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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of tradition before the initial score is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best rikishi showcasing a sport whose earliest records 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.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their leg stomps to expel negative energies, and where they clap to attract the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an NBA match - offers the crowd all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Embrace Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where competitors stay and exercise, waking up early to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of increasing mass.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

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

"We considered it a common sightseeing event, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, resources, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Unique Chance

Going to Japan is generally the primary approach to see a elite competition.

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 doesn't ensure of securing tickets, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

In-Person Viewing

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

"Watching nearby, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Matches

To win the match, one competitor needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the surface using physical force.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in moments - thrusting, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers crashing together in the opening second of the match reverberates around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

The seats right next to the dohyō are of course extremely sought-after - but also, a bit risky.

During one specific contest, a large wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in more affordable locations breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

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

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the custom and formality that is part of sumo is especially significant," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it live, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other committed supporters, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did interacting with the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans live and being able to chat with other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."