I can't believe people actually think otherwise. It is baffling.

We keep coming back to it due to some technicalities. It went from sport to now athlete and gamer. Fact of the matter is it sporting in nature, and as we age, the terms we used to define specific things changes. They are all professional entertainers. Making big bucks doing a hobby not everyone can do. Sure, the guy eating Cheetos and 400 lbs. has FAR better odds to be an eSports All-star than walking onto the Steelers practice squad.

I would never say that their dedication or fatigue is easier to manage or something though. What it always comes down to is ability and hard work. There's plenty of undrafted guys out there that end up making squads over surefire prospects in the world of professional sports. I wouldn't say the guy working 15 hours at a Les Schwab Tire Center is less tired than a sports athlete (of any kind) after any game. I also wouldn't question his dedication to service or his craft. Some athletes at professional and just ride the bench because of their ability.

But to say it isn't a sport because it isn't as enthralling as curling or checkers, or even something societally glorified is just obtuse.

I don't consider checkers a sport either. It's a board game.

Sports require physical exertion. Might as well call Uno a sport if you think video games require physical exertion.

This post was edited by fuzzy159 on Dec 19 2016 08:45pm

Chess? Board game? Might as well call tag a sport. Professional tag. I think I like it. Video games don't require hardly any physical exertion but lead to physical ailments in many people. Serious gamers that marathon have to consider deep vein thrombosis. Something MLB catchers are also prone to developing.

I've played sports my entire life. I'm 30. They're entertainment sports bro. Define sport.

I'm gonna toss in a little edit here too; I've played sports my entire life. I've had the pleasure and displeasure of competing against Johnathan Stewart in high school. That kid is leaps and bounds the best athlete I've ever played a sport against. From a physical standpoint anyway. 3-a-days in Central Washington for football camp? 4 days of 110+... Yeah, that's easily the most physically I've been drained after doing a hobby I loved. But man, nothing compares to the WEEKS I spent with my guild on WoW on Pre-Nerf Twin Emps. Mentally, I checked out for a solid 3 days to recover. Physical or mental, the strain is there. Competing. Being the best or striving for success. The great part about that journey was it was a game I loved, and the only person I played against was myself, with time.

I'm not knocking anything you're saying as if your opinion doesn't matter. But, I think there are varying degrees of what a sport is across the world, and in this day and age, the ability to compromise, understand, and adapt to changing culture is paramount.

This post was edited by Anton24 on Dec 19 2016 09:32pm

pro gamers exert themselves a lot more than people think when you put everything together, being always on edge so you can have hair-time reactions and seeing literally everything that is going on on your screen. Plus the adrenaline is extremely draining.

As I said before, pro-gamers usually go to the gym almost every single day because being iin good physical form is good for your game.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2013/07/14/the-u-s-now-recognizes-esports-players-as-professional-athletes/

/thread

You ain't gotta preach to me man. Being 6'5" 260 lbs. and gaming; I know what stresses are like from sports and games alike. I go to the gym everyday for either cardio or to lift, and its great for gaming. Gaming to compete definitely takes a toll. Eyes, arms, wrists, fingers, and in the cases of some; back, shoulder, and depersonalization.

Gaming has small repetitive movements. Obviously if you do the same motions for hours it can lead to health problems. Gamers may mentally exert themselves but they definitely don't physically exert themselves. That's an insult to actual athletes who leave it all on the field. I'm not even talking shit on gaming. I play. It just isn't a sport. It is an e-sport. It does not meet the requirements of being a sport.

Yeah I can see your side of the argument. I won't bend though. Gonna agree to disagree. I'll totally concede the health risks of a true defined physical sport dominates the physical ailments associate with gaming though. I just think as a society, we're at a point where guys your age and mine finally get to set to the trend and make history. I fully welcome gaming as a sport while some of you guys do not. No harm no foul pimp.

Either way is hard to achieve,
pro gamers retire early in their mid 20's because they can't handle it anymore, or get their wrist injured etc. and new younger players become better than them.
chances of a pro athlete becoming a pro gamer is just as slim as a pro gamer trying to learn how to play bball late.

I'd take your opinion as grain of salt vs. Echo Fox, Lin, etc. actual pro athletes opinions about esports being similar to what they've experienced.
Dunno why you bring up the race card though, is that suppose to make you feel better?