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The newly launched Enhanced Games are still months away, but the firestorm of debate over it has only intensified. As a result anti-doping authorities around the world are facing a big concern: how to combat the rise of something that’s anathema to traditional sports? The Enhanced Games permits athletes to take performance-enhancing substances (while offering up to a million dollars in prize money), attracting many big names like Fred Kerly and Ben Proud. It’s a precarious situation, one that the World Anti-Doping Agency and its signatory USADA, are hoping to contain. Leading the charge against the Enhanced Games is the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) president, Witold Banka, who has condemned the project as “dangerous” and “irresponsible,” warning of the serious risks to both athlete welfare and sporting integrity it poses. With the likes of swimmers Kristian Gkolomeev, and Megan Romano joining Kerly and co., there runs the possibility of normalization and encouraging more athletes to sign on. Since the Enhanced Games are an American venture taking place in Las Vegas, Banka is urging the United States’ Anti-Doping authorities to take a stronger stand. According to Banka, the world’s anti-doping agencies need to be “very strong” in their opposition to the event, with USADA at the forefront. “We have to be very united,” he said. “We really want our colleagues from the US to do more to make sure that this event will not happen. There are some legal possibilities they can lobby for. Usada have made general comments, but maybe it’s time to try and convince the people who have financed this that it’s dangerous. That’s [Usada’s] role and responsibility because the event is going to take place in Las Vegas.” ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad The president of WADA President even criticised Usada, alleging the agency wasn’t doing enough to combat the use of PEDs. Banka shared his opinion and added, “Sometimes we don’t know what to say about this ridiculous idea, because from the ethical point of view, from the moral point of view, how is it possible that people come to agree to compete, taking all these prohibited substances?” He took a direct jab at the league and stated, “It’s completely against everything that we are doing. It’s very dangerous.” Subtly referring to the sponsors and big investors involved in the event, Banka added, “I hope it will not happen, although there are quite important and rich people who are sponsors of this irresponsible event.” ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Reflecting more on how Banka wants USADA to be an active force, he stated, “We really want our colleagues from the US to do more to make sure that this event will not happen. There are some legal possibilities they can lobby for. Usada have made general comments, but maybe it’s time to try and convince the people who have financed this that it’s dangerous. That’s [Usada’s] role and responsibility because the event is going to take place in Las Vegas.” The Enhanced Games is set to begin in July 2026 in Nevada. And with strong funding from investors, the list, which even includes Donald Trump Jr., there’s a firm push to make it a success. Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports This is a developing story…
