Why is esports not considered a sport?

With the advancement of technology and the popularization of video games, esports has become a significant part of the entertainment industry. However, despite the rapid growth in popularity and multimillion-dollar tournaments, the question of whether esports can be considered a real sport remains debatable. Many experts continue to discuss why esports is not a sport and present arguments in favor of its differences from traditional sports. Let’s look at the main reasons explaining why esports is not considered a sport in the classical sense of the word.

1. Lack of significant physical activity
One of the main criteria that distinguishes sports from other activities is physical exertion. Traditional sports such as football, basketball, track and field require athletes to have high physical fitness, endurance, strength, coordination, and flexibility. These qualities are developed through years of training, strict routines, and discipline.

In contrast, esports does not require significant physical effort. The main strain is on the player’s hands, wrists, and eyes, but overall the player’s body remains in a static position. While esports athletes train reaction time, movement accuracy, and strategic thinking, the lack of intense physical activity makes it more of an intellectual competition rather than a sport. This aspect is often used in arguments by those questioning why esports is not a sport.

2. Difference in competitive spirit
Sports competitions are always accompanied by high emotional and physical stress. Athletes face tremendous pressure during matches, pushing their bodies to the limit. Physical activity, competition on the field, and the struggle for every inch of the playing field create a unique atmosphere in traditional sports.

In esports, the competitive element is also present but is limited to the virtual environment. Players interact through screens, and their success depends on reaction speed and strategic thinking rather than physical prowess. While emotional intensity in esports can be high, the absence of physical contact and traditional sports dynamics makes it less intense from the perspective of classical sports.

3. Impact on health
Engaging in sports improves overall physical condition, strengthens muscles, the cardiovascular system, and develops endurance. Physical activity helps keep the body in shape, prevents many diseases, and contributes to longevity.

Esports, on the other hand, may have a negative impact on health. Hours of training on a computer can lead to posture problems, deteriorating eyesight, carpal tunnel syndrome, and a sedentary lifestyle. Lack of physical activity can lead to obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other negative consequences for the body. It’s also important to consider the high levels of stress and emotional burnout typical of professional esports.

4. Lack of standardized rules and organizations
Traditional sports have clear rules and regulated competitions overseen by international organizations. For example, the Olympic Games, FIFA, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) regulate athletes’ activities, ensuring compliance with common standards.

Esports presents a different situation. Each discipline is based on a specific video game, the mechanics of which developers can change, introducing patches and updates that significantly affect competition rules. This makes esports unstable and difficult to standardize.

5. Cultural and social significance
Traditional sports such as football, hockey, basketball have become an integral part of the culture of many countries. Sporting events gather millions of spectators at stadiums and in front of TV screens, shaping mass culture and uniting people of different ages and nationalities.

Although esports is gaining popularity, it does not possess the same deep cultural significance. The virtual nature of competitions limits social interaction, and most tournaments take place in an online format. This creates a barrier to forming as powerful a cultural influence as traditional sports.

Conclusion
Esports is a complex and engaging field that requires high concentration, tactical thinking, and quick reactions. However, despite its popularity, it does not meet the key criteria of traditional sports. The lack of significant physical activity, differences in the competitive process, health impacts, lack of standardized rules, and limited cultural significance make esports a distinct phenomenon but not a full-fledged sport.

While esports deserves recognition as an important part of modern culture, its classification as a traditional sport remains a contentious issue.