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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through 45 minutes of ceremony before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their leg stomps to drive away dark forces, and where they strike their hands to summon the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a enormous circular monitor - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "unexpected footage" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We saw it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"Subsequently, we tried to find communities, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even visiting the country isn't certain of securing tickets, with the past period seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For multiple fans, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Seeing it up close, you get a feeling of velocity and the strength which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the floor using raw power.

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

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

Front Row Positions

The seats right next to the dohyō are of course greatly valued - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

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

The venue's management revealed they "had to source 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 desirable as it once might have.

Its following among young Japanese is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has worried fans in London.

"Witnessing these tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it in person, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to chat with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."