In a groundbreaking development for the world of sports, the controversial Enhanced Games, founded by Dr. Aron D’Souza, will make its debut in Las Vegas from May 22 to May 24, 2026. This event has stirred considerable debate since its conception, particularly due to its endorsement of performance-enhancing drugs in a competitive setting.
The inaugural Enhanced Games will take place at the luxurious Resorts World Las Vegas, which will host a bespoke competition venue within its premises. Unlike the Olympics, which encompass 32 sports, the Enhanced Games will focus exclusively on three primary disciplines: swimming, track and field, and weightlifting.
Event Details
The Enhanced Games schedule includes:
- Swimming: 50m and 100m freestyle, 50m and 100m butterfly
- Track & Field: 100m sprint, 100m/110m hurdles
- Weightlifting: Snatch, Clean & Jerk
This dedicated complex will feature a four-lane, 50-meter pool, a six-lane sprint track, and a specialized stage for weightlifting events. D’Souza has also vowed to utilize an “immersive digital format” for global streaming, aiming to transform spectator engagement in sports.
“We live in a world transformed by science—from vaccines to AI,” remarked D’Souza in a press release. “But sport has stood still. Today, we’re not updating the rulebook—we’re rewriting it. And we’re doing it safely, ethically, and boldly.”
Understanding the Enhanced Games
According to the official [Enhanced Games website](https://enhanced.org/), the initiative aims to promote scientific advancements and focus on core sports while ensuring fair recompense for athletes. The philosophy behind the Enhanced Games posits that responsibly used performance-enhancing drugs can significantly improve training results and enable athletes to achieve their utmost potential.
D’Souza’s vision extends beyond merely allowing drug use among athletes. He seeks to create a modernized, science-oriented event that captivates audiences on social media and broadcast television—media that are often tailored to shorter attention spans. The initiative has attracted investment from notable Silicon Valley figures, including billionaire Peter Thiel and Donald Trump Jr., both contributing several million dollars into the venture.
In a revealing interview with Canadian Running, D’Souza emphasized the need for adequate compensation for athletes, stating, “The amount of work these athletes have to put in is not compensated adequately…” Each of the nine events will feature a prize purse of $500,000, with significant bonuses for breaking world records in key areas like the 100m sprint and the 50m freestyle, effectively aiming to elevate the status of the participating athletes.
Challenges and Criticism
Despite its ambitious goals, the Enhanced Games face substantial criticism from various sectors of the sports industry. Esteemed figures, including World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, have publicly lambasted the event. Coe characterized it as “bollocks” and a “dangerous clown show,” reflecting the skepticism surrounding the event’s ethical implications.
Travis Tygart, the CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), has echoed this sentiment, describing the initiative as a “clown show.” Further, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has labeled the Enhanced Games as a “dangerous and irresponsible project.” Coe has warned that any athlete participating in the Enhanced Games could face lengthy bans from athletics, while World Aquatics has announced that any of its athletes involved would also face potential bans.
The Enhanced Games, with its unique premise and ambitious goals, continues to raise questions about the future of competitive sports and the ethical considerations surrounding drug use in athletic competitions. As the May 2026 date approaches, the sports community remains divided.
