Recent years have seen competitive video gaming gather momentum, and while Twitch continues to grow within the existing community of fans, BT Sports' new agreement with EA Sports is set to bring e-sports to a new audience of traditional sporting enthusiasts.

Not long ago, it was inconceivable that video games would be anything more than a niche pastime, let alone a path to a lucrative career. Yet e-sports now attract millions of fans and major brand sponsorships. How did they come to rival to traditional sports? And can they achieve mainstream success?

Each year, millions of people around the world eagerly snap up the latest instalment in the FIFA video game series. But beyond updating squad lists, graphics and in-game mechanics, how is EA Sports positioning the 2018 edition to find new audiences while keeping loyal fans satisfied?

The popularity of e-sports is exploding across Europe and has been bolstered by the news that the 2019 final ofLeague of Legendswill be held in Paris. With e-sport revenues reaching hundreds of millions of dollars, the sport is being embraced by the French, who want to give it a spirtual home in Europe.