poker is a mind sport
In November 2024, poker was recognized as a mind sport by the International Mind Sport Association.
Pokahnights represents Belgium at the World Poker Federation.
After exploratory talks in 2024, the World Poker Federation and Pokahnights decided to join hands. Pokahnights will become the unique Belgian partner of the WPF.
Over the next few years, we will write together a Sportify Poker story to once and for all give poker the place it deserves. It's a mind sport!
IMSA recognizes poker as a mind sport
On November 16, 2024, IMSA, the International Mind Sport Association, recognized poker as an official mind sport. The WPF has been building intensively on this since 2022, with this fine result.
The International Olympic Committee recognizes IMSA, thus the way is immediately open to recognize poker as an Olympic discipline. Pokahnights is enormously pleased with this news, it is another step in the correct positioning of Poker as a sport.
What is IMSA?
The International Mind Sports Association(IMSA) is the global platform for mind sports, such as chess, bridge, checkers and Go. Founded in 2005 and officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee(IOC), IMSA works to promote and recognize mind sports as sports disciplines in their own right.
By collaborating with international federations and organizing major events such as the World Mind Games, IMSA emphasizes the strategic and intellectual depth of mind sports. The organization follows Olympic values such as sportsmanship, fair play and global connection, and encourages the use of mind sports in education and cognitive development.
IMSA proves: mind sports are not only a challenge to the mind, but deserve their place on the world stage.
Read more about it at Poker.org and Pokernews.com
What is WPF?
The World Poker Federation (WPF) is an international organization dedicated to the recognition of poker as a strategic thinking sport. The WPF works to increase poker's visibility and prestige by positioning the game as a mental challenge similar to chess or bridge.
With initiatives such as international tournaments and collaborations, the WPF strives to emphasize the strategic and social aspects of poker. The organization supports competition structures that reward consistency and skill, which aligns with their mission to promote poker as a serious sport worldwide.
Pokah x WPF
poker as a mind sport
Pokahnights shares the WPF's vision that poker is more than a game; it is a strategic and intellectual discipline. By working together, we can strengthen our common vision and further position poker as a thinking sport.
international growth
By partnering with the WPF, we can not only grow locally, but also represent Belgian players internationally and contribute to the international Sportify Poker story.
strong community
Pokahnights has the most experience in the Belgian poker sector as well as an active and growing community, an ideal basis to represent the values of the WPF in Belgium. We are honored with our selection as official member of the WPF.
recognition and professionalization
As an official partner of the WPF, Pokahnights gains access to a global network and support in professionalizing and legitimizing poker in Belgium.
innovative competitions
Pokahnights has always been a pioneer in innovative tournament structures, the best example of course being the upcoming Pokahnights Elite Series. This aligns perfectly with the WPF's focus on performance and consistent competition.