With just over a month remaining until the controversial Las Vegas event that will allow doping, the list of participants is approaching 50, as the project continues to move forward with private funding despite widespread international opposition.
First unveiled in May 2023 as a new international sporting competition, the initiative outlined plans for its debut edition in the United States. It quickly drew criticism for its policy of permitting the use of normally banned substances under medical supervision. Three years later, those plans are on the verge of becoming reality. The event is set to take place on 24 May in Las Vegas, at a purpose-built resort created specifically for the occasion.
The project has been surrounded by debate from the outset, including legal action taken by organisers against critics—cases that were ultimately dismissed—as well as ongoing tensions with international federations, some of which have threatened to ban athletes who take part. Despite this, interest among competitors has grown, with several athletes, including Olympic and World Championship medallists, signing up, drawn by the significant prize money on offer.
The event was founded by Australian lawyer and entrepreneur Aron D’Souza, though he stepped down as chief executive in late 2025 and was succeeded by investment banker Maximilian Martin. The concept represents a radical departure from traditional sport, allowing athletes to use performance-enhancing substances both in preparation for and during competition. Organisers maintain that their objective is “to unlock the full potential of the athlete,” even if that involves the use of substances typically prohibited in conventional events.
Currently, the programme remains as originally announced, featuring three sports: athletics, swimming, and weightlifting. During the three years of preparation, the event has been postponed twice, first to 2024, then to 2025, and is now expected to take place this year, barring any surprises.
However, its creation has faced numerous setbacks and has been criticised and rejected by all major international federations, the International Olympic Committee and the World Anti-Doping Agency, among others. Many health experts have opposed the concept from the outset. Labelled by critics as the ‘Steroid Olympics’, WADA and its American counterpart, the United States Anti-Doping Agency, launched a joint effort to prevent the event from going ahead, as reported by Inside The Games last November.
Nevertheless, the prize money on offer has attracted participants, including retired athletes seeking earnings beyond the scope of traditional competitions and those suspended or sanctioned for doping who now see this as an opportunity to compete despite their bans.
James Magnussen, the 2011 and 2013 world champion in the 100m freestyle and a three-time Olympic medallist at Rio 2016 and London 2012, was the first athlete to join the Enhanced Games. In July 2024, he admitted that he would be willing to take performance-enhancing drugs to break the men’s 50 m freestyle world record and claim the lucrative prize.
However, the organisers faced a legal setback late last year when a US federal judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by the Enhanced Games against World Aquatics. The case alleged monopolistic practices and sought $800 million (€694 million) in damages. Despite this, the project continues to move forward, with its position reflected in the words of its chief executive.
“We don’t need everyone to like us, support us, or agree with what we’re doing. We welcome differing opinions,” said Martin, who also reaffirmed his respect for the Olympic movement. At the same time, he described the Enhanced Games as “something entirely different, with its own distinct purpose.”
At present, the event has yet to secure sponsorship agreements and is being financed through private investment. Broadcasting rights for the inaugural edition have not been sold, and unless a deal is reached, the competition will be streamed бесплатно on YouTube, with tickets distributed at no cost.
Notably, there is still no official list of confirmed participants. The organisers have even indicated that some competitors—referred to as “shadow athletes”—are preparing in the background without publicly disclosing their involvement.
