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Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the first point is even decided.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for centuries - managed to do just that.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

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

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, 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 foot stomping to banish negative energies, and where they applaud to summon the gods.

Above all this traditional ritual, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

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

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This London competition marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the initial occasion was in 1991.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of securing tickets, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

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

The Bouts

To win the match, one wrestler needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the ground using brute strength.

The primary group use one of two styles to achieve this, often in moments - thrusting, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes crashing together in the first moment of the match echoes around the auditorium.

Front Row Positions

The seats right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one recent bout, a large wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions experience comfort.

Organizational Issues

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

The venue's management 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 challenges behind the scenes.

Coming Obstacles

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

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that is part of sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it directly, you sense that you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."