World Poker Federation Insists: "Poker Is a Mind Sport"
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The World Poker Federation (WPF) was founded with the mission to elevate poker as a recognized mind sport on the global stage, according to its website.
In late 2024, they achieved this aim with the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA) officially recognizing poker as a mind sport.
Now, WPF's focus has shifted to building the robust and ethical foundation necessary for any major sport to thrive.
TDA + WPF Continental Summit: Brazil
This commitment was reaffirmed this month at a summit held in conjunction with the Poker Tournament Directors Association (TDA), the Brazilian Association of Poker Tournament Directors (ADTP), and the Brazilian Poker Federation (CBTH), in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Roberto Lifschitz, Marketing Director of the World Poker Federation, said the summit highlighted the importance of a dedicated community when it comes to the development of poker.
"It strengthens tournament operations," said Lifschitz. "It reaffirms poker as a mind sport grounded in technique, structure, and professionalism."
Other attendees included:
- Devanir “DC” Campos - TDA Board Member, founder of the BSOP, long-standing member of the ADTP, and CEO of Stack Eventos
- Alberoni “Bill” Castro - President of the Brazilian poker federation (CBTH) and Sports Director at the World Poker Federation (WPF)
- Roberto Soares “Bob” - Head Tournament Director of the BSOP and director for the LAPT and CCTH
- Marcus Júnior - Tournament Director at the BSOP
Focus on Fairness and Control
Discussions at the summit centered mostly around two topics:
- Player Conduct: Following recent controversies, attendees prioritized setting clearer, global boundaries for acceptable player behavior. It was stressed that firmer intervention continues to be necessary when actions compromise the competitive environment and integrity of the "mind sport."
- Combatting Technology: Another concern was the proliferation of electronic devices and real-time assistance (RTA) during tournaments.
Other topics discussed included shot clocks, late registration policies, speech play, and "practices that directly influence pacing, clarity, and overall player experience."
Attendees agreed that there is a need for global policies to evolve consistently, in order to protect fairness ensure that poker remains a game defined by mind, skill, and structured competition.
Looking to the Future
After similar summits were held in Asia and Latin America, it looks like 2026 will see the summit expand to new regions. Future editions will aim to bring together even more directors, tournament organizers and stackholders from the poker industry in order to support the long-term development of poker worldwide.
