Inaugural Enhanced Games in Las Vegas Allows Doping, Breaks Unofficial Records
The first Enhanced Games, a controversial event permitting performance-enhancing drugs, took place in Las Vegas from May 21-24, 2026. Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev unofficially broke the 50m freestyle world record (20.81 seconds) wearing a banned supersuit, earning a $1 million bonus. Fred Kerley won the 100m in 9.97 seconds. Of 42 athletes, 38 doped under medical supervision. Critics, including anti-doping agencies and the IOC, condemned the event as dangerous and unethical, while investors like Donald Trump Jr. supported it.
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Enhanced Games Proves Performance Enhancement Works, But Youth Works Better
The inaugural Enhanced Games, held in Las Vegas over Memorial Day weekend 2026, allowed elite athletes to use FDA-approved performance-enhancing drugs under medical supervision. Despite hype about breaking world records, only Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev (age 32) set a new world record in the 50m freestyle (20.81 seconds). Organizers reported 21 personal bests broken by 13 athletes, with an average gap of 6.4 years since previous bests. Notably, three winners competed without enhancements, winning primarily due to their youth. Athletes Hunter Armstrong (25), Tristan Evelyn (28), and Fred Kerley (31) outperformed older enhanced competitors. The article notes that 91% of participants used testosterone, 79% human growth hormone, and 62% stimulants. Critics, including the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, dismissed the event as a 'dangerous clown show.' The analysis concludes that while enhancements boost performance, youth remains a more significant factor in athletic achievement.
Reason.comKristian Gkolomeev Wins $1 Million for 2nd Year in Row: Complete Enhanced Games 2026 Results
The Enhanced Games 2026 concluded on May 24 at Resorts World Las Vegas, featuring 42 athletes in swimming, track, and weightlifting, where performance-enhancing drugs were legally allowed. Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev won $1 million for the second consecutive year by breaking the 50m freestyle world record with a time of 20.81 seconds, surpassing his own 2025 record of 20.89 seconds. Only world-record breakers received $1 million; other winners earned $250,000. Notable results include Fred Kerley winning the men's 100m sprint (9.97 seconds) but competing without enhancement, and Thor Bjornsson winning the men's deadlift (510 kg). The article provides full results across all disciplines.
yahoo sportsOnly One World Record Set at Controversial Enhanced Games Allowing Doping
The first edition of the Enhanced Games, a controversial sporting event where doping substances are permitted, took place in Las Vegas with 22 events in athletics, swimming, and weightlifting. Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev was the only athlete to outperform an official world record, clocking 20.81 seconds in the 50m freestyle and earning a $1 million bonus. Organizers had hoped for more records but acknowledged the unpredictability of live sports. Of the 42 participants, 38 used banned substances under medical supervision, with 91% using testosterone and 71% using Human Growth Hormone. Former 100m world champion Fred Kerley was among the four who did not use doping. The event faced widespread criticism from anti-doping agencies and the International Olympic Committee, with US anti-doping chief Travis Tygart warning it could encourage young athletes to dope.
yahoo sportsEnhanced Games claim ‘we changed the world’ but only one record broken and three clean athletes win
The inaugural Enhanced Games in Las Vegas, a controversial event allowing performance-enhancing drugs, fell short of its promises of multiple world records. After over five hours of competition, only Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev broke an official world record in the men's 50m freestyle (20.81s), though it will not count officially due to doping and a special skinsuit. Three clean athletes, including Fred Kerley and Tristan Evelyn, won their events, undermining the organizers' narrative. CEO Max Martin claimed victory over doubters, stating 'we have changed the world,' but the event was criticized for lacking excitement. Athletes used substances like testosterone, EPO, and anabolic steroids, with the giant screen displaying their drug profiles.
Sport | The GuardianFirst Enhanced Games Sees Only One Record Broken as Doping Allowed
The inaugural Enhanced Games, a controversial event where doping is permitted, took place in Las Vegas with 22 events in athletics, swimming, and weightlifting. Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev was the only athlete to surpass an official world record, clocking 20.81 seconds in the 50m freestyle. He received a $250,000 victory prize and a $1 million bonus for the record-breaking time, though the mark will not be officially recognized. Organizers reported that 38 of the 42 participants used performance-enhancing substances under medical supervision in the eight weeks prior, with 91% using testosterone and 71% using Human Growth Hormone. Former 100m world champion Fred Kerley, who did not dope, ran a modest 9.97 seconds. German swimmer Marius Kusch also won the 100m butterfly with a time faster than his personal best.
yahoo sportsOnly One Unofficial Record Set in Failed 'Enhanced Games' Experiment
The 'Enhanced Games', a controversial event allowing performance-enhancing drugs, ended largely as a fiasco in Las Vegas. Only Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev broke a world record, swimming the 50m freestyle in 20.81 seconds, earning $1.25 million. However, the record will not be homologated due to the lack of anti-doping controls. Other star athletes, including American sprinter Fred Kerley (9.97 in 100m) and British swimmer Ben Proud (22.32 in 50m butterfly), failed to break world records. Weightlifter Hafthor Bjornsson also could not beat his own deadlift record. The event faced widespread criticism from the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee, who condemned the use of illegal substances. Organizers, including German billionaire Christian Angermayer, defended the event with a medical commission and promised future editions despite the underwhelming results.
PortadaRecord 50m Freestyle Time at Controversial Enhanced Games
Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev set a world record of 20.81 seconds in the men's 50m freestyle at the inaugural Enhanced Games in Las Vegas, beating Australian Cameron McEvoy's official record of 20.88. However, the time will not be recognized by official authorities such as the IOC and WADA because athletes are permitted to use banned performance-enhancing drugs. Gkolomeev wore a polyurethane suit, also banned in official competitions, and received $250,000 for winning plus a $1 million bonus for the record. The event, founded by entrepreneurs Aron D'Souza and Maximilian Martin and backed by Peter Thiel and Donald Trump Jr., featured 42 athletes, most using substances like testosterone and anabolic steroids. World Athletics president Lord Coe called participants 'moronic,' and World Aquatics condemned the event as a 'circus.' Other athletes, including Fred Kerley and Ben Proud, competed but fell short of world records.
yahoo sportsRecord 50m Freestyle Time at Controversial Enhanced Games
Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev set a men's 50m freestyle time of 20.81 seconds at the inaugural Enhanced Games in Las Vegas, beating the official world record of 20.88 seconds held by Australia's Cameron McEvoy. However, the result will not be recognized by global sporting bodies such as the IOC and Wada because the event allows athletes to use banned performance-enhancing drugs. Gkolomeev also wore a polyurethane suit, which is prohibited in official competitions. World Aquatics condemned the event as a 'circus built on short-cuts.' Gkolomeev received $250,000 for winning and a $1 million bonus for the unofficial record, stating the prize money will change his life and that he plans to compete again next year.
BBC SportEnhanced Games Premiere Falls Short of Expectations Despite Doping Allowance
The Enhanced Games, a controversial competition allowing banned doping substances, held its premiere in Las Vegas with 22 events in swimming, weightlifting, and athletics. While some athletes improved personal bests, there was no flood of world records as anticipated. Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev won the 50m freestyle in 20.81 seconds, beating the official world record, and received a $1 million bonus. Of the 42 participants, 38 doped for eight weeks under medical supervision, with 91% using testosterone and 79% growth hormones. Four athletes, including former sprint world champion Fred Kerley, abstained. The event, criticized by the IOC and German sports bodies, aims to provide better financial and medical care but faces condemnation for health risks and exploitation.
Nachrichten - WELTSwimmer Gkolomeev 'beats' record at drug-fueled Enhanced Games
Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev won the men's 50m freestyle at the Enhanced Games in Las Vegas on May 25, 2026, with a time of 20.81 seconds, unofficially beating the world record of 20.88 set by Cameron McEvoy. The event allows athletes to use performance-enhancing substances, and Gkolomeev wore a banned 'supersuit.' He earned a $1 million bonus for the unofficial record. The Games, denounced by anti-doping agencies for health risks, saw several near-misses but only one record broken. Clean athletes also won events, including Hunter Armstrong in the 50m backstroke and sprinters Fred Kerley and Tristan Evelyn. Investors include Donald Trump Jr. and billionaire Peter Thiel. Health experts warned of life-shortening risks from the substances used.
yahoo sportsKerley wins Enhanced Games 100m but time would have placed last at 2024 Olympics
Fred Kerley won the 100m at the Enhanced Games in Las Vegas with a time of 9.97 seconds, a performance that would have placed him last at the 2024 Olympics. The event, which permits performance-enhancing drugs, saw only one world record bonus awarded to swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev for a 50m freestyle time of 20.81 seconds. The race was marred by multiple false starts and shoe-tying delays. British swimmer Ben Proud finished 0.05 seconds off the 50m butterfly world record. Kerley, who claimed he is not using performance enhancers, earned $250,000 for the win. The event drew criticism from UK Anti-Doping officials and UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, who emphasized support for clean sport.
SkySports | NewsWelcome to sport’s ultimate taboo where athletes risk it all for millions in Las Vegas
The Guardian reports on the inaugural Enhanced Games in Las Vegas, a controversial event that permits the use of performance-enhancing drugs such as anabolic steroids and human growth hormone. Ukrainian swimmer Andriy Govorov, a world record-holder, describes his anxiety about taking banned substances for the first time, motivated by potential earnings of up to $1 million. Other Olympians, including Britain's Ben Proud and American Fred Kerley, are also competing for substantial prize money. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) condemns the event as dangerous and irresponsible, citing health risks. Co-founder Christian Angermayer defends the Games as part of a 'megatrend' in human enhancement and plans to sell prescription drugs through the event's website. The article highlights the tension between financial rewards and health risks in this unprecedented sporting event.
Sport | The GuardianEnhanced Games: Doping-Allowed Event Launches in Las Vegas Amid Health and Ethical Concerns
The first Enhanced Games, a controversial sporting event that permits the use of performance-enhancing drugs approved by the US FDA, is set to take place in Las Vegas. Athletes including American sprinter Fred Kerley and British swimmer Ben Proud will compete for record prize money—$1 million for a world record and $250,000 for a race win. The event is part of a broader business model to sell personalized performance medicine and supplements, with the organization already achieving a billion-dollar valuation backed by investors like Peter Thiel and Donald Trump Jr. Critics, including former Olympian Nick O'Hare and drug researcher Josh Torrance, warn that the Games serve as a clinical trial and marketing platform for drug sales, potentially glamorizing substance use and driving young people to black markets. The long-term health consequences for athletes remain unknown.
City AMDoping Games in Las Vegas: The Dangers of the Enhanced Games
The Enhanced Games, a controversial sporting event permitting unrestricted doping, is set to take place in Las Vegas from May 21st to 24th. Organized as a spectacle for a wealthy elite, the event features 41 athletes across nine disciplines competing for substantial cash prizes, including $500,000 per event and $1 million for world records. Critics condemn the games as a dangerous freak show that treats athletes as guinea pigs and undermines the core ideals of fair play in sports. Major concerns include severe health consequences for participants and the potential for amateur athletes to imitate these dangerous practices, echoing the steroid abuse seen in previous decades. Despite warnings from medical professionals and threats of lifetime bans from traditional sports federations, prominent athletes such as Olympic champion Joseph Hunter Armstrong, Fred Kerley, and Hafthor Björnsson are participating. German swimmer Marius Kusch admitted that financial motivation was the primary driver for his involvement, highlighting the lucrative nature of the event. The article argues that the games represent an irresponsible betrayal of sporting morals with potentially inhumane societal impacts.
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