Christian Angermayer, a German billionaire known for his ventures in biotech, cryptocurrency, and psychedelics, is spearheading a highly controversial new sporting event called the Enhanced Games. Set to debut this weekend, the event is designed to allow athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs openly, challenging long-standing anti-doping regulations upheld by global sports authorities.

Angermayer, who has also drawn attention for acquiring significant dinosaur fossils including the largest triceratops skull ever found, plans to integrate that piece into his London apartment, highlighting his penchant for high-profile and unconventional projects. However, it is the Enhanced Games that have stirred the most debate in the sporting world.

According to an internal study from the event organizers, among the 42 athletes competing, 34 are reportedly using banned substances such as testosterone (91%), human growth hormone (79%), erythropoietin (EPO) (41%), and anabolic steroids (29%). The event features traditional competitions like the 100-meter sprint, swimming races, and weightlifting, but with the explicit acceptance of these performance enhancers.

Angermayer argues that the Enhanced Games represent a paradigm shift in how society approaches medicine and athletic performance. He questions why medically approved substances should only be restricted to treating illness, advocating instead for their use in enhancing physical capabilities under medical supervision. “Should we, as a society, think about how not to get sick in the first place?” he said, defending the idea of using pharmaceuticals to achieve personal goals.

This perspective, however, sharply contrasts with that of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the CEO of US Anti-Doping, Travis Tygart. WADA has labeled the Enhanced Games as “dangerous and irresponsible,” while Tygart called it a “clown show.” Despite this, Angermayer remains unapologetic, highlighting a November survey indicating that 61% of Americans had heard of the Enhanced Games, outpacing the recognition of heavily funded sports initiatives like LIV Golf.

Angermayer dismisses concerns about the risks of performance-enhancing drugs when used properly, stating that many athletes who oppose the event either misunderstand its aims or benefit from the current sports establishment. He claims that substances approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration—such as steroids and EPO—are safe when administered in a controlled medical setting. WADA, however, cautions that such drugs carry serious health risks when used outside prescribed medical contexts, with potential long-term consequences.

The billionaire also highlights inconsistencies in societal attitudes toward substances, pointing out that alcohol, which he calls “the devil,” is widely accepted despite its well-documented dangers exceeding those of many banned performance enhancers. He criticizes traditional sports for commercializing athletes to sell harmful products such as sugary foods, alcohol, and merchandise while condemning the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

On the topic of doping prevalence, Angermayer challenges official estimates, suggesting that a significant proportion of elite athletes regularly use such substances, citing a claim that up to 30% of British athletes at the Paris Summer Games may have been doping—though he offered no evidence to substantiate those figures.

As the inaugural event approaches, Angermayer remains confident in the future of the Enhanced Games. He envisions future editions featuring older, well-known athletes competing while enhanced, challenging perceptions about age and athletic performance. While skepticism remains widespread, Angermayer insists the event will thrive, contrasting the doubts voiced by critics and underscoring his reputation as a businessman willing to push boundaries.

Ultimately, Angermayer frames the Enhanced Games as a cultural and scientific experiment, one that tests traditional attitudes toward drug use in sports and medicine. Whether it will gain mainstream acceptance or face sustained backlash remains to be seen as the sporting world grapples with the ethics and risks of openly sanctioned enhancement.