Inside the $20 Million Enhanced Games: Performance or Peril?

Over in Las Vegas, the Enhanced Games took center stage, but not without a heavy dose of controversy. This inaugural event, held on May 24 at the Resorts World, invited retired Olympians to push the limits using performance-enhancing drugs. With a $20 million price tag, the games were a flashy showcase aiming to rewrite the rules of the sporting world. But here's the twist: nearly 90% of the 42 athletes were reportedly on drugs like anabolic steroids and human-growth hormones, all under the watchful eye of Dr. Guido Pieles. It's a spectacle backed by big names like Christian Angermayer, Peter Thiel, and Donald Trump Jr.

The event's organizers pitched it as a fair and transparent alternative to the Olympics, claiming to repair the physical toll of elite athletics. But not everyone is buying it. Critics, including the US Anti-Doping Agency and the IOC, have been vocal. They've slammed the games as irresponsible, with the IOC even banning participating athletes from official competition. Despite these criticisms, Enhanced’s cofounders seem unfazed, focusing on the lucrative rewards. Athletes could earn between $250,000 to a cool $1 million, far exceeding the typical annual earnings of $36,000 to $50,000 for clean athletes.

So what does this mean for the world of sports? The Enhanced Games are a test case for the industry's boundaries. While it might be tempting to dismiss them as a gimmick, the financial incentives suggest otherwise. If the model gains traction, it could pressure traditional sports to re-evaluate their stance on doping. Look, the ethical debate isn't going anywhere, but the lure of dramatic wins and fat paychecks will keep this conversation alive.