The Enhanced Games’ Impact on Global Doping Prevention Strategies

The Enhanced Games, conceived as an alternative to the Olympic Games, have been postponed several times and are now scheduled to take place in Las Vegas in 2026. The first athletes have confirmed their participation. Competitions in swimming, athletics, and weightlifting are planned. A special feature is the medically supervised use of performance-enhancing substances and methods that are considered doping in conventional competitive sports. The goal is to exceed human performance limits through biomedical procedures. The organizers are advertising with millions in prize money and bonuses for world records. The format calls into question the legitimacy of global doping prevention and opens an area of tension between innovation, health, and sports ethics. At the same time, the Enhanced Games underline the continued importance of prevention strategies, as the normalization of enhancement risks influencing grassroots sports and professional athletes beyond the event itself. This article examines how conventional doping prevention and new approaches to enhancement prevention must adapt to the changing conditions through the Enhanced Games while safeguarding vulnerable groups and preserving broader public trust in sport.