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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through three-quarters of an hour of ceremony before the first point is even decided.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's Victorian concert venue has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

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

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

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "random video" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is generally the primary approach to see a major championship.

This week's event marks only the second occasion the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in 1991.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it lives up to the hype.

"Observing directly, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To succeed, one rikishi needs to push another out of the ring or to the ground using raw power.

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

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi colliding in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the venue.

Front Row Positions

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

During one specific contest, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations experience comfort.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the stature of the rikishi is one of the initial aspects most people imagine when they consider the sport.

The facility's operators revealed they "were required to locate and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its appeal among the younger generation is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that goes with sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it live, you feel like you are more involved."

For other committed supporters, the intensity "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from a highly specialized online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."