In a defining moment for the development of poker in Latin America, the Colombian Ministry of Sport has officially recognized poker as a sport under national law. The resolution, published in March 2025, places poker within the country’s official sports system, removing it from the margins of legal ambiguity and placing it alongside traditional disciplines that are governed, regulated, and supported by public policy.
The decision is a milestone for poker worldwide. It is a formal acknowledgment — from the highest sports authority in the country — that poker is not a game of chance, but a mental sport built on skill, logic, discipline, and competitive structure. With this, Colombia becomes one of the first countries in Latin America to take such a clear and progressive stance.
Federation Recognized as Governing Body
Alongside the sport’s recognition, the Federación Colombiana de Poker (FCP) has been granted official status as the body responsible for regulating, organizing, and representing poker nationally. The certification is valid for five years and gives the FCP full legal authority to run competitions, establish rankings, coordinate with institutions, and represent Colombia in international arenas.
At the heart of this achievement is Johann Ibañez, president of the FCP and one of the most respected figures in Colombian poker. His leadership over the past decade — marked by persistence, institutional articulation, and an unwavering belief in poker’s legitimacy — was key to building the credibility needed to earn state recognition.
This is not just a personal victory, but a generational milestone for Colombian poker. The doors are now open for players, clubs, and organizers to operate within a protected and recognized legal framework, creating a path for long-term development, access to public programs, and broader cultural legitimacy.
A Global Effort, Anchored by the WPF
The recognition in Colombia is part of a broader shift, driven by the work of the World Poker Federation (WPF). Created to unify and standardize poker as a mind sport globally, the WPF played a key supporting role throughout the Colombian process — offering technical guidance, strategic coordination, and aligning the country with international standards.
While poker’s recent acceptance into the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA) helped to consolidate its classification as a sport, it is through the work of the WPF and its network of national federations that real institutional change is being built on the ground.
Colombia’s decision is a powerful example of what is possible when regulation, sport, and political will come together. It is a victory for poker — not just as a game, but as a global discipline worthy of respect, recognition, and protection.