These days, some gamers make a living from playing video games. Do you think professional gamers are similar to the athletes in other sports?

[xxxLatiasxxx]

Yeah, I feel that if the person is good at the said game then yes. Professional gamers are similar to athletes in other sports.

 

[gimmepie]

I mean, sort of? I think most things are in that ballpark if you take them to a high enough competitive level. Certainly different skillsets are required and the physical demand isn't the same, but the dedication is.

 

[Devalue]

Sure. May not be a full-body workout like other sports. Demands quick, precise movements in many of the games (though not all). Suffers hand-related injuries pretty often (maybe?). Competes against others regularly. Sounds like the core of a "normal" sport.

Counts chess players as athletes too, despite not being a typical sport. Argues things like shooting (an Olympic sport) to not be far off from some shooter games.