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Only a handful of competitions can hold spectators spellbound through three-quarters of an hour of tradition before the opening contest is even decided.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for centuries - accomplished exactly that.

Welcome to the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features numerous elite sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose earliest records dates back to 23BC.

London's Victorian concert venue has been completely reimagined, complete with a massive traditional roof structure hanging above the competition area.

Ancient Traditions Meet Current Innovations

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

Above all this ancient ceremony, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an NBA match - offers the audience all the statistics and footage they could want.

Worldwide Followers Find Sumo

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

This was soon supplemented with the discovery of specialized online content for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a high protein stew and then an midday rest - all in the service of gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a conventional method: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We approached it as a typical visitor experience, but we actually came to adore the sport," notes the enthusiast.

"From there on, we tried to find communities, information, just to expand our knowledge about it," her partner continues.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

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

Even visiting the country isn't certain of obtaining admission, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the UK competition represents the premier chance they have watched sumo in person - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a sense of the speed and the force which you can't experience on TV," notes one fan. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To succeed, one rikishi needs to move the other man off the clay or to the ground using brute strength.

The most use one of dual approaches to accomplish this, often in moments - pushing, or clenching.

Either way, the noise of the two wrestlers meeting in the first moment of the match resounds around the hall.

Prime Locations

The positions right next to the ring are of course greatly valued - but also, a bit risky.

During one particular match, a tall wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the dimensions of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people think of when they think of sumo.

The hall's organizers revealed they "were required to locate and acquire reinforced furniture which can take up to 200kg in weight."

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

Future Challenges

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

Its popularity among the younger generation is also being competed with by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will not help.

Global Community

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Seeing all this tradition and practice that accompanies sumo is especially significant," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it in person, you feel like you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the other fans.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans live and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was worth every penny."