There is a current debate over whether or not these competitive games should be considered sports. Entertainment and Sports Programming Network stated that League of Legends mimics real sports, and the United States Government will give athletic visas to professional players participating in the 2013 League of Legends World Championship Series (a competition where countries will be sending their best teams to play in a competition, similar to soccer’s FIFA World Cup). These visas are on par with those given to National Football League or Major League Baseball players.

There are many different opinions from those who play sports, games, or both. Senior Matthew Steineman, cross-country member and gamer, believed videogames should not be considered a sport.

“I think [gaming is] more of an activity. I don’t think it should be considered a real sport like, say, football. [Videogames] are kind of like pingpong. It does mimic real sports, but shouldn’t be considered a real sport,” Steineman said.

Senior Iqra Choudhry, tennis player, does not play video games.

“I feel like gaming is a talent, but I do not think gaming is considered an actual sport because you are not physically being active,” Choudhry said.

This brings a valid point that there is not much physical activity in playing video games. Additionally, it depends on how a person defines what a sport is. Senior Bailey Gruben, former competitive swimmer, believes a sport is defined in the competition.

“A sport in its purest form, is any sort of competition between individuals for a championship. It’s a competition between two people or teams,” Gruben said.

Going by that definition, gaming could have the potential to be considered a real sport.

“I don’t think sitting on a couch and playing Guitar Hero is a sport, but I think that if people were to legitimately, as if it were in a competition, go against people, then video games can be a sport,” Gruben said.

Whether or not video games should be considered a sport or not is up to you.

On the topic of athletic visas, Steineman believed there should be some sort of gamer visa.

“Athletic visa works for now, but they need something for gamers,” Steineman said.

Choudhry had a similar view.

“I think they shouldn’t call it an athletic visa; they [professional gamers] should get a special visa to come and game,” Choudhry said.

Andy Chen, gamer, had a different opinion.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to people who are competitive in the aspect of entertainment sports, to have a chance and compete doing what they love doing. Overall, I think [visas are] a great opportunity. I’m pretty sure it’s a dream come true for some gamers out there.” Chen said.