Sport: “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.”

Poker is often quickly disregarded as a sport. While no one can argue the popularity of the many games of poker with millions of players and international television programming, there are many who still consider it purely a game of luck.

After 15 years of playing competitive poker both online and in-person, I can tell you that poker is a sport. Before disagreeing with me, keep in mind that every sport is different, and although I don’t risk brain injuries or tearing an ACL while playing a game of cards, poker has all of the needed elements of a sport.

Here are 5 reasons why poker is not just a card game, but a sport:

Physical Endurance is Required

One of the key arguments against poker being a sport is that it requires no athletic ability in order to play. Not every sport requires their “athletes” to be in what most would consider to be “good shape.” From bowlers to race car drivers, to golfers to MLB pitchers, there are thousands of athletes that I potentially could beat in a 40-yard dash, but that doesn't mean I could beat them in their chosen profession. 

To determine if poker is a sport, the question that should be asked isn’t if each player needs to be in good physical shape, but if physical exertion is a part of the game. And yes, physical endurance is a requirement. After a 12-hour session of playing poker in a high stakes tournament, there is no human being who would not feel physically exhausted. And this exhaustion impacts performance. I've made many poor decisions due to fatigue that I would not have made otherwise. 

Strategy Impacts Results

In addition to physical endurance, mental endurance is also needed. Unlike your grandma when she swears that she’s found a way to beat the slot machines at the local casino, a player’s poker strategy, endurance, and how they adjust throughout a tournament or session heavily impacts their results. When playing a tournament, I adjust my strategy based on my position and chip stack, similar to how a team would change their style of play if down a goal in soccer or up ten points with a minute left in a basketball game.

Competitors Compete Against Opponents, Not The Cards 

If you've played poker on any level, then you've quickly realized that poker is more about playing your opponent than just your hand. Your strategy impacts your results and you must try to outplay an opponent instead of only considering the direct value of your hand, similar to other sports. You may not have had the best round of golf in your life, but if you outplay your opponent, you can still win the match or tournament. 

Each Player Controls Their Action

Luck is a part of every sport, from an unlucky bounce of a hockey puck into the net to an accidental handball that gives the opponent a penalty kick. Luck is Involved in poker, however, each player has complete control over their performance. They make the decision whether to call, raise, or fold. 

Experienced Talent Rises to the Top 

The final key component of a sport is that the best players consistently rise to the top. Nicknamed "Poker Brat," professional poker player Phil Helmuth has won a record 14 World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets. If only luck was involved, this would be nearly impossible considering there are often thousands of players in a WSOP event. 

Have I convinced you? Do you believe poker is a sport? Please comment below and thank you for reading!