Video Games: the Next Olympic Sport?

[Big B]

As host of the 2008 Olympics, China is considering video gaming as a demonstration sport.

Surely a spirited round of Grand Theft Auto is not the "struggle" Baron Pierre de Coubertin envisaged when he penned the modern Olympic creed, which reads: "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle.

Unless you're looking at Dance Dance Revolution or Guitar Hero, most video games I can think of don't come close to sporting. Sorry, I just don't buy having an Olympic CounterStrike gold medalist.

 

[megamaced]

Well I don't know, I work up quite a sweat on the final stage of Sonic The Hedgehog. :D

 

[harrack52]

I can honestly say, and without any restrain, that I disagree. But since poker players consider themselves professional athletes, I guess I can't be too surprised.

Sup B :hi:

 

[Big B]

Man, long time, no see, harrack.

Personally, when I look at the Olympics, I tend to think of them in regards to athletic competitions as sporting events. No question, poker is a competition, but I don't buy it as a sport. Competition doesn't automatically mean it's a sport.
Nobody has really suggested that Wheel of Fortune or Jeopordy be up for consideration as a sport.