What is Enhanced Games? Donald Trump Jr-backed ‘Doping Olympics’ happening on Sunday

The Enhanced Games will offer 250,000 USD in first prizes and bonuses of up to 1 million USD for record-breakers in top events like the 100m sprint.

Published on: May 23, 2026, 11:10:13 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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The inaugural Enhanced Games is set to take place on Sunday (May 24) in Las Vegas. The event will see professional athletes from around the world participate in swimming, weightlifting and track with the aid of performance-enhancing drugs.

The idea for Enhanced Games was conceived in 2022 and officially announced in 2023. (AFP)

Nicknamed by fans as the 'Doping Olympics' or 'Steroid Olympics', the event will feature 50 athletes, who will use performance enhancers of their own choice. Speaking to the media, Max Martin, CEO and co-founder of Enhanced Games, said, "A big success for us would be the athletes being healthy, safe, better paid and happier than they've ever been before."

Also Read: IOC bans transgender women athletes from Olympics, introduces new policy on female eligibility

Donald Trump Jr's investment firm

In the spotlight is Donald Trump Jr, whose investment firm, 1789 Capital, joined Peter Thiel on the cap table of the company behind the games. The WADA and IOC have been highly critical of the competition. WADA chief Witold Banka called it a dangerous event.

Benjamin Cohen, director general of the International Testing Agency, said, "I’ve heard some people calling it the ‘Doping Olympics,’ but even using the word ‘Olympics’ (is a stretch)."

"At the end of the day, it’s a one-day event, it’s 2,000 people eating popcorn and there’s a music concert. It’s (50) athletes. It’s not right to put it on the same level."

The idea for Enhanced Games was conceived in 2022 and officially announced in 2023. The parent company, Enhanced, went public on May 8 and saw its stock drop by around half to 5.24 USD on Friday afternoon.

Huge prize money and ban threat

The Enhanced Games will offer 250,000 USD in first prizes and bonuses of up to 1 million USD for record-breakers in top events like the 100m sprint.

The biggest name among the participants is Fred Kerley, the 2022 world 100m champion, with a personal best of 9.76 seconds.

Although World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has warned athletes competing at the Enhanced Games that they could face a long ban. Kerley is not worried. He told reporters, "I will compete at the Olympics in 2028. They can't do nothing. We, us athletes, pay the bills. They don't pay our bills."

"I'm still getting tested from AIU, USADA. Simple. The only difference is my pocket is getting fatter... Somebody fires you from the job, don't you gotta go get a look for ways to make more money?"

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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