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Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of ritual before the opening contest is even contested.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a traditional dohyō - mostly preserved for hundreds of years - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier rikishi showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to drive away evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to summon the divine beings.

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

International Enthusiasts Embrace Sumo

For one dedicated fan, it was a "unexpected footage" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for training facilities, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of increasing mass.

Traveling from the North, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a trip to Japan six years ago.

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

"After that, we tried to find communities, materials, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

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

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

Even traveling to Asia doesn't ensure of obtaining admission, with current times seeing sold-out events.

In-Person Viewing

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

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you don't get on TV," notes one fan. "They are so big."

The Matches

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to push another out of the ring or to the ground using physical force.

The most use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in moments - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the noise of the two rikishi colliding in the initial contact of the match resounds around the auditorium.

Premium Seating

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

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler fell into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the stature of the wrestlers is one of the primary elements most people consider when they consider the sport.

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

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

Coming Obstacles

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

Its following among the younger generation is also being competed with by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Witnessing these ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Now, seeing it in person, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "created amazing experiences" - as did interacting with the like-minded individuals.

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