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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of ritual before the first point is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to banish dark forces, and where they applaud to summon the divine beings.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

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

"After that, we tried to discover networks, resources, just to expand our knowledge about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country doesn't ensure of getting a seat, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

First-Hand Experience

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "They are so big."

The Bouts

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

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

Either way, the impact of the two wrestlers meeting in the initial contact of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

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

During one recent bout, a large wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats breathe a sigh of relief.

Behind the Scenes

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

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its following among young Japanese is also being challenged by alternative competitions, while Japan's falling birthrate will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it directly, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."