Enhanced Games Explained: A deep dive into the controversial 'Doping Olympics'

Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world, often play host to some of the most iconic events. This year, the city is set to host the Enhanced Games this Sunday, May 24 2026, a unique and controversial sporting event drawing global attention.

Enhanced Games breaks the traditional barrier in sports by allowing athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs, unlike the Olympics, which promotes its 'Clean Sport' initiative aimed at eliminating steroid use and cheating.

The event organisers have attracted several investors, including a firm associated with US President Donald Trump's family.

The one-day sporting event would take place at a 2500-seater arena at Resorts World in Las Vegas.

What are the Enhanced Games?

Often dubbed as the 'Steroid Olympics' or 'Doping Olympics', Enhanced Games is an international sporting event in which the athletes are allowed to enhance their performance and themselves by using performance-enhancing substances (PEDs), which are forbidden in traditional competitions. An athlete can also perform clean at the sporting event.

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The following are the events in which the participants would compete:

The participating athletes compete for a USD 500,000 prize pool for all events, with winners earning USD 250,000. The athlete receives an additional $250k for breaking a world record, but none of it would be officially counted. Moreover, fetching record-breaking wins in marquee events like the 100m sprint or 50m freestyle can fetch an additional USD 1 million.

Enhanced Games was founded by Australian businessman Aron D’Souza, who was inspired by observing steroid use at gyms in the US, as per Sky Sports. 

Over time, 'Enhanced' is developing as a major movement and is now developing products and doing 'evidence-based research,' aiming to transform "human potential into superhumanity."

The sporting event has received backing from major investors, including '1789 Capital', a firm owned by the US President's son, Donald Trump Junior.

According to their website, Enhanced Games are "designed to push the boundaries of human performance" and "challenge traditional models of sport by embracing science, innovation, and measurable performance enhancement under regulated conditions."

The sporting event remains highly controversial, as critics argue that legitimising PEDs' usage undermines the integrity of sport and the athlete's health. But those in favour claim that the event embraces science and transparency rather than hiding enhancement practices.

The games have received immense pushback from agencies such as the IOC, World Athletics, and WADA, who deemed the event as 'dangerous and irresponsible.' A top USADA executive called the Enhanced Games a "Clown Show".

Which athletes are participating in the Enhanced Games?

This year, a total of 42 athletes have signed up for The Enhanced Games. Some of the notable figures include British freestyle swimmer and Paris Olympics silver medalist Ben Proud, World record holder Andriy Govorov, track and field icon Fred Kerley, and former 100m freestyle world champion James Magnussen.

Sprinter Reece Prescod, weightlifters Beatriz Piron and Arley Mendez, track athlete Clarence Munyai and swimmer Emily Barclay are among the other high-profile athletes taking part in the event.