April 2018. The internet speculation mill flew into overdrive at the announcement that the 2024 Paris Olympic organisers were considering the inclusion of esports to the games.

Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) immediately reined in everyone’s excitement by insisting that: “violent computer games would never be part of the Olympics…it would be a "red line" for the International Olympic Committee that no computer game that encourages violence would be allowed”. It may be worth noting at this juncture that, in his day, Thomas Bach represented Germany to win multiple Olympic medals (including Gold) in Fencing. The sport where you have to repeatedly stab your opponent with a sword to win.

As upset as this understandably made a lot of people, the community were excited regardless. Even in a subdued form, esports being represented on such an immense and historic platform is a major win for the culture.

So, almost a year later, we finally have an update on the details of the event, and how esports will feature. Prepare to be underwhelmed.

While not featuring at all on the programme, Paris will be offering “virtual and connected” events running alongside official events. In essence, you can play along the events from home in real-time, pitting yourself against the athletes on the field.