Russia Recognizes Poker as a Sport

As many countries are undecided or on both sides of the fence considering the classification of the game of poker, Russia has decided where they stand. The country has officially deemed the game a sport, which comes shortly after Ivan Demidov of Moscow placed second at the World Series of Poker Main Event.

Demidov is just twenty seven and is the first Russian to do so well in a top international tournament. Surprisingly Demidov just began playing poker two years ago. He is however a former math student and used those skills to learn the game.

Although casinos will soon be gone from Russian cities the game of poker will be there to stay. Gambling will be restricted to four special zones throughout the country.

Dmitry Lesnoy the President of the Russian Sport Poker Federation commented: “Ivan's victory is phenomenal. Poker requires mathematic and psychological skills.  Russia has many talented people and can go high in the game.”

With his win, Ivan made more money than the leading tennis players and boxers in Russia combined for the year. Ivan claims his win was made based on skill rather than luck and plans on buying a flat in Moscow.