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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ceremony before the first point is even contested.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Prestigious Rikishi Event

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

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

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

Above all this historical practice, 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 an enthusiastic follower, it was a "chance online clip" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

Traveling from the North, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

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

Rare Opportunity

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

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

Even traveling to Asia isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

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

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Matches

To win the match, one wrestler needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the floor using physical force.

The majority use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or grappling.

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

Front Row Positions

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

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

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the athletes is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they think of sumo.

The facility's operators revealed they "needed to find and acquire reinforced furniture which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the demanding existence of a rikishi doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its following among the younger generation is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it in person, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did interacting with the other fans.

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was worth every penny."