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Few sports 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 traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite rikishi showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

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

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

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

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

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for rikishi houses, where wrestlers live and train, starting their day early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

Another couple discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We considered it a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

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

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

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

Even traveling to Asia isn't certain of securing tickets, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Watching nearby, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To achieve victory, one competitor needs to move the other man out of the ring or to the surface using brute strength.

The most use one of two styles to achieve this, often in split seconds - pushing, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi meeting in the opening second of the match reverberates around the hall.

Prime Locations

The cushions right next to the dohyō are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

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

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people consider when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its challenges behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

Perhaps the strict life of a professional athlete doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its appeal among young Japanese is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that is part of sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it in person, you feel like you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of a highly specialized online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."