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Few sports can captivate an audience through 45 minutes of ceremony before the opening contest is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

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

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Ancient Traditions Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the athletes, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to drive away dark forces, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the divine beings.

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

Global Fans Find Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, starting their day early to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," explains the fan.

"After that, we tried to locate groups, materials, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is typically the sole method to see a major championship.

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

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with current times seeing sold-out events.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the London tournament represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it exceeds expectations.

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

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to push another off the clay or to the ground using physical force.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in split seconds - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the impact of the two athletes colliding in the first moment of the match reverberates around the hall.

Front Row Positions

The cushions right next to the competition area are of course extremely sought-after - but also, somewhat dangerous.

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

Internal Challenges

Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the first things most people imagine when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "were required to locate and purchase additional seating which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Coming Obstacles

Perhaps the demanding existence of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

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

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "made it so incredible" - 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 converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."