In a historic decision that has traditional athletes double-clicking in disbelief, the International Olympic Committee has announced the inclusion of esports as an official event. Starting next summer, athletes will be swapping their running shoes for gaming mice as they compete for the ultimate prize: Olympic gold.
The announcement has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, with top players already in rigorous training, swapping pizza for protein shakes and practicing victory dances. “I’ve been preparing for this moment by clicking heads in ‘Overwatch’ for years,” said one hopeful competitor, adjusting his ergonomic gaming chair.
Critics of the decision argue that the thumb-twiddling action might not draw the same crowds as the 100-meter sprint. However, supporters are quick to point out the strategic depth and lightning-fast reflexes required to master games like ‘League of Legends’ and ‘Dota 2’.
As for the Olympic torch? Rumors are it’ll be replaced by a giant, glowing LED keyboard, ushering in a new era of Olympic competition. “It’s about time we recognized the agility of the mind alongside the agility of the body,” declared an IOC spokesperson, while secretly practicing his ‘StarCraft II’ build orders.