Coaches often encourage their athletes to “go back to the basics” and “focus on the fundamentals.” It is a common universal practice in sports.
That same practice can be applied to crafting an argument, as we dissect exactly what a sport is. According to the Oxford Dictionary, a sport is defined as “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.”
Meredith Spelbring | Argonaut
While it is not hard to see how this definition could fit into esports, it is by no means a perfect fit. A crucial piece in the definition of sports is the mention of physical exertion “and” skill. Not just physical exertion, not just skill — both. Writing an essay at ungodly hours of the night just moments before the deadline takes skill. You might even break a sweat. By the time you are done, your fingers ache and your head is probably spinning.
Are you now an athlete? No.
Esport advocates often boast of their large swath of audience members, producing statistics of high online viewership. According to the Guinness World Records, the most watched YouTube stream was the Royal Wedding in 2011, drawing a total 72 million people. In fact, many of the top esport streamers do not call the world’s largest online video website home, as most reside on Twitch, a streaming site dedicated largely to esports.
There is no denying esports is an up-and -coming phenomenon. Unfortunately, the monetary opportunities have contaminated even the purest athletic organizations.
Brandon Hill | Argonaut
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) brought esports into the discussion in October of 2017, claiming “Competitive ‘eSports’ could be considered as a sporting activity, and the players involved prepare and train with an intensity which may be comparable to athletes in traditional sports.”
It seems almost everyone is now making numerous and feeble attempts at drawing and holding the attention of the youngest generation. This is clearly just another example of attempts to hold the attention of an audience that does not appreciate true sports.
The Olympics is an event people all around the world look forward to. Fans wait to watch and marvel at the sheer talent and athleticism the athletes bring to the international competition. Each and every athlete wearing an Olympic jacket has dedicated their life and their body for their moment. Adding esports to the Olympic roster would tarnish the reputation of the most prestigious and sought-out athletic competition in history.
It is hard to imagine any former Olympian not being slightly offended at someone holding their same title by simply sitting in front of a screen. In order to earn a spot on that podium, you need to do a bit more than typing and clicking.
While we have defined a sport, we have not yet given esports a home in the realm of activities. For now, we designate esports to “games,” with the likes of poker, darts and billiards. Yes, ESPN may broadcast poker tournaments, but much like esports, they do not require physical exertion.
While there are some grey areas in what some may consider a sport, such as bowling and curling, esports do not even begin to approach this line of distinction.
As for the nail in the coffin? Everyone considers football a sport. Basketball? Sport. Golf? Ok, you’re pushing it, but still a sport.
Meanwhile, there needs to be a distinction when talking about “sports” that entail playing videogames. The common vernacular dictates not sport, but esport.
If a distinction is necessary, it therefore cannot be considered a pure sport. While the amount of concentration and skill required to excel at professional esports is admirable, even astounding, this branch of entertainment simply cannot be considered a sport.
Meredith Spelbring and Brandon Hill can be reached at [email protected]