A controversial new sporting event known as the Enhanced Games opened in Las Vegas on Sunday, featuring athletes competing while using performance-enhancing drugs banned in traditional elite sports, according to the BBC.
Founded in 2023 by entrepreneurs Aron D’Souza and Maximilian Martin, the competition includes track, swimming and weightlifting events. Organizers say the Games are designed to push the limits of human performance while allowing athletes to openly use substances such as testosterone and human growth hormone, provided they are legal and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Despite the controversy, the event has attracted high-profile athletes, including British swimmer Ben Proud and American sprinter Fred Kerley. It has also received backing from investors such as Peter Thiel and Donald Trump Jr. The competition offers a total prize pool of $25 million, including bonuses of up to $1 million for selected world records.
The Enhanced Games have drawn criticism from anti-doping authorities and sports organizations. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency has warned about potential health risks linked to anabolic steroids and growth hormones, while supporters of the event argue it provides a more transparent alternative to hidden doping in sport.
