Some 73 million people watched the League of Legends 2021 World Championship Final – which, for context, is around three-quarters of the total audience for that year’s NFL Super Bowl. So esports is demonstrably growing in popularity and credibility – in fact, video gaming will feature in next month’s Commonwealth Games as a pilot scheme, with a view to becoming a full medal event for 2026.

If we’re to see future generations of youngsters being encouraged to become esports competitors (instead of, say, footballers, swimmers or cricketers), then parents, carers and teachers will be required to become familiar with the possible pitfalls. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide this week brings you the need-to-know basics of professional esports.National Online Safety