The Enhanced Games, the world’s first competition allowing athletes to use performance-enhancing substances, is set to make its debut in May 2026 in Las Vegas, with organisers claiming it will change public perception of doping in sports.

The event has already attracted high-profile names, including British swimmer Ben Proud, a Paris Olympic silver medallist, and three-time world champion sprinter Fred Kerley. Around 21 athletes have signed up, with organisers expecting a total of 50 competitors by May.

New Leadership at the Enhanced Games

The Enhanced Games recently appointed a new chief executive, Maximilian Martin, who took over from founder Aron D’Souza. Martin, 29, previously worked as an investment banker in London before setting up a bitcoin mining company. He insists the Games will be conducted safely, with medical oversight and post-competition monitoring for up to five years.

“The first Games will show the world that no-one exploded or suffered a heart attack while competing. It is just not happening,” said Martin in a recent interview.

He added that the event could influence mainstream sports to rethink their approach to anti-doping policies, shifting from punitive measures to athlete health and safety-focused monitoring.

Event Details and Format

The inaugural event will feature swimming, sprinting, and weightlifting, with competitions held at a temporary Las Vegas arena, including a four-lane pool and a 100m sprint track. While traditional revenue streams like media rights and ticket sales are currently limited, the Games will initially be broadcast free on YouTube, and the 2,500 arena tickets will be given away.

Enhanced Games is also establishing a training base in Abu Dhabi, where athletes can follow their performance-enhancing regimens under supervision. Organisers plan to expand the Games in the future to include triathlon events, Ironman-distance challenges, and even a winter edition, making it a biannual event.

Controversy and Criticism

The Games have been widely criticised by anti-doping officials and governing bodies, who warn of potential risks such as cardiovascular issues, reproductive problems, and long-term mental health effects. A University of Birmingham study earlier this year highlighted the unknown long-term risks associated with performance-enhancing substances.

Despite this, Martin remains confident, arguing that the Enhanced Games offers a “different, but highly controlled” environment for elite athletes.

“We are not here to convince everyone. We respect the Olympic system and everything it stands for. This is just something very, very different,” Martin added.

Prize Money and Commercial Plans

The Enhanced Games’ business model focuses on promoting supervised supplementation programs and partnering with brands for sponsorship deals. Prize money is reportedly equivalent to the value of 13 world titles, highlighting the financial incentives for elite athletes to participate.

Public Perception and the Future

Martin believes that, after the first Games, critics and institutions will change their perspective, realising that the event can be conducted safely and ethically under strict oversight. With Olympic-level athletes signing up, the Enhanced Games aims to carve out a new niche in the global sporting landscape, combining entertainment, elite performance, and controlled experimentation with doping.