What was the first video game to be officially recognized as a sports discipline in a country?

StarCraft: Brood War

"StarCraft: Brood War" was recognized as a sports discipline in South Korea, marking a historic moment for e-sports. This real-time strategy game not only spawned a flourishing competitive culture in Korea but also led to the creation of the Korean e-Sports Association (KeSPA) in 2000. The official recognition of "StarCraft" as a sport paved the way for the organization of professional tournaments, the birth of television channels dedicated to e-sports, and elevated players to celebrity status. This milestone was crucial in the evolution of e-sports, transforming them from a pastime into a billion-dollar industry.