On November 16, 2024 Poker was officially recognized as a Mind Sport by the Mind Sports Association (IMSA) due to the decades of work by the World Poker Federation (WPF).  The World Poker Federation states on its website that this achievement belongs to everyone; the players, the professionals, federations and leaders that have been fighting for poker to be recognized as a Mind Sport.

The Mind Sports Association (IMSA)  is the entity that recognized Chess and eSports as mind sports, now poker is legitimized as a sport requiring mental skill, strategy and intense focus.  We reached out to the WPF for a statement and asked, “What does this mean for Women that play poker?”

Leonardo Cavarge, CEO of The World Poker Federation had the following statement:

We are overjoyed by how far we have come with the World Poker Federation in terms of number of countries represented, the union of the members and the results achieved.

The recognition of Poker as a mind sport by IMSA is a turning point for the game, separating it from gambling and aligning it with strategic and intellectual disciplines. This shift creates opportunities for better legal frameworks, increased accessibility, and new economic possibilities, making Poker more appealing to players, businesses, and governments worldwide.

Culturally, IMSA’s recognition elevates Poker’s image, integrating it into respected multisport events and attracting new audiences. It also opens doors for partnerships with global brands, bringing fresh visibility and legitimacy to the sport while uniting the global Poker community under a shared purpose.

For women in Poker, this recognition is a chance to create more inclusive opportunities. The WPF Women’s Committee is leading efforts to amplify women’s presence not only in the games, but in all industry. By fostering diversity and representation, we’re shaping a future where women play a central role in the growth and success of Poker as a mind sport.

So what attributes of poker qualified it as a mind sport?  The following classifications are courtesy of the (WPF).  Lets break it down:

 

INTELLECTUAL ENGAGEMENT

Strategic Complexity

Poker demands intricate strategies, with players continuously adapting to opponents’ moves and changing circumstances.

Decision-Making

Players must make critical decisions based on incomplete information, calculating odds, and managing risk.

Psychological Mastery

Reading opponents, bluffing, and maintaining composure require exceptional psychological skills.

Probability Analysis

Poker involves extensive calculations of probabilities, requiring a deep understanding of mathematics.

Adaptive Strategy

Poker requires players to adapt their strategies based on their opponents’ playing styles, making it a dynamic and intellectually engaging game.

Pattern Recognition

Successful poker players excel in recognizing patterns and exploiting them, a key aspect of strategic thinking.

 

SKILL AND STRATEGY

Skill and Decisions

Poker’s focus on skill is evident in players’ ability to make strategic decisions based on their understanding of the game.

Skill Over Luck

Many studies have shown that skill is a significant determinant of success in poker, debunking the notion that it relies on luck.

Continuous Learning

Skillful players engage in continuous learning, staying updated on evolving strategies, techniques, and the latest trends in the game.

Professionals

Skilled professional poker players consistently perform well over time, showcasing the importance of skill.

Economic Significance

Many individuals earn a livelihood through professional poker, highlighting the economic significance of skill in the sport.

 

COMPETITIVE STRUCTURE

Rankings and Titles

In the world of poker, players can earn rankings and prestigious titles, akin to traditional sports, as they climb the ladder of competitive excellence.

Organized Tournaments

Poker’s competitive structure is evident in its well-organized tournaments, ranging from local events to prestigious international championships, each with defined rules and regulations.

Global Network

The global poker community thrives through a network of tournaments, attracting players from around the world to compete and showcase their skills on a grand stage.

Endorsements

Successful poker players often secure sponsorships and endorsements, reflecting the professional and competitive nature of the sport.

 

MENTAL FITNESS

Emotional Resilience

Mental fitness in poker involves the ability to manage emotions effectively, staying composed and focused even during challenging moments.

Concentration Skills

Maintaining unwavering concentration for extended periods is vital in poker, requiring mental fitness akin to meditation or mindfulness practices.

Stress Management

Players must develop strategies to cope with the stress and pressure, ensuring they can maintain mental clarity and decision-making.

Mental Recovery

Mental fitness includes the capacity to bounce back from setbacks, losses, and adverse situations, fostering resilience and a positive outlook.

Adaptive Thinking

Successful poker players exhibit adaptive thinking, adjusting their mindset and strategies in response to evolving game dynamics and opponents’ tactics.

 

With Poker now recognised as a mind sport it allows for women poker players various career pathways, more recognition and an international stage.  It also brings more opportunity for a structured environment opening the door for new partnerships with the corporate world.

Poker Power a company based out of Chicago founded by Tech billionaire Jenny Just has made a business out of teaching poker to women all over the USA and abroad.  They teach poker basics translated to business skills that assist them in their corporate careers.  They have taught some high profile ladies in positions of extreme power and they have held seminars at Wall Street.   Seminar attendees learn how to take risks with limited information,  how to assess a situation and most importantly how to bet on themselves.  I was there when they taught a group of ladies that were casino executives at the Malta Poker Festival in 2023.  How could a Forbes Tech billionaire get it and not the general population?  Why did we as women in the game be made to feel shame for playing poker.

There have been numerous academic articles published about poker being a strategic game.  Poker is often compared to Chess.  There is a level of intellect and strategy or technique required to play poker, as there is in Chess.  Poker however has also been classified as gambling and with that the stigma of gambling in sketchy poker games, in dingy basements always comes to mind for some, when poker is mentioned.

Growing up, poker was my family game.  We all love poker.  We have fond memories of late nights at the kitchen table fighting over pots, accusing each other of cheating and hiding aces up our sleeves.  As a mother and passionate poker player I was absolutely ecstatic to read the news on the morning of November 16, 2024.   There are many new opportunities that will open up from this classification for not only women, but all poker players around the world.  I can finally say that poker is a mind sport, something I’ve known for decades.  I no longer have to feel shame when the mums from school ask me where I work, or what I do for a living.  I can now proudly say, poker is a mind sport and I am grateful that I have a mind, that can play poker.

We would like to thank Leonardo Cavarge CEO of WPF and Karina – Director of Partnerships/Director of the WPF Women’s Committee for their contribution and assistance with this article.

Photo courtesy of the WPF.