Doping-Enhanced Games to Debut in Las Vegas in 2026

Medal and syringe

A new and controversial Olympics-style sporting event, where athletes will be allowed, and even encouraged, to use performance-enhancing drugs, is scheduled to debut in Las Vegas next May.

Athletes Are Encouraged to Use Performance-Enhancing Drugs

Named the Enhanced Games, this sporting event will hold its first competition in Las Vegas, featuring swimming, athletics, and weightlifting. Hosted at Resorts World, the games will offer substantial prize money, up to $500,000 per event, and a $1 million bonus for any athlete who breaks the world record in either the 100m sprint or the 50m freestyle.

Aron D’Souza, an Australian entrepreneur based in London and the event’s founder, believes current anti-doping rules are old-fashioned and unfair. He says the Enhanced Games are a modern take on the Olympics, designed for today’s world. D’Souza argues that with fast progress in science and technology, we need a sports event that embraces the future, especially new developments in medical science.

“We are creating a new category of human excellence,” the Enhanced Games’ promotional materials declare. “A world where performance-enhancing drugs are used safely, openly, and under medical supervision.”

Organizers promise to carry out thorough medical checks, personalized health reviews, and oversight by independent science and ethics panels. However, instead of traditional drug testing, athletes will be asked to openly report the substances they are using.

The organizers say they won’t allow illegal drug use. All substances must be legally prescribed, and athletes must be medically cleared to compete. Instead of strict rules, the focus will be on working with athletes, which the Enhanced Games team says is a key part of their approach.

Many Criticize the Event

Since performance-enhancing drugs are heavily restricted or completely banned in most professional sports, Aron D’Souza’s project has faced significant criticism. The World Anti-Doping Agency released a statement saying that these substances have caused serious physical and mental harm to many athletes in the past, with some cases even resulting in death.

The Enhanced Games are also attracting major attention and controversy due to their supporters. Their latest funding round, reportedly worth millions, includes backing from 1789 Capital, a firm led by Donald Trump Jr., Omeed Malik, and Chris Buskirk.

Other major investors include Apeiron Investment Group and Karatage, a hedge fund focused on cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence. A promo video announcing the funding suggests support from Donald Trump. D’Souza said having investors connected to Trump makes sense. He also mentioned that he’s worked with people in the current presidential administration before, and to him, their support matters more than the money.

Organizers say they’re in discussions with major sponsors and streaming services, but so far, no broadcast deals or high-profile athletes have been confirmed beyond a few early supporters. If criticism grows from sports federations, governments, or regulators, it’s uncertain whether the event can withstand the pressure.

For now, the Enhanced Games are going forward under their bold slogan: Live Enhanced.

How the world responds to this vision could shape the fate of this event and the broader debate over the ethical boundaries of modern sports.

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