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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of tradition before the initial score is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a traditional dohyō - virtually unchanged for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Experience the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best rikishi showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their foot stomping to banish negative energies, and where they clap to attract the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to work out, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

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

"We considered it a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, materials, just to learn more about it," the other fan explains.

Rare Opportunity

Going to Japan is almost the only way to see a major championship.

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

Even visiting the country isn't certain of securing tickets, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the force which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Competition

To succeed, one rikishi needs to push another off the clay or to the floor using physical force.

The majority use one of two styles to succeed in this, often in moments - pushing, or grappling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers colliding in the opening second of the match resounds around the hall.

Front Row Positions

The seats right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, potentially hazardous.

During one particular match, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

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

The venue's management revealed they "were required to locate and buy new chairs which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its following among youth in Japan is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that accompanies sumo is quite special," one enthusiast notes. "Today, watching it in person, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."