A collective effort by the World Poker Federation cements poker as an officially recognized discipline alongside chess and eSports
November 16, 2024 – Today, we celebrate what may be the most important day in the history of poker. From this moment forward, poker is officially and forever recognized as a Mind Sport. This historic milestone is the result of decades of work, countless battles fought, and the unity of a global community that has always believed in the strength and greatness of poker.
Led by the World Poker Federation (WPF), this achievement belongs to everyone – the thousands of players, professionals, federations, and leaders who, together, have paved the way for poker to take its rightful place. With unanimous approval of the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA), the same entity that recognizes chess and eSports, a new era begins for poker, now legitimized as a sport requiring mental skill, strategy, and intense focus.
“With a strong network of federations across more than 49 countries, we have achieved something today that is both unprecedented and definitive. IMSA’s decision represents the dedication of thousands who view poker as a genuine profession and intellectual discipline,” says Igor Trafane, WPF President. “Our mission now is to build the foundation that every major sport already has: standardized regulations, professional pathways, player protections, and international competitions.”
This victory goes beyond individual accomplishments; it elevates poker’s future into a legitimate, secure sport with infinite opportunities for those who live and breathe the game. “Our focus is on building a true global sports structure for Poker,” says Leonardo Cavarge, WPF CEO. “The World Poker Federation was built on the belief that, by joining forces, we can amplify our impact and protect the game we love.”
Building a Bright Future Together
Uniting federations across five continents, poker’s acceptance as a definitive IMSA member is the result of a shared effort. This victory is a chance for each player, tournament organizer, and professional to feel a new level of pride in poker, as the recognition brings fresh opportunities:
- For Players: Greater career pathways, more recognition, and an expanded international stage.
- For the Workforce: Enhanced stability and growth within the industry.
- For Businesses and Sponsors: A secure and structured environment with new possibilities for partnerships.
A Historic Celebration for a Historic Achievement
To commemorate this milestone, WPF hosted a celebration worthy of the accomplishment at the WTC Sheraton São Paulo during the prestigious BSOP Millions. The event brought together prominent figures from poker, sports, and culture in an evening that reflected the impact and universality of this victory.
The hosts of the Podpah podcast, Mítico and Igão, brought lightheartedness and charm to the event, energizing the guests with their contagious enthusiasm. Joining them, MC WM added even more diversity and cultural representation to the celebration. Their participation symbolized poker’s influence, which transcends the tables and connects different worlds.
Among the athletes and sports personalities present were Marcelo Vieira, former Real Madrid star, Tamires, captain of the Brazilian women’s national football team, and her wife, singer Gabi Fernandes, as well as tennis player Bruno Soares. Also in attendance were Anderson Berinja from MMA, Lila Furtado, Latin American boxing champion, Geyza Karini, president of CNB, and Kyra Hsia, CEO of Adidas.
Mariana Spinelli, ESPN presenter, and journalist Bruno Laurence, both known for their passion for sports, were also in attendance, reinforcing poker’s ties to the sports world and the importance of this celebration.
Key poker figures such as André Akkari, Rafael Moraes, and Lauriê Tournier also attended, alongside IMSA representatives Geoffrey Borg, president, and José Damiani, founder. Instrumental in achieving this definitive recognition were Ueltom Lima, Alberoni “Bill” Castro, Devanir Campos, Lara Bruno, Igor “Federal” Trafane (President of the WPF), Leonardo Cavarge (CEO of the WPF), and Roberto Lifschitz (WPF Marketing Director).
The event received support from major poker institutions, including BSOP, PokerStars, Suprema Poker, and H2 Club. The highlight of the evening was a special tournament that brought together more than 70 guests in a relaxed and enjoyable competition. PokerStars awarded the winners with entries to major events: the Main Event of the Latin America Poker Tour (LAPT) for the champion, the Main Event of the Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP) for the runner-up, and the Main Event of the São Paulo State Poker Championship (CPH) for the third-place finisher.
More than just a celebration, the event symbolized the new chapter that is opening for poker. The success of the evening proved that poker goes beyond the tables: it connects, inspires, and creates opportunities for everyone who believes in its potential.
WPF’s Journey and Worldwide Recognition
This historic achievement marks the culmination of a long process that began in December 2022, when WPF was accepted as a provisional IMSA member. Since then, WPF leaders and their affiliated federations have tirelessly worked to protect, promote, and develop poker as a mind sport.
With a mission to strengthen poker as a sport, WPF’s initiatives also include cooperation with governments and international institutions to promote poker’s development, regulation, and standardized rules, ensuring the game’s ethical and sustainable growth.
Each member of this federation amplifies poker’s voice, now recognized globally as a discipline combining intellect, strategic thinking, and decision-making under pressure – hallmarks of the world’s greatest mind sports.
Today, we invite every member of the poker community to celebrate this victory. This is a win for each one of us who believes in poker’s potential. It is a moment to share, to inspire, and to continue building the future of poker.
Join, celebrate, and be a part of poker history with WPF.
#WeFightForPoker #PokerIsAMindSport #WPF
