Picture a marathoner crossing the finish line, collapsing with a heart rate over 180 and muscles screaming from hours of pounding pavement. Now picture a gamer after a four-hour tournament. Their hands are tired and their eyes are strained. The physiological gap is massive, and it's measurable. Studies consistently show competitive gaming produces far lower cardiovascular demand than traditional sports. If we redefine sport to include any competitive activity involving skill, then chess, poker, and even competitive eating qualify. Where's the line? The body has to be the primary instrument of exertion, not just the hands directing a controller. That's the peer-reviewed distinction.