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.“
The Road to Recognition and Celebration
The path to recognition began in December 2022, when the WPF secured provisional membership with IMSA. Over the following two years, the federation worked to unify national poker bodies, cooperate with governments, and highlight poker’s intellectual merits.
The historic announcement was celebrated in São Paulo, Brazil, during the BSOP Millions festival. The event brought together figures from sports and poker, including former Real Madrid star Marcelo, tennis player Bruno Soares, and MMA fighter Anderson Berinja. The star-studded evening featured a special tournament, with PokerStars awarding winners entries to prestigious events such as the Latin America Poker Tour (LAPT) Main Event and the Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP).
“This recognition represents the dedication of thousands who view poker as a genuine intellectual discipline,” said Trafane.
Global Implications of Mind Sport Status
The official recognition of poker as a Mind Sport is expected to unlock new opportunities across multiple fronts:
- For Players: Greater legitimacy and access to international competitive circuits.
- For the Industry: Stability and growth through standardized regulations and sponsorship opportunities.
- For Governments: New avenues for cooperation, policy development, and economic benefits.
A recent example of poker’s growing influence comes from Colombia. There, the WPF collaborated with the Colombian Poker Federation to engage government officials and highlight poker’s potential for tourism, job creation, and tax revenue. This effort led to the country’s Ministry of Sport formally recognizing poker as a legitimate discipline.
“In Colombia, only casinos could host poker events, and 50% of revenues had to be paid to the government,” said Cavarge. “After we presented poker’s benefits, the perception changed. This recognition by IMSA strengthens similar efforts worldwide.“
Next Steps for Poker
The WPF plans to capitalize on IMSA’s recognition by pushing for standardized rules, safeguarding player rights, and establishing a clear competitive framework. The federation also aims to foster international cooperation and continue elevating poker’s status on the global stage.
With this milestone achieved, poker now stands alongside the world’s most respected Mind Sports, cementing its reputation as a game of strategy, skill, and intellect.
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