The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has issued a strong warning against the upcoming Enhanced Games, describing the event as dangerous, unethical, and a direct threat to athlete safety and the integrity of sport. The competition, set to take place next year in Las Vegas, will allow participants to use performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), a move that has sparked outrage within the global sporting community.
WADA’s president condemned the concept as “irresponsible,” urging anti-doping authorities worldwide to unite in opposing the event. He emphasized that encouraging athletes to compete while taking banned substances contradicts decades of work aimed at ensuring fair play and protecting health.
The Enhanced Games, marketed as a “new era in athletic competition,” includes events in swimming, athletics, and weightlifting. Organizers claim it will celebrate “scientific advancements” that push human limits, with prize money of up to $1 million for breaking world records. However, critics argue that such incentives could tempt athletes to take extreme health risks.
The WADA chief also called on the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to take stronger action, suggesting that legal and advocacy measures could help prevent the event from proceeding. He highlighted the responsibility of U.S. institutions to discourage sponsors and investors from supporting what he described as a reckless experiment with human health.
The Enhanced Games have already attracted attention for their high-profile backers and controversial stance on doping. Organizers insist the event promotes freedom of choice and scientific innovation, but experts warn it could lead to severe health consequences, including potential fatalities, as unregulated use of PEDs is known to cause cardiovascular, hormonal, and psychological damage.
The WADA president further criticized weaknesses in the U.S. anti-doping system, noting that most American athletes are not subject to the World Anti-Doping Code. He urged collaboration rather than conflict, stressing that protecting athletes and ensuring clean competition must remain the priority worldwide.
As preparations for the Enhanced Games continue, global pressure is mounting on regulators and sponsors to act before the event normalizes doping in sport.
