Thiel-Backed Venture Allows Doping in Sports - Controversy

The Enhanced Games: A Doping-Permitted Olympic Alternative

The Enhanced Games, financially supported by investors including Peter Thiel and Donald Trump Jr.’s 1789 Capital, is poised to challenge the traditional Olympic model. This new competition explicitly permits athletes to utilize performance-enhancing substances.

Scheduled to debut in Las Vegas in May 2026, the Enhanced Games is incentivizing record-breaking performances. A $1 million reward will be granted for each world record surpassed during the event.

Business Model and Longevity Focus

The games’ operational strategy draws parallels to Red Bull’s approach. The spectacle of the competition will serve as a marketing platform for future products designed to enhance human capabilities.

Aron D’Souza, co-founder and president of the Enhanced Games, recently discussed the business aspects of enhancement with Rebecca Bellan on TechCrunch’s Equity podcast.

The conversation explored the implications of building within the longevity sector and considered the question of accessibility to these enhancements.

Stay Connected with Equity

Listeners can subscribe to Equity on various podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Overcast, and Spotify.

For updates and further information, follow Equity on X and Threads at @EquityPod.

The Enhanced Games represent a significant departure from established sporting norms, raising questions about the future of athletic competition and the ethics of performance enhancement.