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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the first point is even determined.

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

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to banish negative energies, and where they strike their hands to attract the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Discover Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for training facilities, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even going to Japan doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with current times seeing fully attended competitions.

In-Person Viewing

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.

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

The Bouts

To win the match, one wrestler needs to push another off the clay or to the surface using brute strength.

The primary group use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in moments - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi meeting in the initial contact of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

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

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler fell into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the rikishi is one of the initial aspects most people think of when they think of sumo.

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its following among youth in Japan is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that is part of sumo is particularly meaningful," an attendee explains. "Today, watching it in person, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

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