Full Breakdown
Enhanced Games Debut: $25 Million Doping-Allowed Competition in Las Vegas
5/24/2026, 1:19:05 PM
Overview
The inaugural Enhanced Games, launched by entrepreneurs Aron D’Souza and Maximilian Martin, opened Sunday at Resorts World casino in Las Vegas. Investors include Peter Thiel, Donald Trump Jr. and German billionaire Christian Angermayer; the company listed on the NYSE this month. Forty-two athletes competed in track, swimming, weightlifting and strongman events before a crowd of about 2,500. Prize money totals $25 million, with $250,000 per event winner and a $1 million bonus for world-record performances in the 100-metre sprint and 50-metre butterfly. Swimmer Ben Proud could win $250,000 for a victory and $1 million for a record.
Athletes
Competitors include Ben Proud, sprinter Fred Kerley, strongman Hafthor Bjornsson and Canadians Mitchell Hooper and Boady Santavy. Organisers say 91 % use testosterone, 79 % HGH, 41 % EPO and 29 % anabolic steroids; the BBC reports most will use testosterone and some HGH, with a few athletes clean.
Official
USADA chief Travis Tygart says reform, not legal doping, is needed. UK Athletics chief Jack Buckner called the Games “appalling” after Reece Prescod signed up. UKAD called it a “reckless venture.” GB Aquatics warned Proud would lose Olympic eligibility. IOC and WADA issued a statement condemning the Games as a betrayal of sport’s values, and World Aquatics barred participants.
Criticism
Experts warn steroids and growth hormones can cause strokes, cardiovascular damage and serious conditions. Joe Vennare noted rising body-dysmorphia among young men. Brock University’s Ian Ritchie said normalising PED use could spur unsupervised experimentation. Critics call the event the “Steroid Olympics” and argue it legitimises illegal drug use.
Views
Strongman Hafthor Bjornsson said steroid use is accepted in his sport. Sprinter Shania Collins stressed transparency as a mark of integrity. Ben Proud entered because Olympic earnings are limited after his silver medal. Swimmer Hunter Armstrong pledged to compete clean, aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. James Magnussen urged parental control of media but said the Games are not aimed at children.
Conflicts
The BBC says “most” athletes will use testosterone and some HGH without precise percentages, while the organiser’s study reports 91 % testosterone and 79 % HGH. The BBC adds a few competitors will stay clean; the study notes only two athletes abstaining. No independent verification of the drug-use data exists.
Quotes
- “You don't have to be pressured or use drugs in order to be the best.” — Travis Tygart, USADA chief
- “We're being up front and honest and transparent from the start.” — Shania Collins, sprinter
- “There's no money in sport.” — Ben Proud, swimmer
- “Promoting performance-enhancing substances sends a dangerous message – especially to current and future generations of athletes.” — IOC/WADA
Outlook
The Enhanced Games will be held annually, with a 2026 edition already planned. Audience size and media coverage will determine whether it remains a niche spectacle or becomes a lasting alternative to traditional anti-doping sport.
