In a historic move for the poker community, the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA) has officially recognized poker as a Mind Sport, placing it in the same category as chess, Go, and bridge. The decision, announced on November 16th, marks a pivotal moment for poker’s legitimacy as a game of skill, poker strategy, and mental acuity.
The milestone follows years of advocacy led by the World Poker Federation (WPF), a global network representing 49 national poker federations. “We have achieved something today that is both unprecedented and definitive,” said Igor Trafane, President of the WPF. “Our mission now is to build the foundation that every major sport already has: standardized regulations, professional pathways, player protections, and international competitions.“
Why Poker Belongs Among Mind Sports
The inclusion of poker as a Mind Sport reflects its reliance on mental skill, strategic decision-making, and adaptability under pressure. These attributes align with IMSA’s mission to promote intellectual competition.
Leonardo Cavarge, CEO of the WPF, emphasized this alignment: “Poker is a discipline rooted in strategy and decision-making under pressure. It requires the same level of mental rigor as other Mind Sports, and this recognition solidifies what players have known for years: poker is not just a game of chance.“
>> Click here to read the full article by Iva Dozet on Poker Listings
