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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of ritual before the opening contest is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for centuries - managed to do just that.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

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

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to drive away dark forces, and where they strike their hands to attract the deities.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an NBA match - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "random video" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a conventional method: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"Subsequently, we tried to discover networks, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," the other fan explains.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the initial occasion was in 1991.

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

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the initial opportunity they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.

"Watching nearby, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To succeed, one rikishi needs to force his opponent out of the ring or to the surface using raw power.

The majority use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in moments - shoving, or clenching.

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

Front Row Positions

The seats right next to the ring are of course extremely sought-after - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one recent bout, a tall wrestler went plummeting into the spectators - perhaps making those in slightly cheaper seats experience comfort.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the size of the rikishi is one of the first things most people think of when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "had to source and buy new chairs which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a sumo wrestler doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its following among the younger generation is also being challenged by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it in person, you sense that you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "created amazing experiences" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."