After mesmerizing Londoners with their presence on the city streets, indulging in Guinness, and prompting event organizers to secure specially reinforced chairs to accommodate their 200kg frames, the stars of Sumo wrestling finally took center stage at the Royal Albert Hall—delivering a performance that exceeded all expectations.

A large contingent of sumo wrestlers touched down in London on Wednesday morning to participate in the historic five-day Grand Sumo Tournament. The sight of these formidable athletes exploring the capital quickly became a hit on social media, with videos and photos circulating widely.

Enthusiastic fans, fortunate enough to secure tickets to the sold-out event, gathered at the Royal Albert Hall for the tournament’s opening night on Wednesday. Organizers had previously cautioned attendees about potential congestion within the renowned venue.

On TikTok, users shared videos capturing the extensive two-day setup process, from the laying of tarpaulins across the arena floor to the construction of the sumo ring crowned by a suspended purple canopy, while the Royal Albert Hall’s scoreboard prominently displayed Sumo branding.

The packed audience eagerly embraced the full Sumo experience, their excitement palpable as they watched the gripping lineup of 20 matches unfold before them.

The opening night of the Grand Sumo Tournament at Royal Albert Hall did not disappoint

The iconic venue is hosting the five-day tournament – and London has gone wild for Sumo

Wrestlers enjoyed tucking into McDonald’s (right) and drinking Guinness ahead of the event

Spectators watched 20 enthralling bouts on Day One of the tournament on Wednesday night

Event organisers revealed that seating needed to be reinforced to withstand double the weight, so that the 25-stone wrestlers could be accommodated appropriately. 

‘We’ve actually had to source and buy new chairs which can take up to 200kg in weight,’ Matthew Todd, the Royal Albert Hall’s director of programming, told The Guardian. ‘Our usual standard is only 100kg.’ 

It offered the perfect opportunity for Londoners not only to bask in Japan’s culture but also its cuisine. 

Speaking on the catering bill, Todd added: ‘It’s substantial. I know the wholesaler actually ran out of noodles because we’d already ordered so many from them.’ 

Toilets have also been reinforced. ‘It’s the ones that are screwed into the wall which are the most challenging,’ he said.

Footage shared to social media ahead of the event showed wrestlers sightseeing around London, including a McDonald’s stop, a TK Maxx browse and a grin-filled recreation of the Beatles’ Abbey Road crossing. 

Four athletes were seen in traditional dress proudly striding across the zebra lines, with a London bus and cyclists in the background.

Other clips show groups pausing for photographs near Big Ben and along the Embankment as tourists double-take at the unlikely sightseeing party.

Top wrestlers weigh roughly 25 stone, and with no barriers between the ring and nearby seats, a falling wrestler could cause serious harm to spectators. 

The Royal Albert Hall has been transformed and tickets for the anticipated event have sold out

Four wrestlers can be seen in traditional dress proudly striding across the zebra lines, with a London bus and cyclists in the background, as they recreate the iconic Abbey Road picture

The Albert Hall’s transformation, shown on social media, has really captured the imagination

The Royal Albert Hall had posted a safety notice on its website warning fans to take care when booking the closest seats – a falling wrestler could cause serious harm to spectators

Sumo wrestling dates back a remarkable 1,500 years and remains steeped in Shinto tradition

The Royal Albert Hall had posted a safety notice on its website warning fans to take care when booking the closest seats. Fortunately, there were no reported safety concerns on night one of the tournament.

‘The tournament will be presented in the traditional style without barriers between the ring and these seats,’ the statement, posted on Wednesday, read.

‘It is possible that wrestlers may fall or be thrown from the ring into the ringside area as part of the competition. 

‘We therefore advise that ringside cushions may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, and customers accept that any use of these seats is entirely at their own risk.’

The venue also advises that young children avoid sitting on ringside cushions during the event, which is to be staged in London until October 19.

Sumo wrestling, one of the world’s oldest sports, dates back 1,500 years and remains steeped in Shinto tradition. Wrestlers throw salt before bouts to purify the ring, a ritual believed to ward off evil spirits and prevent injury.