Poker is officially a mind-sport

The IFP (International Federation of Poker) has announced today that poker is officially a mind-sport. This implies that poker is one the of the sports in the 2012 World Mind Sport Games, along with games like chess and bridge. This is the first great success of the IFP, which was founded one year ago. IFP President Anthony Holden, also known from the poker book bestseller 'Big Deal', speaks of a "major milestone for the game in the camaign to have poker accepted throughout the world as a game of strategic skill", and "Over this, this should help to free poker from governmental interference and other such unnecessary restrictions all over the globe". IMSA President Jose Damiani is also proud: “I am delighted to welcome the International Federation of Poker into membership of IMSA. Poker’s participation alongside bridge, chess and other mind sports in the annual IMSA events will demonstrate to the world that poker is indeed a mind-sport of strategic skill.”

Next year IFP will be launching poker's first annual world championships, both team and individual, as well as participation in regular IMSA events.

Publication date : April 29, 2010