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Few sports can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the opening contest is even contested.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for generations - managed to do just that.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the dohyō.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to banish dark forces, and where they applaud to attract the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "random video" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

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

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with current times seeing sold-out events.

First-Hand Experience

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To win the match, one competitor needs to push another out of the ring or to the ground using brute strength.

The majority use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - thrusting, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes meeting in the first moment of the match echoes around the venue.

Front Row Positions

The positions right next to the dohyō are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

During one particular match, a large wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Organizational Issues

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

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

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

Its following among young Japanese is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it directly, you sense that you are more engaged."

For other enthusiastic fans, the intensity "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."