Is Playing Video Games a Sport?

Picture a team preparing for a big game. Players huddle and strategize together, planning out the best way to beat their opponents. But instead of running onto a field or court to compete, the players take seats behind computers. They are playing esports, short for electronic sports. 

In esports, individuals or teams play competitive video games in organized tournaments and leagues. Some games rely on team strategy to defeat an opponent. Others focus on one-on-one matches. 

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), more than 30,000 U.S. high schoolers took part in school-based esports in the 2025-2026 school year. Competitive video gaming is even bigger on the world stage, with major tournaments, cash prizes, and hundreds of millions of fans. 

But if an activity doesn’t make you sweat, should we really call it a sport?

Many gamers say yes. They argue that esports have a lot in common with traditional sports. Players need skills such as speedy reflexes and hand-eye coordination. They also train, work with teammates, and compete. 

However, other people disagree. They say video gaming isn’t a sport because it doesn’t involve the same kind of physical activity. In fact, they point out, it encourages teens to sit in front of screens. 

What do you think? Read both sides of the debate, then decide for yourself.

Supporters argue that competitive gaming requires dedication and skill, just like traditional sports. Magali Balmat-Hays, 12, plays video games in her spare time. She thinks an average person couldn’t join a Fortnite competition and beat an experienced player. “You have to know the controls. You need a lot of practice. You have to be genuinely talented at it,” Magali notes.

Many people also point out that esports give teens who don’t play traditional sports an opportunity to represent their school and feel a sense of belonging. About 45 percent of esports student athletes say it is their first after-school activity, according to the NFHS. “For traditional sports, you need to run fast or hit the ball hard enough,” says Connor Galley, a 12-year-old gamer who used to play soccer. “But, if you can’t do that, maybe you can press buttons and move joysticks,” he says.

Plus, others argue that the definition of sports is constantly evolving. For example, skateboarding was once viewed as a hobby. Now it’s in the Olympics. And fans already treat video gaming like a sport. About 6.75 million people live streamed one of esports’ most elite tournaments in 2025, the League of Legends World Championship. Around the same time, Major League Baseball on ESPN was drawing about 1.84 million viewers per game. 

Many people believe that physical activity is essential to sports—and that video gaming doesn’t include enough of it to qualify. James Hebert, 11, used to play in an esports league, competing with teammates in Fortnite and Minecraft. His mind was working hard, he says, but his muscles weren’t. “It wasn’t that much exercise,” he explains. Now James plays club lacrosse instead, and it tires him out so much that it takes hours for him to recover after a tournament.

Some medical experts argue that calling esports a sport is also misleading, because sitting around playing video games can actually hurt teens’ health. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other researchers report that people who spend hours at a time on digital media are more likely to be inactive and at risk of obesity. Screen time can also cause eye strain and affect sleep. And the repetitive wrist movements can cause injuries like gamer’s thumb.

In addition, some students point out that grouping esports with traditional sports may actually deter teens from participating. People may hear “sports” and envision pressure to perform, explains Ari Thapar, 14. He thinks gaming fits better as a club. “Esports are a great alternative to relieve stress and just play,” he says.