From the outside looking in, the eSports industry looks in a prime position to grow during the coronavirus pandemic - but looks can be deceiving, according to industry leaders.
The popularity of professional gaming has grown rapidly in recent years, developing into a mainstream hobby and beyond - with serious money on offer to successful players and teams.
Many football clubs now boast their own official eSports players to face off in lucrative online competitions, while plenty of pros are getting in on the act while the football season is suspended due to Covid-19.
The virtual grand national drew a large audience on Saturday, while cancelled Formula 1 races are being carried out online as well - but the worldwide repercussions of coronavirus will also hit the eSports industry, say two experts.
Nicolas Maurer, CEO and co-founder of Team Vitality, and Wouter Sleijffers, CEO at Excel Sports, believe that while professional gaming is in a strong position to see out the crisis, money-spinning stadium events and weekly tournaments held around the world will still suffer.
Maurer told the Press Association: "A common misconception is it is all online. Online doesn't really happen in professional esports. There are tournaments every weekend, players can be playing 30-36 weeks a year.
"But we can continue playing online. The silver lining is esports can continue."
Big brands sponsor esports events, and Maurer believes those relationships are not under threat:"A big chunk of our revenue comes from sponsorship - but you need to separate existing partners and new partners..
"It will be hard to get new contracts. But back to our current partners - adidas, Renault, Red Bull - we have a very close relationship with them and in constant communication with them.
"They see the opportunities that esports offer and can live with the current situation. A big question mark is around new deals - that will severely affect the industry."
Sleijffers admitted to "a short-term impact", adding: "We are going back to online play in that regard so not much negative impact. But there are obviously logistical challenges in bringing back online play such as stability of Internet connections.
"We are digital natives so it's a fairly easy shift for us. We see more opportunities than challenges. Of course there are uncertainties but we are in a good position though."
Additional reporting by PA.
