Should pro gamers be considered as athletes?

[ArnoldRimmer]

iceland said:

Do you think gamers should be able to  enroll in a University as a student athlete?

The only question coming to my mind is: What difference does it make, in practice?

I mean, I'd also be generally fine if some guy enrolled in a University as a woman, a chicken or a cheeseburger, if that's what he considers himself and it doesn't make any actual difference anyway.

If, however, it's because there are certain advantages related to enrolling as a woman, chicken, cheeseburger or whatever, I might be against them enrolling as that, I might protest "Hey, you're not a cheeseburger!"

iceland said:

they think it's easy and they're lazy or whatever but I don't think the general public knows how hard it really is to become a pro. These pros are practicing every day, the strategy and stamina involved is crazy. Sure it's not what we think of traditionally as a athlete, but I do think it's something we should consider.

Almost the same can be said about musicians. Should we consider them athletes too? and if so: Why? What's the point?!?