Poker has achieved a major milestone with its official recognition as a Mind Sport by the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA). This decision places poker in the same category as chess and eSports, emphasizing its status as a discipline rooted in intellectual skill, strategy, and decision-making.
The recognition follows years of advocacy led by the World Poker Federation (WPF), which represents over 45 national federations. The WPF has worked diligently to redefine poker as more than just a game of chance, highlighting its alignment with IMSA’s criteria for Mind Sports. Igor Trafane, President of the WPF, hailed the decision as a victory for the poker community, noting that it underscores poker’s intellectual and strategic depth.
