I love poker. Have for most of my life. But I also love sports, so I feel I have the correct perspective to evaluate whether poker is a sport, or just a competitive game. First of all, for those who feel poker is “gambling” you are incorrect, and quite frankly, uninformed. Anybody who has played the game of chess would agree that it is a game requiring skill, but for some reason, a parallel to poker is often missed. Poker is a game of skill, and like chess, demands that you have knowledge of the game and its opponent(s). If you have neither, you will fail. Just because poker involves money does not qualify it as gambling. If this connection was the only qualifier, then perhaps purchasing a home and other investments would also qualify.

The definition of sport includes three key variables: 1) Skill 2) Competition and 3) Physical Exertion. Although poker does have the first two variables locked up, the third is the one I have an issue with in regards to poker. Don’t get me wrong, poker can be exhausting. Sitting at a table for 8+ hours playing high-limit hold ‘em is not a cake walk, and it is certainly not like watching sitcoms on Thursday night or knitting an afghan throw for the grand kiddies. It requires focus and concentration, and these things make you tired.

But does anything that makes you tired, involves a level of skill, and is highly competitive pass as a sport? If so, then when I was studying for my O-chem final in college, could I be compared to an NFL quarterback? How about when I am working at my desk at the office? Shades of Michael Jordan…

My point here is that many things require skill, are very competive, and are physically exhausting, but the public doesn’t classify them as sport.  Chess, for example, hasn’t had the term “sport” applied to it.  Why?  Because it isn’t viewed on television? It’s players require the same level of skill, is at least equally as competitive, and is both physically and mentally exhausting.  Just because we see poker players on ESPN or Fox Sports does not mean that it qualifies.

So unless we start seeing some form of contact poker, or even synchronized poker, please refrain from classifying poker as “sport.”  It doesn’t deserve it, and actually dilutes what poker really is…an amazing, artistic, and competitive game.