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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of ceremony before the opening contest is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This multi-day tournament at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to drive away evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to attract the gods.

Above all this ancient ceremony, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the audience all the data and video they could want.

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "unexpected footage" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We considered it a typical visitor experience, 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," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the first time was in the early nineties.

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

First-Hand Experience

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

"Observing directly, 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 succeed, one competitor needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the ground using brute strength.

The most use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in split seconds - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers crashing together in the opening second of the match echoes around the venue.

Front Row Positions

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

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the dimensions of the athletes is one of the first things most people consider when they think of sumo.

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

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

Potential Issues

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a rikishi doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its following among young Japanese is also being competed with by other sports, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it live, you sense that you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Leaving a particularly focused online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."