Are Poker Players Athletes ?

[odonob]

Not physically but mentally there is a comparison or parallel. As in sports you need to apply good strategy and adjust to an ever changing situation as you play. So “Mental Athletes” could be a name you could apply to poker players.

 

[rufininha14]

I don't think so, as poker is a mind game of skill and strategy

 

[dreamer13]

Given that poker is a physically and mentally demanding activity with a set of rules and customs where players compete against others, poker clearly fits the generally accepted definitions of a sport.

 

[Igor Popadyk]

even poker professionals are not always honest and correct players, I mean they play under the influence of alcohol or other substances, so poker cannot be a sport, but this does not mean that my attitude towards the game should somehow change

 

[Stringy]

no they are not athletes they just game players or participants or whatever else you wanna call it

 

[ramdon p358]

They are not like the athletes we are used to seeing, but I can say that it is just as difficult to be a professional as in any other conventional sport. It is not easy to stay focused for many hours of gaming

 

[WrongUsername]

poker a sport lol nice joke
athletes move their body.

 

[19aleks57]

In my opinion, poker players are partly athletes, if only because they are called players.

 

[hardongear]

Some food for thought on the topic: Many players have complained that they can't play long sessions and don't like longer blind level MTT's because they can't stay focused and tire easily.

If breakdancing can make the Olympics poker being considered a sport isn't that big a stretch.

Cheers!!!

 

[ztibor72]

I don't think they are athletes as they do no physical activity.
Of course, if someone pays attention to movement, it will affect mental processes, including poker.

 

[andron205]

the competition is somewhat determined by who will win

 

[RALF_AK]

We have this Olympic competition going on in conjunction with the Olympics in Paris and it got me to wondering if poker players are athletes.
I can remember when it used to be said that automobile racers were not athletes--all they did was drive a car. They are some of the most fit athletes on the planet now.
I know that there is probably the same said about poker players---all they do is sit at a table and play cards.
Now most if not all of the top rated poker players have fitness programs and dietitian plans.
I am a poker player and my dietitian plan revolves around a steady stream of Diet Mt Dews and Oreos, but I am by a long shot not an athlete or a top player.
I will say that the top players that are really in it to win it are athletes and one day poker should be recognized as such and be in the Olympics.

So what do you think? Are poker players at the top levels Athletes?

Poker players are athletes of the mind, but in the short term I don't believe this sport will be part of an Olympic event.