Controversial Enhanced Games promises tons of world records, and loads of asterisks as well
Las Vegas, Nevada: Forget men in women's sports, next year will see the most controversial sporting event ever held make its debut. The Enhanced Games, will have its inaugural edition in Las Vegas from May 21-24, 2026. The Games will openly permit athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) under medical supervision.
The Enhanced Games were founded in 2023 by Australian entrepreneur Dr. Aron D'Souza. D'Souza is joined by backers including billionaire investor Christian Angermayer and PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel. Other investors include Balaji Srinivasan and Donald Trump Jr.'s venture fund, 1789 Capital.
The leadership team also features Brett Fraser, an Olympian and chief athletics officer, and geneticist George Church as an advisor. Their collective vision is to "create a platform where scientific innovation and human performance intersect, free from the anti-doping restrictions that govern traditional sporting events".
The Enhanced Games have drawn fierce criticism from the sporting establishment, anti-doping agencies, and segments of the medical community. Travis Tygart, head of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, labeled the event "a dangerous clown show that puts profit over principle". Olympic champions and sports scientists have warned of the potential health risks, with many expressing concern that encouraging PED use could lead to reckless and unsafe practices.
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However, the Games have also attracted some support. Certain athletes, frustrated by what they see as hypocrisy in anti-doping enforcement and the lack of financial rewards in traditional sports, have voiced interest. Some commentators admit to being intrigued by the prospect of witnessing "superhuman" performances.
The inaugural Enhanced Games will take place in Las Vegas at a purpose-built competition complex inside Resorts World Las Vegas. The venue will feature a four-lane 50-meter pool, a six-lane sprint track, and a custom weightlifting stage.
While the full roster is still being finalized, several high-profile athletes have already committed or expressed interest: Kristian Gkolomeev from Greece recently broke the 50m freestyle world record under Enhanced Games protocols and was awarded a $1 million prize.
Austrlian James Magnussen is an Olympic medalist aiming to break the 50m freestyle world record, and has openly discussed his use of testosterone and other enhancers.
Organizers are targeting about 100 competitors for the first edition.
Competitors will be grouped by chromosomal sex (XX and XY categories) rather than traditional gender divisions.
Each event will offer a $500,000 purse, with $250,000 for first place. Record-breaking performances in the 100m sprint and 50m freestyle will earn a $1 million bonus, and other world records will net $250,000. Appearance fees and additional incentives are also part of the package.
The Enhanced Games will be streamed globally on YouTube, X, and the official Enhanced Games website.