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Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ritual before the first point is even determined.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for centuries - accomplished exactly 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 the first century BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the ring.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Modern Technology

It is here the athletes, known as rikishi, perform their foot stomping to banish dark forces, and where they clap to get the attention of the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Discover Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to work out, followed by a high protein stew and then an daytime sleep - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a visit to the country six years ago.

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

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, information, 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 current tournament marks only the second occasion the tournament has appeared in the capital - the initial occasion was in the early nineties.

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

Live Observation

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

"Observing directly, you get a sense of the speed and the strength which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their size is impressive."

The Bouts

To achieve victory, one wrestler needs to push another off the clay or to the surface using raw power.

The majority use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in moments - thrusting, or wrestling.

Either way, the noise of the two athletes crashing together in the initial contact of the match reverberates around the venue.

Front Row Positions

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

During one specific contest, a large wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the size of the athletes is one of the first things most people imagine when they think of sumo.

The hall's organizers 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.

Coming Obstacles

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

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being threatened by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's falling birthrate will not help.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Experiencing the ritual and ceremony that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Currently, observing it directly, you experience being you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are just as into this as we are - it was absolutely worthwhile."