For example chess is considered by some to be a sport whilst others cite its lack of any real physical challenge as an affront to this assertion. The question of the World Series of Poker being a sporting event has also come up in recent years.

I have read many an anecdote about players attitudes regarding this question,  in chess and poker events. In both categories participants have maintained that the physicality of these events come by way of endurance through physical fitness. They have also added that mental stress can affect one’s stamina and actual muscle strength.

It is an interesting question with good arguments on both sides. As far as I am concerned I will be happy to class these types of competitions as mind sports. However it must be said that these events can put just as much strain on the body as some other more typical sporting events.