Actually, Esports Is Sport

Abstract

In 2019, Jim Parry, a sport philosophy and Olympic scholar, wrote an article entitled “E-sports are not sports”. While their position is admirable, their commentary is rife with inaccuracies. In short, Parry panders two key myths that sour a balanced discussion of esports as a sport: (1) esports is seeking to become an Olympic sport, and (2) esports does not fit the definition, however arbitrary, of sport. In this response piece, both myths are dispelled and, ultimately, esports is positioned as a form of modern sport that should be accepted (but perhaps not actively supported) by traditionalists. The argument is made that sport can fall into either traditional or modern forms, and that given more technological innovations are on the way, it is critical that sport is not restrictive and remains inclusive to new forms.