Recently, I read an article about why water polo is the most boring Olympic sport to watch. If you’re like me, a statement like that would make you go, “Whaaaaaat?” Granted, I have played water polo for almost ten years and currently play on a Division 1 college team, but still…I think it’s a pretty interesting sport.

So for what it's worth, here are five reasons I think water polo is one of the most interesting and challenging sports today:

1. The game is simple once you understand just a few rules.

Although fouls happen about three times a possession and some of the rules may seem unclear to a new viewer, the game is really just six people (plus the goalie) trying to get a ball into a goal, and seven people trying to stop that. If you think of the strategy like a cross between hockey and basketball but using your hands, it gets a bit easier to digest. Also, the game is very subjective to the ref, so honestly, sometimes even the players won't know what's going on, and that's OK.

2. It’s a super physical game.

Yes, you will see refs calling hits, kicks, pulls, and elbows…but they still happen. A lot. Not to mention a lot of the fighting happens under water.

3. The players are extremely passionate.

There’s a reason why the cameramen always pan over to a team’s bench after a goal: they are the definition of hype. Fist bumps, hugs, and screaming are all commonplace for every single goal scored. It's expected. This passion is also what makes the sport so physical at times.

4. Game strategy is fast-paced and complex, but vastly entertaining.

I get that it can be confusing at times, but the passes and movements performed in water polo are extremely tricky and take a lot of mental strength.

5. The players aren’t bad to look at.

It had to be said! Pro water polo players are some of the most physically-fit athletes imaginable. They are strong, fast, and generally (at least on the men’s side) giants. Who wouldn’t want to watch that for an hour?