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Few sports can hold spectators spellbound through an extended period of ritual before the first point is even decided.

Yet the detailed ceremonies unfolding in a compact earthen circle - virtually unchanged for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Grand Sumo Tournament

This multi-day tournament at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to the first century BC.

London's historic performance space has been totally redesigned, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the ring.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Technology

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their shiko exercises to banish evil spirits, and where they strike their hands to attract the divine beings.

Above all this traditional ritual, a giant, revolving LED screen - which wouldn't look out of place at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

Global Fans Find Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "unexpected footage" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for rikishi houses, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the pursuit of bulking up.

Hailing from Scotland, Alternative View

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a visit to the country six years ago.

"We approached it as a common sightseeing event, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"Subsequently, we tried to locate groups, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Traveling to Asia is almost the only way to see a elite competition.

This week's event marks only the second instance the tournament has come to London - the previous visit was in over three decades ago.

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

Live Observation

For many attendees, the current event represents the first time they have watched sumo in person - and it lives up to the hype.

"Watching nearby, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you won't feel on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Bouts

To succeed, one competitor needs to move the other man from the dohyō or to the ground using brute strength.

The majority use one of two styles to accomplish this, often in instantaneous actions - pushing, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two wrestlers colliding in the opening second of the match echoes around the venue.

Prime Locations

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

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler tumbled into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions feel relieved.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the dimensions of the rikishi is one of the initial aspects most people imagine when they contemplate wrestling.

The facility's operators revealed they "were required to locate and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its difficulties behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

Perhaps the rigorous lifestyle of a rikishi doesn't look as attractive as it once might have.

Its popularity among youth in Japan is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that accompanies sumo is quite special," an attendee explains. "Now, seeing it in person, you feel like you are more involved."

For other enthusiastic fans, the excitement "produced unforgettable moments" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to see all these sumo fans live and being able to speak to other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."