You've completely invalidated your argument. Playing sports was and still is considered a hobby. 'Work' is relative. I played highly competitive sports to train for the Olympics for many years, but I'm not ignorant enough to think that a professional anything doesn't put in 'work' to be among the best. I've read articles about professional gamers who put in insane hours to be the best at what they do. Just because you don't deem it work doesn't mean it isn't. I hate golf. I think it's a lazy sport. Does that mean pro golfers don't work to be good? Because I think golf is a lazy sport, does that mean they shouldn't be paid for it? You're basing your opinion on your own disdain for gaming.