The everchanging world of sport

Back before the rise of modern civilizations, sports were treated very differently in different cultures. Variations of soccer, for example, were created by the Vikings, only they would use the heads of their vanquished enemies as the ball. And I myself recently returned from Chichen Itza, the ruins of a great Mayan civilization that thrived on the scheduled playing of their own ball game, in which the losing team (and sometimes the winning team) were sacrificed to the gods after the game.

Not exactly my idea of a good time, but this goes to show that what we now consider sport has its roots in traditions and customs, and thus the definition of a "sport" is broader than just a game played with a ball. How exactly do humans define a "sport" and should this definition also include previously unknown competitions such as eSports?

Competitive video gaming, or eSports, as it's commonly known, is a rapidly expanding world that stretches between major countries on every continent. While not a "sport" in the traditionally thought of sense, eSports have many of the same characteristics. Team units, practices, strategies, teamwork, fan bases and problem solving are some of the major connections between the world of sport and the world of eSport.

Some of the world's largest computer games have international and regional tournament play, including World of Warcraft, League of Legends. Halo, Counterstrike and yes, even Call of Duty. These teams are run by non-playing individuals and just like any other sport, there are "free agent" gamers that are always willing (and able) to step in for a club at a moments notice.

Growing up, the debate of sport vs. non-sport was always about cheer leading, and had more to do with chauvinistic stubbornness than anything else. I wouldn't even care to hear that argument being shifted to eSports and whether they deserve to be called a sport. Frankly I see a lot of similarities between the hard work, team aspect and skill of these players at the game they've always enjoyed, and would support this growing sport as a fan. Just as long as it doesn't get onto Sportscenter.