is especially significant," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it in person, you sense that you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was completely valuable."