It’s like the Olympics – except steroids are allowed

Enhanced Games: A New Frontier in Athletic Performance

It s like the Olympics - Under the relentless glare of Las Vegas's sun, towering advertisements for the "Live Enhanced" competition dominate the skyline, while a deep-voiced commentator simulates the welcome of British swimmer Ben Proud and other athletes. This open-air arena, part of the Resorts World casino complex, is hosting what promises to be one of the most contentious sporting events in recent memory: the Enhanced Games. Unlike the traditional Olympics, where doping is a punishable offense, this competition embraces it, branding itself as an Olympic-like spectacle with a twist—performance-enhancing drugs are not just permitted, they are celebrated.

A Bold Experiment in Competitive Sports

The Enhanced Games, launched in 2023, have been dubbed "Olympics on steroids" by its supporters, a moniker that captures both the event’s ambition and its controversial nature. The inaugural competition, set to take place on Sunday, will feature a roster of elite athletes from disciplines such as track, weightlifting, and swimming, all vying to shatter world records with the aid of legal performance-enhancing substances. The prize pool, totaling $25 million, includes substantial cash awards for top finishers, with additional bonuses for record-breakers. For instance, athletes who set new standards in select events are eligible for a $1 million reward, a sum that has drawn attention from figures like US sprinter Fred Kerley.

Despite the controversial reputation of the event, its organizers emphasize that all substances used are FDA-approved and legally sanctioned. This distinction is crucial, as the event allows athletes to employ performance-enhancing drugs that are otherwise banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Testosterone and human growth hormone, for example, are permitted here, even though they are widely regarded as doping agents in mainstream competitions. These drugs, available for purchase and openly endorsed, are seen as a necessary step to elevate human potential to new heights.

The Entrepreneurs Behind the Movement

The Enhanced Games were founded by entrepreneurs Aron D’Souza and Maximilian Martin, who have garnered support from high-profile investors. Among them is tech mogul Peter Thiel, as well as Donald Trump Jr., whose backing underscores the event’s appeal to both sports and business worlds. The organizers argue that their initiative exposes the hidden realities of athletic competition, where many athletes have long used performance-enhancing drugs without public scrutiny. By creating a transparent platform, they claim to address the ethical dilemma of secrecy in doping practices.

However, this openness has sparked debate. Health experts warn that anabolic steroids and growth hormones can lead to severe health complications, including strokes and cardiovascular damage. These risks, they argue, are often overlooked in pursuit of athletic excellence. Despite these concerns, the Enhanced Games remain steadfast in their mission, asserting that their approach fosters integrity by acknowledging the reality of performance-enhancing drug use in sports.

Pushing Boundaries or Undermining Tradition?

Travis Tygart, CEO of the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), has expressed skepticism about the event’s premise. "You don’t have to be pressured or use drugs in order to be the best," he tells the BBC, highlighting the tension between the Enhanced Games and traditional sporting values. Tygart argues that while the Olympics’ anti-doping protocols are not flawless, the solution lies in reforming them rather than embracing doping. He emphasizes the need to protect athletes from the burden of cheating, particularly younger competitors who might feel compelled to inject themselves with potentially dangerous substances to achieve success.

"We don’t want kids to have to say, 'in order to win an Olympic medal, when I’m 18 or 20 years old, I have to inject myself every day in the rear end with a potentially dangerous drug.'"

Yet, the Enhanced Games’ proponents counter that their model is more honest. "We’re being up front and honest and transparent from the start," says American sprinter Shania Collins, a participant in the event. "So how can you challenge our integrity when we’re forthright with the information?" For Collins and others, the transparency of drug use in the Enhanced Games represents a shift from the shadowy practices that have plagued traditional competitions for decades.

Elite Athletes and Their Choices

Among the 42 athletes competing in the Enhanced Games on Sunday, the use of substances like testosterone and human growth hormone is widespread. Some also take stimulants such as Adderall to gain an edge. While not all participants are doping, the event’s philosophy encourages a competitive edge through pharmacological means. Strongman Hafthor Bjornsson, who portrayed the Mountain in Game of Thrones, is a notable example. He has openly admitted to steroid use, stating that it is widely accepted in his sport and necessary for peak performance.

Ben Proud, the British swimmer who earned silver in the 50m freestyle at the Paris Olympics in 2024, is another high-profile participant. His participation in the Enhanced Games has drawn criticism, with UK Athletics’ chief executive Jack Buckner calling it "appalling" that former Great Britain sprinter Reece Prescod joined the event. Similarly, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has labeled the Enhanced Games a "reckless venture," while GB Aquatics has stated that Proud will not be selected again for the Olympic team if he competes in this event.

Proud, who is aiming to break the world record in swimming, acknowledges the financial incentives driving his decision. "There’s no money in sport," he says before the competition. "I was 30 and had just come off a silver medal—what future path do I follow?" His reasoning reflects a broader trend among athletes seeking lucrative opportunities beyond the constraints of traditional competitions. In fact, during a trial held prior to Sunday’s event, a doped swimmer was awarded $1 million for setting a new record, a precedent that has fueled discussions about the event’s legitimacy.

Controversy and the Future of Sports

The Enhanced Games have sparked a rift between progressive and traditional sporting factions. While some view the event as a bold step toward embracing scientific advancements in athletics, others see it as a threat to the core values of clean competition. Critics within the Olympic movement argue that the event undermines the spirit of sport, which has long emphasized natural talent and rigorous training over chemical enhancements. Yet, the organizers maintain that their platform offers a new reality, where athletes can pursue excellence without fear of clandestine doping practices.

As the event unfolds, questions linger about its long-term impact on the sports world. Will it inspire a new generation of athletes to prioritize performance over purity, or will it serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked enhancement? For now, the Enhanced Games stand as a bold experiment, challenging the boundaries of what it means to be a champion in an era where the line between natural ability and artificial assistance is increasingly blurred.

With its blend of high-stakes competition, transparent drug use, and a roster of elite athletes, the Enhanced Games have become a symbol of the evolving landscape in sports. Whether seen as a revolutionary movement or a radical departure from tradition, the event is set to redefine the rules of athletic achievement, leaving the broader sports community to grapple with its implications for years to come.