Covid-19: eSports pull in more viewers as coronavirus halts live sports matches

A video grab shows Moto GP racers, pictured as they participate in a virtual race event at a digital rendering of the Autodromo del Mugello circuit, played on the official MotoGP 19 videogame from developer Milestone, on March 29, 2020. Simulation racing games in eSports provides an opportunity for professional drivers who are stuck home missing the competition and camaraderie on the tracks, said Hood. — MotoGP/Dorna/Handout/Reuters

Sports fans and players across the world frustrated by cancelled matches because of the coronavirus epidemic are turning to eSports, with professional real-world athletes joining virtual game tournaments of football, auto racing and basketball.

"We've seen a dramatic increase in viewership" for eSports broadcasts, said Todd Sitrin, senior vice president of Electronic Arts Inc's Competitive Gaming Division, adding that the maker of battle-royale sensation Apex Legends saw an increase of two to three times its normal viewership in the first quarter of 2020.