US Governments Deems Pro 'LoL' Video Game Players Professional Athletes, Awards Work Visas

[ErikStenger]

After a crusade by League of Legends developer Riot Games, the US government now recognizes the game's professional players as professional athletes, and will award them visas to come to the country and work (read: play the game). MUST BE NICE.

"This is groundbreaking for eSports; now we can start looking at international players when they come over. It's a much easier process because they're actually recognized by the government. This is a huge thing."
"This was a lengthy process; we had a lot of people fighting for this. It wasn't something that happened overnight," Allen continued.
He further explained that Riot went back and forth with the government multiple times before enough evidence was provided to prove that the game is a legitimate sport.
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Heck yeah! It's about time video gamers receive the professional athlete status they deserve. And I'm not just saying that because this is the best chance I stand of ever becoming a professional athlete.

 

[Snakebabies]

idiocracy

 

[FreshBakedCookie]

Obummer. =D

 

[RainMotorsports]

Well the one thing is basically a foreigner can't be paid by a US company to do work here. All that happens out of country. Sure they can get away with that but if they get a normal visa to come visit for an event, etc and then get caught "working" its going to be a problem. I am sure the circumstances that define work rarely actually occur for such temporary things but there are other temporary "jobs" a pro gamer would normally need a work visa. This is a solution to that problem. It does open up a few extra doors though.