Why is esports considered a sport?

Esports, or professional competitions in video games, has long ceased to be just entertainment. Today, it is a full-fledged industry with millions of viewers, professional teams, large prize pools, and a huge number of fans worldwide. However, there are still debates about whether esports can be considered a real sport. Let’s explore why esports truly deserves such status.

**Physical and Mental Preparation**

One of the key arguments against recognizing esports as a sport is the lack of significant physical activity. However, sports are not just about physical exertion. Esports places great importance on mental preparation, requiring concentration, quick reaction times, strategic thinking, and teamwork. In some games like «League of Legends» or «Dota 2,» instant reactions to changing conditions, the ability to analyze situations, and make critical decisions in split seconds are necessary.

Moreover, professional esports athletes pay attention to their physical health to maintain high performance levels. They train regularly, follow daily routines, monitor their diet, and keep themselves in good physical shape, enabling them to endure long gaming sessions and maintain focus.

**Competitive Spirit and Recognition**

Similar to traditional sports, esports features competitions where teams or individual players compete for the title of the best. Prize pools at major tournaments can reach tens of millions of dollars, underscoring the industry’s seriousness. Additionally, esports players undergo a long path of preparation, participation in tournaments, and skill enhancement, aligning fully with the spirit of sports.

Esports is actively evolving, with its influence continuing to grow. Today, it attracts not only young people but also sponsors, media, and traditional sports organizations. Many renowned football clubs and basketball teams are establishing their esports divisions, while Olympic committees are considering the inclusion of esports in the game program. All this highlights the significance of esports and its recognition on the international stage.

Therefore, esports deserves the status of a real sport. It requires mental and physical preparation, follows all sports standards, and attracts a vast number of fans and investors. It is crucial to understand that sport is not just physical activity but also a spirit of competition, which esports fully embodies. This industry continues to expand and develop, proving that it is worthy of being part of the sports world.