is chess really a sport? Rating Options

[creole]

Does Chess really exercise your brain to the extent?
I think chess is a sport, since you're competing against others if you're in a tournament.

[Uronacid]

I don't think that sports have to be athletic at all. There are many definitions surrounding the word "sport". While one definition doesn't fit another does. We all realize chess is hardly athletic, however it is recreational, a diversion from life around you, and for some a pleasant pastime activity.

sport
1. an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature, as racing, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, wrestling, boxing, hunting, fishing, etc.
3. diversion; recreation; pleasant pastime.

By definition, chess can be considered a sport. Yes, even 300lb champion chess players, but would that 300lb chess player be considered an athlete. No.

athlete
1. a person trained or gifted in exercises or contests involving physical agility, stamina, or strength; a participant in a sport, exercise, or game requiring physical skill.

Given the word sport has multiple definitions. It can be taken out of context. Even though sport is in the definition of the word athlete, the rest of the definition implies some form of strenuous physical activity. It's pretty clear, the word sport within the definition of athlete is being used in the context of being "an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature".

Chess players are participating in a sport when they play, however I wouldn't consider them athletes.