There's Nothing Like Experiencing the Royal Albert Hall Vibrate When Sumo Wrestlers Collide

Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of ritual before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the intricate traditions unfolding in a compact earthen circle - largely unaltered for generations - accomplished exactly that.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This five-day event at the iconic London venue features 40 of the very best sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to the first century BC.

London's renowned auditorium has been completely reimagined, complete with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof hanging above the dohyō.

Time-Honored Rituals Meet Current Innovations

It is here the wrestlers, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to expel negative energies, and where they strike their hands to get the attention of the deities.

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

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For Sian Spencer, it was a "chance online clip" that first caught her attention a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of focused video platforms for sumo stables, where wrestlers live and train, rising before dawn to practice, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an afternoon nap - all in the service of gaining weight.

Traveling from the North, Another Perspective

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We approached it as a very touristy activity, but we actually ended up loving the sport," says Julia.

"Subsequently, we tried to discover networks, information, just to learn more about it," adds Cezar.

Rare Opportunity

Visiting the homeland is typically the sole method to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

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

Even going to Japan isn't certain of securing tickets, with the past period seeing fully attended competitions.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it lives up to the hype.

"Seeing it up close, you get a sense of the speed and the power which you can't experience on TV," says Caspar Eliot. "Their stature is remarkable."

The Bouts

To succeed, one rikishi needs to push another off the clay or to the floor using physical force.

The majority use one of two styles to achieve this, often in split seconds - thrusting, or wrestling.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi meeting in the opening second of the match reverberates around the venue.

Prime Locations

The seats right next to the dohyō are of course extremely sought-after - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one specific contest, a large wrestler tumbled into the audience - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the size of the rikishi is one of the primary elements most people consider when they contemplate wrestling.

The hall's organizers revealed they "had to source and acquire reinforced furniture which can support 200kg in weight."

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

Potential Issues

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

Its following among youth in Japan is also being threatened by other sports, while Japan's decreasing numbers will create further complications.

International Network

Not that any of this has concerned enthusiasts in London.

"Witnessing these custom and formality that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," one enthusiast notes. "Currently, observing it in person, you feel like you are more part of it."

For other dedicated followers, the drama "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the like-minded individuals.

"Getting out of a very niche online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans in person and being able to converse with other people who are equally passionate as we are - it was completely valuable."