Is Gaming a Sport? | The Odyssey Online
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Is Gaming a Sport?

Do sports have to be physical in the 21st century?

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Is Gaming a Sport?
One Hour Essay

There was an argument that has been spreading for years. This an argument that consists of people who practice every day with a computer screen in front of their faces, endlessly playing numerous amounts of video games. These people are called gamers, whom they believe that electronic gaming is a sport. They argue that gaming increases adrenaline and endorphins similar to the traditional sports millions of people watch and participate in. They also discuss how the world is heading towards a technological age, and a plethora of people are gamers who are competing with others around the world. However, there are others who believe that gaming is not a sport. They believe that a sport requires building muscle and gaining endurance instead of loathing in a computer chair, and twiddling their thumbs on a game controller all day.

Going into this technological age, gamers believe that their hobby can become a sport, become televised, and win some prize money. Gamers play a variety of PC games and compete with others across the globe to be the best. They say that these games, especially first person shooter games increase endorphins, which allows adrenaline to rise in the body. These events are intense and when they are victorious, they feel the same satisfaction as a physical sport. They also claim that with experience, gamers are more alert with their surroundings, and keep their minds working. Every year, these competitions are televised called E-Sports, or electronic sports to watch gamers at work with their teammates. Whoever wins this tournament wins one million dollars. These gamers think that because of this television program, the realm of gaming will expand, and millions of people will want to join into their association. The primary advantage of gaming is that you do not have to be athletic. You just need to have quick reflexes around the keyboard and mouse, and a mind that can think at a fast pace.

However, other people, especially today’s athletes believe that gaming is not a sport. They argue that in order for an activity to be a sport, he or she has to work out to build muscle and increase their stamina and agility. Doing this will better themselves in any athletic activity that they choose. Even though practice makes perfect in video games as well, gamers are not doing their bodies any good by sitting on their sofa all day eating soda and chips. Plus, you can rise through the ranks and become a professional athlete, which receives a much better salary than becoming a gamer. A professional athlete makes approximately ten times more money than a professional gamer. Even though we are going into a technological age, upcoming athletes, (most of them who start at a young age), still have a passion to play any type of sport that their community offers. Professional sports actually incorporate 21st century technology into their games in order to become more accurate with plays and calls. Playing outside is a more interactive way to make friends, instead of having a digital conversation with somebody that you don’t even know.

Overall, both sides have very legitimate arguments on whether or not gaming should be a sport. Gamers argue that in the 21st century, more devices are becoming digital, and athletes believe that a sport should make any individual sweat to increase their stamina, speed, and agility to better yourself and your body. In my opinion, gaming is not a sport. I agree that in order for an activity to be a sport, you need to work out, lift some weights, gain endurance, and increase your speed and agility. Doing this will do your body good in order to become athletic and stay in shape. Sitting in a chair with a computer screen in front of your face, and calling that a sport will not get you anywhere in the sports world.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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