Is gaming (as in video games) a sport?

[eakers]

This was proposed to me a few minutes ago as a guy I know was in an argument with his (gamer) roommate.

The evidence supporting it is a sport is that it is played in leagues for prize money and is on tv in korea. The evidence against is ... its a videogame.

I thought I would bring it here for you guys to decide.

 

[amoeba]

if chess and poker is a sport than videogame is a sport.

if chess and poker is not a sport than videogame is not a sport.

 

[TravisT]

Some people say that sports require some physical ability. But I consider Golf and Fishing sports. So I have to consider gaming a sport as well.

 

[Queasy]

Yeah, the definitions on what constitutes a 'sport' varies from person to person.

 

[lozina]

Eating is my sport

 

[Yossarian]

of course not.

 

[iamme]

i guess it's a sport in the literal sense.

however, too many fat-asses can play video games, so it'll never be a true sport in my book.

 

[BW86]

I don't consider gaming a sport.

 

[40Hands]

I made a thread about this one time. Its a tough argument and people who say no usually don't have a good reason to denounce it as not being a sport.

 

[BigJ]

IMHO, it's not a sport.

As for golf and fishing and the like, they're much more grueling than video games are in a physical sense. Walking around over 18 holes carrying your own clubs is a lot more strenuous than it sounds, especially if it's a hot day.

Fishing is a sport because it also requires much more physical control and reflexes than video gaming does. And I'm not talking about going to the docks and trying to catch a fish, I'm talking about the pro leagues.

I do not consider golf or chess sports.

 

[amoeba]

Its as much a sport as motorsports.

PS: Korean starcraft players are crazy.

 

[iamme]

Originally posted by: BroeBo
I made a thread about this one time. Its a tough argument and people who say no usually don't have a good reason to denounce it as not being a sport.

the dictionary definition says:

sport (spôrt, sport) pronunciation
n.

1. Physical activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively.

so by that broad definition, video gaming is a sport. however, video gaming is obviously not a physical sport compared to basketball, football, soccer, etc.

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: iamme

Originally posted by: BroeBo
I made a thread about this one time. Its a tough argument and people who say no usually don't have a good reason to denounce it as not being a sport.

the dictionary definition says:

sport (spôrt, sport) pronunciation
n.

1. Physical activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively.

so by that broad definition, video gaming is a sport. however, video gaming is obviously not a physical sport compared to basketball, football, soccer, etc.

Well with that definition, competitive sewing or breathing would also be a sport.

 

[WhiteKnight]

I think that for something to be a sport, it must require some degree of physical fitness in the majority of participants. i.e. There are fat linebackers, but the for the vast majority of football players, fitness is a huge element. This isn't the only requirement of course.

 

[TheLonelyPhoenix]

Games involving physical skill == sport. For example, basketball, football, and hockey are sports. Sports existed long before people played them for prize money in tournaments.

If its a recreational activity that doesn't involve physical prowess, then it is just called a 'game'. Chess, poker, and Counter-Strike are all games. The fact you can watch poker on ESPN does not make it a sport.

 

[Phoenix86]

Originally posted by: BigJ
Well with that definition, competitive sewing or breathing would also be a sport.

Like deep sea diving?

edit: better yet, how about you find a definition of what a sport is, and lets go from there. All the ones I have read would include chess, poker, and computer gaming.

 

[40Hands]

Originally posted by: iamme

Originally posted by: BroeBo
I made a thread about this one time. Its a tough argument and people who say no usually don't have a good reason to denounce it as not being a sport.

the dictionary definition says:

sport (spôrt, sport) pronunciation
n.

1. Physical activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively.

so by that broad definition, video gaming is a sport. however, video gaming is obviously not a physical sport compared to basketball, football, soccer, etc.

There is more then one definition of what a sport is but I will go with the one stated. What about Dance Dance Revolution? That is a video game that is a very physical activity.

 

[rh71]

no ... and chess/poker should not be either.

 

[Phoenix86]

Originally posted by: iamme
the dictionary definition says:

sport (spôrt, sport) pronunciation
n.

1. Physical activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively.

so by that broad definition, video gaming is a sport. however, video gaming is obviously not a physical sport compared to basketball, football, soccer, etc.

How do you interface with the computer? Mental telepathy? I realize using a keybaord and mouse isn't strenous, but that isn't exactlly in the definition. So, that part of the def. is met, then it mentions rules and competition, which also exists.

Argue all day long about how "it's not like XYZ sport" (read football, soccer, baseball, etc.) all you want, it doesn't change the definition of "sport."

 

[nycxandy]

I'm into competitive gaming, but it is not a sport.

 

[WhiteKnight]

Not that I agree with it, but I know a lot of people that say no ball = no sport.

 

[TravisT]

Originally posted by: WhiteKnight
Not that I agree with it, but I know a lot of people that say no ball = no sport.

I have 2, and I play PC games.

 

[Zeeky Boogy Doog]

definetly not a sport, can take a great deal of skill/strategy/thinking depending on the game though, but definetly not a sport

 

[jamesave]

definitely no.

if yes, they should have a olympic competition. for video games

 

[SP33Demon]

"Depends on the game"