The Enhanced Games will take place in Las Vegas in May 2026
How about this for a bold and controversial idea: a sporting event where the use of performance-enhancing drugs (peds) is not just permitted, but actively encouraged? That is exactly what Aron D’Souza, an Australian lawyer and entrepreneur, has been working to organise for the past few years. Mr D’Souza says his sports tournament, the Enhanced Games, is taking a stand for freedom and choice. Not everyone is convinced. Derided as the “doping Olympics”, the idea has drawn intense criticism from sporting bodies. Nonetheless, after years of speculation, the inaugural event will take place from May 21st to 24th in Las Vegas.
The programme will feature swimming, track events and weightlifting, with prize money of $500,000 per event (the aim is to add further categories in future years). And there is a $1m bonus on offer for any competitor who breaks a world record. The organisers promise global live-streaming and broadcast coverage, though details of these partnerships have yet to be announced.
Athletes do not have to use peds to compete, and may compete as “natural” athletes. But those who do enhance will have to do so under close medical supervision, and may use only products that have been approved by America’s drug-regulation agency. The organisers say that, to ensure a level playing field, every athlete will begin their drug protocols at the same time. This will happen in two rounds, with the second round taking place in the run-up to the event.
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The Enhanced Games - The sports tournament where drugs are allowed (Economist)