The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has issued a warning about the potential risks posed by the upcoming Enhanced Games, a $50 million sporting event scheduled to take place in Las Vegas this Sunday. Unlike traditional competitions governed by anti-doping rules, the Enhanced Games permit athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), including substances typically banned in elite sports, such as testosterone, erythropoietin (EPO), and human growth hormone.

Organizers of the Enhanced Games have described the event as “the future of sports and human performance,” highlighting a roster that includes high-profile athletes like US sprinter Fred Kerley, British swimmer Ben Proud, and Australian swimmer James Magnussen—each with distinguished careers and international titles. The event offers large financial incentives for winners who set new records, aiming to showcase enhanced athletic performance under medical supervision.

However, WADA has expressed strong opposition to the concept, describing the event as “dangerous and irresponsible.” A spokesperson for the agency warned that the event’s promotion of PED use undermines anti-doping principles and could encourage increased usage among young people and others who may not fully comprehend the health risks involved. “WADA is concerned that events involving elite athletes that promote the use of PEDs could result in more people, including young people, being tempted to use PEDs,” the spokesperson said, emphasizing that the Enhanced Games contradict the organization’s core mission.

While the Enhanced Games argue that the controlled use of banned substances under medical oversight can be safe, WADA challenged this claim, noting that FDA approval of many prohibited drugs does not equate to harmlessness when used for performance enhancement. “These powerful drugs can cause serious harm,” the agency cautioned, pointing to the potential health consequences of PED use outside of standard medical contexts.

The event is generating significant debate within the sports community, with critics concerned about its ethical implications and potential influence on doping norms. Supporters argue it represents a new frontier in athletic competition, where the traditional boundaries of drug use are reconsidered. Nonetheless, WADA’s stance remains unequivocal: the Enhanced Games conflict with established anti-doping rules and pose a risk to athlete health and the integrity of sport.