Enhanced Games 2026: The Controversial 'Doping Olympics' Set for Las Vegas
The long-anticipated and highly contentious Enhanced Games are finally poised to make their debut, with the inaugural event scheduled for Las Vegas in May 2026. Dubbed the "Doping Olympics" by critics, this competition permits the use of performance-enhancing drugs, sparking fierce debate across the sporting world.
Event Details: When and Where
The Enhanced Games are set to unfold from Thursday 21 May to Sunday 24 May 2026. The chosen venue is Resorts World, a prominent hotel in Las Vegas. Organisers plan to install temporary facilities, including a four-lane 50-metre swimming pool and a six-lane 100-metre track, to host the events.
Sports and Format
The competition will feature only three core sports: swimming, athletics, and weightlifting. Additionally, a 'strongman' component may be included separately from weightlifting. The event lineup is notably limited, with athletics focusing solely on the 100-metre sprint and hurdles.
Prize Money and Incentives
Substantial financial rewards are on offer. Event winners will receive $250,000, with another $250,000 distributed among other competitors. A lucrative bonus of $1 million is promised to any athlete who breaks the official world record in the 100-metre sprint or 50-metre freestyle swimming.
Confirmed Athletes and Participation
Approximately 40 athletes have publicly committed to the Games, though the full roster remains unannounced. High-profile names include:
- Fred Kerley, American sprinter and former 100-metre world champion.
- Ben Proud, British freestyle swimmer and Olympic silver medallist, the first UK athlete to sign up.
- Reece Prescod, British sprinter and European 100-metre silver medallist.
- Emily Barclay, another British swimmer.
According to the Enhanced Games website, 13 swimmers, 12 track athletes, 14 weightlifters, and two strongmen are currently listed.
Drug Policy and Regulations
Most performance-enhancing substances will be allowed, provided they are legal in the United States and prescribed by a doctor. Illegal recreational drugs, such as cocaine, are prohibited. Athletes have openly discussed using anabolic steroids, testosterone, human growth hormone, and peptides, and are required to disclose their intake.
Founder's Defence and Criticisms
Dr Aron D'Souza, the founder of the Enhanced Games, has strongly rejected claims that the event endangers athletes' health. He insists that drug use will be closely monitored by medical professionals to mitigate risks.
However, the competition faces severe backlash from major sporting bodies:
- World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) labels it "dangerous and irresponsible".
- World Athletics states it undermines "the sport's integrity and tradition".
- International Olympic Committee (IOC) and others have issued joint statements condemning the Games as a "betrayal" of fair play and ethical values.
Participants will face bans from mainstream competitions, reinforcing the divisive nature of this groundbreaking event.
