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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the initial score is even contested.

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

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to 23BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been utterly transformed, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to banish evil spirits, and where they applaud to attract 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.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "chance online clip" that first captivated her a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the service of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to find communities, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

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

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even going to Japan isn't certain of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the current event represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Matches

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to push another from the dohyō or to the surface using physical force.

The majority use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi crashing together in the opening second of the match resounds around the hall.

Premium Seating

The cushions right next to the competition area are of course highly prized - but also, a bit risky.

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

Internal Challenges

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

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

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that is part of sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Today, watching it in person, you experience being you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Leaving a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are just as into this as we are - it was worth every penny."