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https://petitions.whitehouse.gov//petition/uscis-should-recognize-all-esports-legitimate-sports-so-international-players-can-come-us-p1-visas

"The USCIS Should Recognize All Esports As 'Legitimate' Sports So International Players Can Come to the US on P1 Visas."

This petition arises from an ongoing situation regarding one of the best Super Smash Bros. Melee players in the world, William "Leffen" Hjelte. In 2015, Mr. Hjelte was deported from the United States because he was sponsored by an American company while using a tourist visa, when he needed a work visa. After applying for a P1 Visa, which is what professional athletes use to come to the US, he was denied due to Super Smash Bros. Melee not being recognized as a "legitimate" sport. Competitors in other eSports, such as League of Legends, have been approved for P1 Visas in order to travel to the US and compete. Given the precedent set with League of Legends, other eSports should be considered "legitimate" sports in order to let players come and compete in the United States.

It would be neat-o if you did.

Absolutely not.

signed

consistency should be key

"but vudeo gemz r not spurts"

that's not what it's about you dumb bitch

it's about consistency--if international LoL players can compete in the US, all competitive internat gamers should be able to

because that's what's fair--it has nothing to do with this arbitrary definition of sport

that said I'd still agree even if there were no recognized esports. the important thing is that they are a booming industry with large audiences. that alone should justify to the government that they are worth sponsoring.

yeah, agreed

Can brits even do that

Quote from: BaconShelf on May 04, 2016, 11:40:01 AM

Can brits even do that

yes

That seems weird

But whatever I don't see why not

Uh, no.

LoL shouldn't have special visas either.

Uh, no.

LoL shouldn't have special visas either.

see, i don't exactly understand why not though

like, beyond this silly notion that it violates the sanctity of sports (lmao) what is the problem with this

Quote from: PsygnI on May 04, 2016, 12:08:46 PM

Uh, no.

LoL shouldn't have special visas either.

see, i don't exactly understand why not though

like, beyond this silly notion that it violates the sanctity of sports (lmao) what is the problem with this

Why is it a silly notion? It's not the "sanctity" that matters, gaming isn't a sport. It could be classified as work if that's your job to win these competitions (although for some reason that was issue for the guy in question too, which is bullshit).

I mean whatever, fine, don't sign it--but your reasoning sucks dick, that's all I'm saying.

Even "I'm too lazy and/or apathetic to sign this petition that does not affect me" would have been a better reason.

This would be beneficial for both parties. Have you seen a StarCraft tournament? They're wicked huge, you can bet there's a lot of money put into them, if we had more international pro players coming (and there's plenty of them in South Korea) we could have more tournaments here which equals: more money on our end. Plus Esports could grow into something bigger, SK has three TV channels dedicated to StarCraft, I personally would love one.

Just your first, last name and email address which you can turn off any advertising for.

Do I have to give any personal info to sign?

Hell no.

lol cunt