Poker’s journey to being recognized as a mind sport by the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA), announced earlier this week, was no overnight success story.
While still a relative baby compared to some of the other mind sports on the IMSA list - we’re looking at you, chess - the game of poker has been around, at least in a form we might recognize today, for well over 150 years. But that doesn’t mean it’s always been viewed in the same way as other noted mind sports such as bridge or Go. Shifting this perception is one intended consequence of the IMSA recognition, according to the World Poker Federation (WPF).
The WPF has been the driving force behind gaining the buy-in of the IMSA, with the process beginning back in 2022. With the journey towards this landmark now achieved, and the WPF finally celebrating this successful ruling, we caught up with WPF President Igor Trafane and CEO Leonardo Cavarge to find out more about the process and the work they do.
Can you explain what the World Poker Federation does?
Igor Trafane: The WPF serves as the global representative for poker, uniting over 49 national federations across five continents to foster the sport's growth and recognition. Our mission is to establish poker as a legitimate mind sport, emphasizing its intellectual and strategic depth while building a sustainable global structure for its development.
We focus on creating a unified framework that supports fair regulations, player protections, and professional pathways. A significant part of our work is breaking down outdated stereotypes and misconceptions about poker. Through education and outreach, we engage with governments, media, and the public to emphasize the skill, strategy, and mental discipline involved in the game.
These efforts help shift the narrative around poker, leading to broader acceptance and recognition.
How did the WPF get started?
IT: The WPF was founded to address the need for a global organization capable of representing poker on the world stage. It began with the vision of leaders who believed in poker as a mind sport and wanted to unite the global community under one banner.
Its roots trace back to regulatory successes in Brazil, a country that became a blueprint for how poker could be embraced legally and culturally. Building on this foundation, the WPF sought to expand globally, bringing together nations with diverse poker ecosystems under a common purpose: to establish poker as a mind sport and create a structured environment for its growth.
From the start, WPF has worked tirelessly to overcome legal and cultural barriers, advocate for players’ rights, and establish a global network where federations share knowledge, resources, and strategies. This united approach has enabled us to achieve milestones that seemed unattainable, such as the recent recognition by the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA).
What are some of the biggest challenges you face today?
Leonardo Cavarge: One of the key challenges we face is continuing to shift public and governmental perceptions of poker from a game of chance to a skill-based mind sport. While significant progress has been made, outdated stereotypes persist in some regions.
This perception often complicates efforts to gain legal recognition and support for poker as a legitimate sport. Addressing this requires ongoing education and advocacy to showcase poker’s intellectual and strategic depth to stakeholders such as governments, media, and the general public.
Another challenge lies in building a cohesive global framework while respecting the unique cultural and legal landscapes of individual countries. Poker’s status varies widely, with some regions already benefiting from strong legal frameworks and thriving federations, while others are still navigating the complexities of regulation. Our role is to provide tailored support, from assisting emerging federations to strengthening collaboration among established ones, ensuring the sport’s growth at all levels.
Simplifying these conversations with governments and supporting federations with expertise and resources is central to overcoming this barrier.
What do you think the recent IMSA recognition means for poker?
LC: It’s a transformative milestone that impacts every aspect of the game - legal, cultural, and economic. This acknowledgment separates poker from gambling in the eyes of governments and regulatory bodies, which is a critical step for its global acceptance.
From a legal perspective, this recognition has far-reaching implications. It facilitates the distinction between poker and games of chance, aligning poker with sports laws rather than gambling regulations. This shift allows poker to be played outside of casinos, broadens accessibility, and often results in more favorable taxation for players, professionals, and businesses involved in the poker ecosystem.
Additionally, it provides legal security for investments and operations, encouraging companies and stakeholders to expand their involvement in the sport. In many regions, it also grants poker access to government programs and benefits reserved for sports, further supporting its development.
IMSA recognition also opens doors for poker to participate in multisport events dedicated to mind sports, such as international competitions that bring together disciplines like chess and bridge. These events attract new audiences and elevate poker’s visibility by placing it within a broader context of intellectual and strategic pursuits.
It enables poker to be covered more extensively, not only within specialized outlets but also as part of broader sports narratives. With this added attention, poker becomes more attractive to sponsors outside of the traditional poker industry, paving the way for partnerships with global brands.
In countries where poker is not yet regulated, this recognition is a game-changer. It provides a compelling argument for governments to view poker as a sport of skill rather than gambling, simplifying conversations about legal frameworks. This is a significant step in advancing regulation, creating opportunities, economic growth, and broader participation.
What’s the next big priority for the WPF?
IT: Our next big priority is to strengthen the global foundation of poker as a recognized mind sport. This involves creating a standardized framework for regulations that protects players, ensures fairness, and fosters professional growth. By establishing clear pathways for players and organizations, we aim to build a sport that is accessible, respected, and sustainable in the long term.
On the international stage, we are committed to promoting poker’s inclusion in multisport events and mind sport competitions, as well as developing high-profile international tournaments.
A key focus is to empower local federations by providing them with the resources and expertise needed to advocate for poker in their regions. By fostering stronger relationships and collaboration, we can support organic growth in diverse cultural and legal environments, ensuring that poker thrives in every corner of the world.
Finally, we are working to expand poker’s appeal to sponsors and stakeholders outside the traditional poker industry. By showcasing poker’s strategic depth and cultural relevance, we aim to attract partnerships that amplify its reach and create new opportunities for growth.
Through these efforts, the WPF is shaping a future where poker is recognized as a sport of skill and intellect, fostering a global community united by the values of strategy, competition, and shared passion.
You can find out more about the World Poker Federation at its website, and follow its work on X and Instagram.
Images courtesy of the World Poker Federation
