Lots of gamblers who have spent years playing poker claim that poker is a sports game. However, there are many debates over the issue. Because, first of all, playing poker we don’t kick a ball or run along the stadium. That is why poker doesn’t seem much of a sport. But, in fact, there are many additional factors that help us understand whether is poker a sport.
What Casino Games Can Be Called Sport?
According to the Oxford dictionary definition, a sport should involve physical exertion, skill, and competition between individuals or teams for entertainment. There is no other casino game except for poker that falls under the definition of sport. Normally, casino games involve only the entertainment element. Of course, some casino games may require skill, but none of them includes competition between the team or individuals. Usually, players compete against the house in all the other casino games.
What Makes Poker a Sport and Is Poker a Sport at All?
Poker falls under the definition of the sport better than any other casino game. Many undeniable facts make the poker game a sport.
Poker Game Requires Skill
Due to the definition sports should require skills. All poker players have their strategies and plans of action that they apply due to different situations. This knowledge requires experience and skill. A poker game consists of many decisions that affect the outcome of the game. Making the right decisions and winning requires certain skills. Although there is a little element of luck in the game, more skilful players still win more often.
Poker Players Always Complete
Unlike any other casino game, poker requires competition between the players. The gamblers make strategies, bluff, and compete with each other. The ranking of hands from the strongest to the weakest proves that the game is based on competition. World Series of Poker is another proof that poker is a pretty competitive game. WSOP is a tournament where the best players from all over the world compete for the chance to be the best player of the year and win a big amount of money.
Poker Requires Physical Exertion
Playing poker requires good physical abilities of the players. It may seem that playing poker requires nothing more than sitting at the table and holding cards. In fact, poker requires stamina, and physical exertion, especially if looking at the World Series of Poker. Live tournaments require a big effort and lots of energy. Besides, poker game also requires physical stability because the game is mentally challenging. That is why it may be hard for some players to stay at the table for a long time. Playing poker online also requires concentration and attentiveness.
Talking about WSOP, we can see that poker also involves the entertainment element, which should also be mentioned if we want to prove that poker is a sport.