Poker a sport?

[TrapStar]

Some consider poker a sport. I don't, but that's something to debate. They show it on ESPN is really the only argument for it being a sport. Anyone agree or disagree?

[genius81]

Do poker players get taxed by the government in America when they win money? Cos if so, then it's a sport ("officially"). If not then it's classed as a hobby. Thats how it works in England. I class it as a sport btw.

[necoloschi]

I know of no sport that has two champions, someone knows? There can only be ONE.

[OBaton]

I shall agree with genius81.
I think if the people give a lot of to time to this interesting game, try to work out the strategies to beat the contenders and to become best behind desktops in tournament games, the Poker has the right to be called as sports.
PS* In Russia recently Poker became official sort of sports, and now many people devote the time for his learning.

[pothole]

Do poker players get taxed by the government in America when they win money? Cos if so, then it's a sport ("officially"). If not then it's classed as a hobby. Thats how it works in England. I class it as a sport btw.

Americans are also taxed on lottery winnings, is that a sport?. IMO poker is not a sport, it is however a game of skill, if it wasn't the person holding the best 5 cards would win every hand, but thet do not. All gambling winnings from ANY source are taxed in the US.

[villaridge]

well sport is technically: Physical activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively.

Now is poker a physical activity? got your mouse clicking for sure. Got your shouting at donkeys. and it is competitive.

So yeah, it is a sport.

[LombardiStix]

I dont consider poker a sport. I've been a collegiate athlete and the toll it takes on your body is something I reserve for the category of sport. Poker is of course competitive and taxing on both body and mind, but I consider it more of a game or competitive endevour than a sport.

[TrapStar]

well sport is technically: Physical activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively.

Now is poker a physical activity? got your mouse clicking for sure. Got your shouting at donkeys. and it is competitive.

So yeah, it is a sport.

Yeah but do you sweat playing poker? If you do, you are probably not a good player. lol

[villaridge]

are u kidding me?????? all good players sweat. gimmie a break

[JCuervo]

A sport really should have some physical activity associated with it...getting up to go the rig to gat another beer...doesn't count. While completion is part of the definition, I really don't think this classifies "poker" as a sport, but then it's shown on ESPN so maybe it is.