Billionaire Christian Angermayer, co-founder of the controversial Enhanced Games, which allows athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs, remains confident about its future despite widespread criticism. In an interview, he expressed his love for the criticism, saying it helps draw attention to the event.
Background and Investment
Angermayer, a German biotech billionaire, was approached by Australian entrepreneur Aron D'Souza in 2023 to co-found the Enhanced Games. He invested $2.5 million initially. Other investors include tech billionaire Peter Thiel, Saudi prince Khaled bin Alwaleed Al Saud, and Donald Trump Jr's 1789 Capital.
Inaugural Games and Controversy
The first Enhanced Games took place in May at Resorts World in Las Vegas, with 42 athletes from 24 countries competing in swimming, track, weightlifting, and strongman events. British swimmer Ben Proud and US sprinter Fred Kerley were among the participants. Cash prizes included $250,000 for event winners and $1 million bonuses for unofficial world records.
The event faced criticism from World Athletics president Lord Coe, who called athletes considering participation "moronic," and from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which called it "a dangerous and irresponsible concept." Angermayer dismissed these critics, saying, "I love the criticism. One of the biggest thank yous goes out to the IOC and to Lord Coe, who I would really like to meet and invite round for dinner, because he was so insanely stupid with his quotes."
Drug Use and Safety Claims
During the games, 91 per cent of athletes used testosterone or testosterone esters, with smaller numbers using anabolic steroids and stimulants. Critics, including the BMJ, have highlighted "substantial and poorly understood health risks." Organisers argue that the event's radical transparency and "medical oversight" provide a safe environment.
Angermeyer defended the approach, saying, "Whatever is legally allowed and you can get, together with your doctor, is fair game." He cited the FDA as a neutral arbiter for safety, though critics note that FDA-approved drugs are meant for medical settings and can cause harm outside them.
Business Ventures and Future Plans
The Enhanced Games also sells enhancements like creatine, testosterone, and synthetic peptides through a separate business stream. Angermayer claims these can help normal people train better.
Organisers say 37 of the 42 athletes participated in an International Review Board trial in Abu Dhabi before the games. The rest were either not enhancing or used private doctors approved by the games.
Results and Financials
Despite expectations, only one world record was unofficially broken, by Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev in the men's 50m freestyle. Angermayer admitted to crying when the record fell, saying, "I was dying and I cried when he broke it, kind of for him but also for myself and all of us." He attributed the fewer-than-expected records to moderate enhancements and athlete hesitation.
A $10 million bonus has been announced for any athlete who breaks Usain Bolt's 100m world record in the 2027 games. The organisation was valued at $1.2 billion before the 2026 games, but stock fell after results. A $50 million equity financing agreement was announced in June, though stock fell again after the announcement.
Looking Ahead
Angermayer remains confident, saying, "In the first year we were the ones who had to convince people. Now everybody wants to work with us." Future events will stay in the US for now, with plans to go international later. Breakout events have been held, including one featuring Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, and Angermayer is certain the world will keep watching.
