Enhanced Games
Imagine a global sporting event where the traditional rules of anti-doping are not just relaxed, but intentionally discarded. The Enhanced Games proposes a radical new vision for athletic competition, inviting participants to openly use performance-enhancing substances under medical supervision. This controversial venture aims to challenge the very foundations of elite sport, promising record-breaking feats and a redefinition of human limits. The Enhanced Games is a planned multi-sport event that openly permits athletes to use FDA-approved performance-enhancing substances, defying traditional anti-doping regulations. Founder Aron D'Souza advocates for athlete autonomy and aims to disrupt what he calls the 'corrupt' Olympic system by offering significant prize money and investment in technology. The concept has ignited widespread controversy, drawing fierce condemnation from global sports organizations and anti-doping bodies, while simultaneously attracting high-profile athletes and significant venture capital backing.
AI Summary
Imagine a global sporting event where the traditional rules of anti-doping are not just relaxed, but intentionally discarded. The Enhanced Games proposes a radical new vision for athletic competition, inviting participants to openly use performance-enhancing substances under medical supervision. This controversial venture aims to challenge the very foundations of elite sport, promising record-breaking feats and a redefinition of human limits.
- The Enhanced Games is a planned multi-sport event that openly permits athletes to use FDA-approved performance-enhancing substances, defying traditional anti-doping regulations.
- Founder Aron D'Souza advocates for athlete autonomy and aims to disrupt what he calls the 'corrupt' Olympic system by offering significant prize money and investment in technology.
- The concept has ignited widespread controversy, drawing fierce condemnation from global sports organizations and anti-doping bodies, while simultaneously attracting high-profile athletes and significant venture capital backing.
Welcome to the Enhanced Games
In the world of elite sports, the fight against performance-enhancing drugs has long been a defining battle. But what if a major competition decided to embrace them? This is the premise of the Enhanced Games — a groundbreaking, and deeply controversial, multi-sport event where athletes are encouraged to push the boundaries of human performance, openly and without fear of traditional doping bans.
A Vision Born from Frustration
The brainchild of Australian businessman Aron D'Souza, the Enhanced Games emerged from a belief that athletes should have autonomy over their own bodies. D'Souza argues that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is a 'corrupt' entity that exploits athletes, while the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) acts as an 'anti-science police force.' His vision is to strip away bureaucracy and focus purely on peak performance.
D'Souza's philosophy is encapsulated in a powerful declaration: 'Athletes are adults... and they have a right to do with their body what they wish — my body, my choice; your body, your choice.' He insists that no external body should dictate these highly personal decisions, especially concerning substances that are FDA-regulated and approved.
The Rules of Engagement: Enhancement Allowed
Unlike any other major sporting event, the Enhanced Games explicitly allows performance-enhancing drugs. However, organizers claim these substances must be FDA-approved and used under strict medical supervision. Substances like cocaine and heroin are still prohibited, emphasizing a focus on regulated enhancement rather than outright illegal drug use.
The Games will also permit advanced technology, including prosthetic limbs and cutting-edge shoe technology, further blurring the lines between natural ability and technological assistance. Athletes will reportedly be categorized based on chromosomal sex, reflecting another departure from evolving norms in traditional sports.
Breaking Records, Breaking Banks
A core tenet of the Enhanced Games is a direct financial reward for athletes. D'Souza pledges to use surplus profits from the event to pay competitors, invest in research and development, and continuously improve technology. The goal is to create a sustainable, athlete-centric model that contrasts sharply with the Olympic system, which critics often say underpays its stars.
The ambition extends beyond sports: in 2026, the organization announced a merger agreement with 'A Paradise Acquisition' for a projected valuation of $1.2 billion, intending to list on the Nasdaq stock exchange. This move signals a serious business proposition behind the controversial sporting event.
The Debut: Las Vegas, 2026
The inaugural Enhanced Games are set to take place from May 21–24, 2026, in the dazzling city of Las Vegas. Initial sports planned include swimming, track and field, and weightlifting — a 'core suite' that organizers hope to expand upon in future iterations, depending on funding and participation.
Athletes Take the Plunge
The Games quickly attracted attention, especially from former Olympians and world champions. Australian swimmer James Magnussen, an Olympic medalist, declared his intention to come out of retirement, openly stating he would 'juice to the gills' to break the 50m freestyle world record for a promised $1 million prize.
Indeed, an unofficial record was reportedly broken in February 2025 by Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev, who clocked an astounding 20.89 seconds in the 50m freestyle — 0.02 seconds faster than the current world record. This performance, at a private event, earned him the million-dollar bounty and set a precedent for the Games' potential.
The roster of participating athletes continues to grow, drawing both retired legends and active competitors from around the globe. British swimmer Ben Proud, a 2024 Olympic silver medalist, and American sprinter Fred Kerley, a 2022 100m world champion, are among the high-profile names committing to the Games, further fueling its credibility and controversy.
Country Athlete Sport Olympics Australia James Magnussen Swimming 2012 (Silver), 2016 (Bronze) Greece Kristian Gkolomeev Swimming 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024 United States Megan Romano Swimming – Ukraine Andriy Govorov Swimming – United Kingdom Ben Proud Swimming 2016, 2020, 2024 (Silver) United States Fred Kerley Athletics 2020 (Silver), 2024 (Silver) United States Hunter Armstrong Swimming 2020 (Gold), 2024 (Gold)
The Power Brokers Behind the Scenes
Aron D'Souza, the founder, has a notable background as a London-based businessman, previously involved in the high-profile Bollea v. Gawker lawsuit alongside billionaire Peter Thiel. This connection proved crucial, as Thiel became an early confidant and investor in the Enhanced Games, seeing its disruptive potential.
Joining them is German biotech billionaire Christian Angermayer, a co-founder and major backer. Angermayer candidly stated his belief that humans are 'wired to want to see the fastest man or woman' — not necessarily the fastest natural man or woman. This outlook aligns with a growing human enhancement industry, suggesting the Games are tapping into a broader cultural shift.
A Storm of Opposition
The reaction from the traditional sporting world has been overwhelmingly negative, bordering on outrage. The IOC, WADA, and major federations like World Athletics and World Aquatics have issued strong condemnations, labeling the Enhanced Games as 'farcical,' 'dangerous,' and a threat to the very idea of fair play.
Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, famously stated, 'No one within athletics takes the Enhanced Games seriously.' World Aquatics went further, threatening to ban any athlete or support personnel involved in the Enhanced Games from participating in their sanctioned events, declaring the Games 'a circus, built on shortcuts.'
Anti-doping agencies worldwide, including USADA and UK Anti-Doping, have joined the chorus of opposition. USADA CEO Travis Tygart called it a 'dangerous clown show,' while government bodies, such as the US Office of National Drug Control Policy, expressed 'deep concerns' about the event.
Divided Opinions Among Sportspeople
While many former athletes, like Olympic cyclist Anna Meares, vehemently reject the concept as 'unfair, unsafe,' others express a morbid curiosity. Olympic swimmer Leisel Jones admitted she'd be 'interested in how fast people could get with doping,' even as she deemed the risks too high for her own participation.
Some athletes, like swimmer Kyle Chalmers, voiced support for retired peers like Magnussen, particularly highlighting the issue of athlete compensation. 'Swimmers have been underpaid for a very long time,' he noted, underscoring a key grievance that the Enhanced Games seeks to address.
Scientific and Media Scrutiny
Academics and science communicators have largely raised red flags. Professor Andy Miah called the Games a 'provocation,' expressing significant concerns about the 'risk of athletes excessively enhancing and risking significant health complications' without clear medical oversight, despite organizers' claims of clinical supervision and pre-competition screenings.
Media reactions have been varied, ranging from dismissive to intrigued. While some outlets dubbed it the 'steroid Olympics' and questioned its viability, others acknowledged its compelling, if controversial, nature. Publications like The Spectator pondered whether audiences ultimately want to see natural limits or the absolute peak of human potential, however achieved.
A Legal Skirmish
The Enhanced Games organization even ventured into legal territory, filing an antitrust lawsuit against World Aquatics and WADA in 2025, alleging they were unlawfully preventing athletes from competing. However, a US District Judge dismissed the lawsuit, and the organization chose not to refile, closing this chapter for now.
The Future of Enhanced Sport?
Despite the backlash and legal setbacks, the Enhanced Games continues to move forward, attracting investment and athlete commitments. Its proponents believe it aligns with a future where human enhancement is not just accepted, but actively pursued, challenging our very definition of sport, entertainment, and what it means to be 'humanly' exceptional. The starting pistol, they say, is about to fire.
Article
Enhanced Games
The Enhanced Games (TEG) is a planned multi-sport event. Founded by Australian businessman Aron D'Souza, it plans to allow athletes to use performance-enhancing substances without being subject to drug tests; organizers claim these substances must be FDA-approved and used under medical supervision. According to D'Souza, he created the Games because he believes that athletes are entitled to do what they wish with their own bodies, and that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is corrupt for exploiting them.
The first event is set to take place from May 21–24, 2026 in Las Vegas and include events in swimming, athletics, and weightlifting. Reactions have been generally negative from the sporting world, the scientific community, and media outlets, with commentators highlighting the safety risks of encouraging performance-enhancing drug use.
Background
Enhanced Games
The Enhanced Games (TEG) is to be the first event of its kind to support performance-enhancing drugs and not follow the rules of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Performance-enhancing drugs will not be mandatory for participants. Such an event has been discussed hypothetically for many years but never been realised. Prosthetic limbs and shoe technology will be allowed. Aron D'Souza, president of the organisation, says that for insurance reasons, only FDA-approved substances will be allowed. Cocaine and heroin will not be allowed. According to D'Souza, athletes should also be categorised based on their chromosomal sex.
When announced in June 2023, the event was intended to be annual and to include five categories: track and field, swimming, weightlifting, gymnastics, and combat sports. Originally planned for December 2024, D'Souza estimated the number of athletes to be "maybe a couple of thousand". By late 2025, organizers were aiming for 50 participants in the first event, with 38 confirmed as of February 10th, 2026. Brett Fraser, chief athletics officer of the organisation, said that the planned included sports are a "core suite of products", and can be improved upon in the future. The scale will depend on funding, and the location was planned to be a university campus or similar facility in the southern United States. D'Souza said in early 2024 that he now had the equity capital to fund the first event.
By August 2023, representatives were saying that what would take place in 2024 would be a smaller "exhibition", with a "full event" taking place in 2025. In 2023, CNN questioned the viability of the event; however, in May 2025, the organization announced plans to hold the games in May 2026 at Resorts World Las Vegas, and that the sports included are to be swimming, track and field, and weightlifting. The date has been set to May 21–24, 2026.
The Enhanced Games announced a merger agreement in 2026 with a firm named "A Paradise Acquisition" with a projected valuation of $1.2 billion, for the purpose of listing on the Nasdaq stock exchange.
People
Enhanced Games
Aron D'Souza, an Australian businessman based in London, founded the privately funded organisation. He says he had the idea for TEG in 2022 when noticing that many people at an American gym were obviously using steroids. He was, together with billionaire Peter Thiel, involved in the 2013 Bollea v. Gawker lawsuit, which led to Gawker filing for bankruptcy. In 2015, he co-founded the company Sargon with Phillip Kingston. D'Souza said,
Athletes are adults ... and they have a right to do with their body what they wish – my body, my choice; your body, your choice, ... And no government, no paternalistic sports federation, should be making those decisions for athletes – particularly around products that are FDA regulated and approved.
If we cut out all the waste, the layers of bureaucracy, the needless building of infrastructure, this event can be delivered for virtually nothing, and we can use all the surplus profits to pay the athletes, to invest in R&D, build better and better technology and build a bigger and bigger event.
D'Souza sees the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as corrupt and greedy, and wants to eradicate the WADA, which he calls an "anti-science police force for the IOC." He also argues that the Olympic system doesn't pay athletes enough, and that the Olympics include too many sports that don't really matter. He states that he has never used performance-enhancing drugs himself. By late 2025, he had been replaced as chief executive by Maximilian Martin, investment banker and bitcoin miner.
Olympians attached to the organisation as of 2023 include Brett Fraser, Roland Schoeman, and Christina Smith. In 2025, Brett Hawke was named head swim coach. Other people include geneticist George Church. German biotech billionaire Christian Angermayer is co-founder of the organisation.
D'Souza became Thiel's confidant in the process of leading the Gawker plan for him, and through Thiel's introduction, a friend of Angermayer. According to The Spectator, in December 2022, as D'Souza and other members of their small community of gay tech founders were about to gather for the annual party at Thiel's residence in Miami (formerly held while travelling the world, until Thiel had children), D'Souza came up with the idea of the Enhanced Games. After receiving positive feedback from Thiel (while other investors thought that the idea was "outside the Overton window"), D'Souza spent the next six months develop the project. Later, after reading about the plan on German media, Angermayer noticed D'Souza that he wanted to come on board as a co-founder. Thiel and Angermayer agreed to invest after a lunch, also held for members of the gay tech community, around mid-2023. The Wired notes that Thiel and Angermayer were not particularly interested in sports, but D'Souza was a savvy fundraiser.
Angermayer said his backing of TEG stems from his belief that AI will create more leisure time and boost demand for sports entertainment. He said, "Humans are wired to want to see the fastest man or woman [...] They don’t want to see the fastest natural man."
Investors
In January 2024, TEG announced that it had secured a multi-million-dollar investment round from venture capitalists, including Thiel, Angermayer and Balaji Srinivasan. In February 2025, businessman Donald Trump Jr. said that his venture fund 1789 Capital would be involved in an investment round, saying "The Enhanced Games represent the future – real competition, real freedom, and real records being smashed. This is about excellence, innovation, and American dominance on the world stage – something the MAGA movement is all about." Others include Saudi prince Khaled bin Alwaleed Al Saud, and cryptocurrency investors Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss.
Athletes
Australian swimmer and Olympic medalist James Magnussen said in February 2024 that he intends to come out of retirement to compete in the games in an attempt to break the 50m freestyle world record. D'Souza pledged a US$1 million prize if he did break it, and Magnussen said that he will " ... juice to the gills ... break it in six months". He also said that the money could set him up for the next decade, that sport is about entertainment and is sometimes taken too seriously, and "This is not for everyone, and it is certainly not something for young athletes." According to Magnussen, as of May 2025 the performance-enhancing drugs he has taken include testosterone, BPC-157, CJC-1295, ipamorelin and thymosin.
In May 2025, TEG announced that Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev had unofficially broken the long course 50 metres freestyle world record at a February 2025 private event, beating Magnussen to the record and winning the $1 million prize. He reportedly swam the course in 20.89 seconds, 0.02 seconds faster than the current record by César Cielo. The performance-enhancing drugs he used, if any, were not disclosed. American swimmer Megan Romano, first female participant, Ukrainian swimmer Andriy Govorov, as of 2025 world record holder of the 50m butterfly (long course), and Bulgarian swimmer Josif Miladinov have also joined TEG.
In September 2025, British swimmer and 2024 Olympic 50m freestyle silver medallist Ben Proud announced he would be joining TEG. Also in September, TEG announced that American sprinter and 2022 100m world champion Fred Kerley will be competing.
<table><thead><tr><th>Country</th><th>Athlete</th><th>Sport</th><th>Olympics</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td> Australia</td><td>James Magnussen</td><td>Swimming</td><td>2012 ( ), 2016 ()</td></tr><tr><td> Greece</td><td>Kristian Gkolomeev </td><td>Swimming</td><td>2012, 2016, 2020, 2024</td></tr><tr><td> United States</td><td>Megan Romano</td><td>Swimming</td><td>–</td></tr><tr><td> Ukraine</td><td>Andriy Govorov</td><td>Swimming</td><td>–</td></tr><tr><td> Bulgaria</td><td>Josif Miladinov</td><td>Swimming</td><td>2020, 2024</td></tr><tr><td> Ireland</td><td>Shane Ryan</td><td>Swimming</td><td>2016, 2020, 2024</td></tr><tr><td> Ireland</td><td>Max McCusker</td><td>Swimming</td><td>2024</td></tr><tr><td> United Kingdom</td><td>Ben Proud</td><td>Swimming</td><td>2016, 2020, 2024 ()</td></tr><tr><td> United States</td><td>Fred Kerley</td><td>Athletics</td><td>2020 (), 2024 ()</td></tr><tr><td> Germany</td><td>Marius Kusch </td><td>Swimming</td><td>2020</td></tr><tr><td> Canada</td><td>Boady Santavy </td><td>Weightlifting</td><td>2020, 2024</td></tr><tr><td> United States</td><td>Wesley Kitts </td><td>Weightlifting</td><td>2020, 2024</td></tr><tr><td> France</td><td>Mouhamadou Fall </td><td>Athletics</td><td>2020</td></tr><tr><td> Colombia</td><td>Isabella Arcila</td><td>Swimming</td><td>2016, 2020</td></tr><tr><td> Brazil</td><td>Felipe Lima</td><td>Swimming</td><td>2012, 2020</td></tr><tr><td> Poland</td><td>Natalia Fryckowska</td><td>Swimming</td><td>–</td></tr><tr><td> Russia</td><td>Evgenii Somov</td><td>Swimming</td><td>2024</td></tr><tr><td> Liberia</td><td>Emmanuel Matadi</td><td>Athletics</td><td>2016, 2020, 2024</td></tr><tr><td> Dominican Republic</td><td>Beatriz Pirón</td><td>Weightlifting</td><td>2012, 2016, 2020, 2024</td></tr><tr><td> United States</td><td>Cody Miller </td><td>Swimming</td><td>2016 ( )</td></tr><tr><td> United States</td><td>Shania Collins </td><td>Athletics</td><td>–</td></tr><tr><td> United Kingdom</td><td>Reece Prescod</td><td>Athletics</td><td>2020</td></tr><tr><td> Iceland</td><td>Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson</td><td>Strongman</td><td>–</td></tr><tr><td> United States</td><td>Marvin Bracy</td><td>Athletics</td><td>2016</td></tr><tr><td> United States</td><td>Taylor Anderson</td><td>Athletics</td><td>–</td></tr><tr><td> Germany</td><td>Mike Bryan</td><td>Athletics</td><td>–</td></tr><tr><td> South Africa</td><td>Clarence Munyai</td><td>Athletics</td><td>2016, 2020</td></tr><tr><td> Jamaica</td><td>Shockoria Wallace</td><td>Athletics</td><td>–</td></tr><tr><td> Colombia</td><td>Yoni Andica</td><td>Weightlifting</td><td>–</td></tr><tr><td> Chile</td><td>Arley Méndez</td><td>Weightlifting</td><td>2020</td></tr><tr><td> Colombia</td><td>Leidy Solís</td><td>Weightlifting</td><td>2008 (), 2016</td></tr><tr><td> Colombia</td><td>Juan Solís</td><td>Weightlifting</td><td>–</td></tr><tr><td> Nigeria</td><td>Mariam Usman</td><td>Weightlifting</td><td>2008 (), 2012, 2016</td></tr><tr><td> Guyana</td><td>Jasmine Abrams</td><td>Athletics</td><td>2020</td></tr><tr><td> United Kingdom</td><td>Emily Barclay</td><td>Swimming</td><td>–</td></tr><tr><td> Mexico</td><td>Miguel de Lara</td><td>Swimming</td><td>2024</td></tr><tr><td> Bulgaria</td><td>Antani Ivanov</td><td>Swimming</td><td>2020</td></tr><tr><td> Jamaica</td><td>Denae McFarlane</td><td>Athletics</td><td>–</td></tr><tr><td> Canada</td><td>Mitchell Hooper</td><td>Strongman</td><td>–</td></tr><tr><td> United States</td><td>Hunter Armstrong</td><td>Swimming</td><td>2020 (), 2024 ( )</td></tr><tr><td> Barbados</td><td>Tristan Evelyn</td><td>Athletics</td><td>–</td></tr><tr><td> United States</td><td>Dylan Cooper</td><td>Weightlifting</td><td>–</td></tr></tbody></table>
Reactions
Enhanced Games
Fraser stated in July 2023 that over five hundred athletes had contacted him asking for more information. In August, D'Souza said that he had 500 "sleeper athletes" who are "breaking world records in their basement and sending us videos of it" ready for competition. In February 2024, he said that thousands of athletes interested in participating had contacted him. CNN reported in October 2023 that no athletes had publicly committed to the event; however, by early 2026, several high-profile international competitors, including former world champion James Magnussen and British swimmer Emily Barclay, had expressed interest or confirmed their participation.
Magnussen said that other Australian swimmers had contacted him, expressing interest, and D'Souza says that the first TEG will include athletes from the 2024 Summer Olympics. The event has been dubbed the "steroid Olympics" by multiple media outlets.
Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, said: "No one within athletics takes the Enhanced Games seriously."
Organizations
The IOC stated, "If you want to destroy any concept of fair play and fair competition in sport, this would be a good way to do it. ... This is completely at odds with the idea and values of the Olympic Games." Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, said, "No one within athletics takes the Enhanced Games seriously." WADA stated that it "warns athletes and support personnel, who wish to participate in clean sport, that if they were to take part in the Enhanced Games, they would risk committing anti-doping rule violations under the World Anti-Doping Code." WADA president Witold Bańka said TEG is a "ridiculous idea" and "very dangerous", and called for all anti-doping authorities to unite in opposition to the games.
World Aquatics stated, "The Enhanced Games are not a sporting competition built on universal values like honesty, fairness and equity: they are a circus, built on shortcuts". In June 2025, it announced that people involved in events like TEG would be banned from World Aquatics events. The International Federation of Sports Medicine expressed worry that TEG would exploit young people.
The Australian Olympic Committee called the idea "dangerous and irresponsible." The CEO of Sports Medicine Australia said that no member of the organization had expressed support for TEG in their capacity as healthcare professionals. The CEO of the Australian Sports Commission said, "I cannot see any responsible and ethical person thinking the Enhanced Games is even remotely sensible". A representative of the Swedish Olympic Committee said, "I see it as ill-conceived, short-sighted and foolhardy and something other than sport."
The UK Anti-Doping organisation said in a statement that "UKAD's mission is to protect sport from doping cheats. There is no place in sport for performance enhancing drugs, nor the Enhanced Games." Travis Tygart, CEO of the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), said: "farcical … likely illegal in many [US] states" and "a dangerous clown show, not real sport." Rahul Gupta, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, stated that the Biden administration had deep concerns regarding TEG. The China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) stated that it is in "firm opposition to any attempt to portray doping as so-called scientific advancements, and calls on the global sports community to stand united in rejecting the Enhanced Games."
TEG filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in Manhattan against several sporting bodies in August 2025, including World Aquatics and WADA. The allegation is that these organizations are violating anti-trust laws by preventing athletes from competing in TEG. United States District Judge Jesse Furman dismissed the lawsuit in a 33-page order in November 2025. The organization chose not refile the lawsuit within the 30-day deadline, and the court closed the case.
Sportspeople
Cyclist and Olympic gold medalist Anna Meares said "Unfair, unsafe — I just don't think this is the right way to go about sport." Cyclist Joseph M. Papp, suspended for doping in 2006, referred to a 1988 Weekend Update skit, saying: "I don't think you'd actually see guys tearing their arms off ... A doping free-for-all just invites the most ambitious person to be the most reckless person, and to take the most drugs possible without literally killing themselves." Badminton player Susan Egelstaff stated, "It cannot, and will not work. The danger is massive." Swimmer and Olympic gold medalist Leisel Jones stated that while she would not participate herself due to the risks, she'd be interested in how fast people could get with doping, saying: "If this clears out people who ... are doing illegal things in sport, if that clears them out our clean sport, that would be wonderful."
Swimmer and Olympic gold medalist Libby Trickett said it was understandable TEG would attract fascination and interest, and that "I really, really, really hope that it's done under medical supervision because that's the only way I can kind of justify in my head something like this to go ahead." Olympic swimmer Mark Foster expressed similar views, noting also that money has attraction. Former Australian Football player Adam Cooney stated, "I would say that 90–95 per cent of the population would put their hand up and do [what James Magnussen did], they're not going to get anywhere near a world record obviously, but it is pretty enticing."
Swimmer Kyle Chalmers, who declined joining TEG since he wants to compete in the 2028 Olympics, voiced support for retired swimmers like Magnussen if they wanted to join TEG. He said "I think that swimmers have been underpaid for a very long time at the big competitions."
Science and academia
Andy Miah, professor of science communication and future media at the University of Salford, called TEG a "provocation", saying that "... the significant risk of athletes excessively enhancing and risking significant health complications is unaddressed by their materials. There is no mention of medical oversight in the competition on the website, from what I can see." Fraser said that "Each athlete must be under clinical supervision." and according to D’Souza, "We will focus on athlete safety by mandating athletes have pre-competition full-system clinical screenings including blood tests and EKGs." Science writer Ronald Bailey said, "Let fans decide which play they prefer." Grigory Rodchenkov, former head of the Moscow Anti-Doping Laboratory, said it was a "danger to health, to sport." Academic John William Devine said, "In a sporting world in which inequality of opportunity is already rampant, the removal of the doping ban would only deepen an existing moral failing." According to John Hoberman, author of several books on sports and doping, D'Souza's idea that drugs would lead to better performance is "very simplistic", and D'Souza is "very shallow on the scientific end". Anti-doping expert Michael Ashenden expressed support for the games in 2024, "provided their athletes do nothing illegal".
Media
The Spectator opined that "In any discipline, we seek only to discover who is the fastest, or the strongest, the most accurate or the most coordinated. What's absolutely crucial, at least as far as retaining spectator interest goes, is that the advantage is natural." The Daily Telegraph's sports writer commented that "Remarkably it seems a more fleshed-out idea than the European Super League". Cyclist wondered who would be willing to sponsor the event, noting that as of late July 2023, no sponsors were mentioned on TEG's website.
The Globe and Mail's journalist said, "I will admit, I am incredibly curious to see an "enhanced" person running faster than Usain Bolt, or swimming better than Michael Phelps. But I would not want to be that person, and I bet that neither will the serious athletes who have so far managed to avoid doping infractions." The Independent said that while the sporting world has been mostly dismissive, "D’Souza is intelligent and well-connected, and he has brought down big targets before. So when he says it’s going to happen, he is deadly serious." The Sydney Morning Herald's sport columnist said that "the Enhanced Games are a dangerous, iniquitous concept." Outsports criticized D’Souza's use of LGBTQ language like "coming out" to describe athletes openly using performance-enhancing drugs. D’Souza is an out gay man.
OutKick's writer said in February 2025 "Humans LOVE modern gladiators accomplishing feats that none of us ever could. The Olympics can still have non-tainted records ... but that still shouldn't hurt someone taking legalized performance enhancing substances to try and absolutely RIP it out there in competition." Financial Times said the same month "A year on, with just one athlete publicly signed on to the project and no concrete plans for either a venue or a date, the project looks increasingly like a weird thought experiment, despite its high-profile backers. For D'Souza, the second Trump presidency could be what the Enhanced Games needs to get off the ground." The Times said in May 2025 "The Enhanced Games may be divisive, even dystopian to some. As far as D’Souza is concerned, they are the future — and the starting pistol is about to fire." Time listed D'Souza and Angermayer among the "Most Influential People in Health of 2025". The Economist said that the Games align with a growing human enhancement industry, aiming to improve strength, intelligence, and longevity.