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Only a handful of competitions can captivate an audience through 45 minutes of tradition before the opening contest is even contested.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - largely unaltered for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Grand Sumo Tournament

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features 40 of the very best sumo wrestlers showcasing a sport whose initial documentation dates back to 23BC.

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

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Contemporary Displays

It is here the wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform their shiko exercises to drive away negative energies, and where they applaud to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - that would fit perfectly at an professional sports event - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Find Sumo

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

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to train, followed by a high protein stew and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of gaining weight.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a visit to the country six years ago.

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

"After that, we tried to discover networks, materials, just to learn more about it," her partner continues.

Special Event

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

This London competition marks only the second time the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even going to Japan isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For many attendees, the London tournament represents the first time they have seen live sumo - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the power which you don't get on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Competition

To achieve victory, one rikishi needs to force his opponent off the clay or to the floor using raw power.

The majority use one of dual approaches to achieve this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or grappling.

Either way, the noise of the two athletes colliding in the opening second of the match resounds around the venue.

Prime Locations

The positions right next to the ring are of course highly prized - but also, potentially hazardous.

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

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the primary elements most people think of when they consider the sport.

The facility's operators revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its following among young Japanese is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's declining population will not help.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Experiencing the tradition and practice that is part of sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it live, you experience being you are more engaged."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the fellow enthusiasts.

"Getting out of a highly specialized 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."