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Few sports can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of ritual before the first point is even contested.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for generations - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as sumo professionals, perform their leg stomps to drive away negative energies, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - that appears natural at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of focused video platforms for training facilities, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to practice, followed by a protein-rich meal and then an daytime sleep - all in the service of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Julia and her partner Cezar discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a journey to Asia six years ago.

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

"After that, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

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 first time was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the current event 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 strength which you won't feel on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To win the match, one rikishi needs to push another from the dohyō or to the surface using brute strength.

The primary group use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or wrestling.

Either way, the noise of the two athletes meeting in the first moment of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

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

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

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the stature of the athletes is one of the primary elements most people imagine when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can support 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its sell-out events - is not without its challenges behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

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

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will not help.

International Network

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that goes with sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it directly, you experience being you are more part of it."

For other enthusiastic fans, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans in person and being able to chat with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."