Enhanced Games explained: sport’s most controversial event unpacked

James Magnussen (left) and Reece Prescod are among the highest-profile athletes to abandon mainstream competition for the Enhanced Games in Las Vegas. Composite: Guardian DesignView image in fullscreenJames Magnussen (left) and Reece Prescod are among the highest-profile athletes to abandon mainstream competition for the Enhanced Games in Las Vegas. Composite: Guardian DesignEnhanced GamesExplainerEnhanced Games explained: sport’s most controversial event unpackedWhy are the Enhanced Games, taking place in Las Vegas this weekend, so contentious, and how have governing bodies have responded to the event?Sean IngleThu 21 May 2026 08.00 BSTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleWhat exactly is the Enhanced Games?A controversial new sports event that allows athletes to take performance enhancing drugs that are outlawed in official competitions – and also offers huge prizes to participate and “break” world records.When is it happening? This Sunday, 24 May, at a specially built 2,500-seater arena at Resorts World in Las Vegas. As things stand, 42 athletes will compete in the following events: Swimming: 50m and 100m freestyle, 50m and 100m butterfly. Track & field: 100m. Weightlifting: snatch, clean & jerk. Strongman: deadlift. There will then be a post-event show from the Killers.View image in fullscreenThe Killers will play a show after the Enhanced Games, which takes place in the band’s home city of Las Vegas. Photograph: Jim Dyson/Getty ImagesHow many stars are involved? More than a dozen Olympic swimmers have signed up, including Britain’s Ben Proud, who won a silver medal in 50m freestyle at the Paris Games; Ukraine’s Andriy Govorov, who holds the world record for the 50m butterfly; and the Australian former 100m freestyle world champion James Magnussen.In track and field, the biggest name by far is the 2022 world 100m champion, Fred Kerley of the United States, whose personal best is 9.76sec.Two other British athletes are competing: the 100m sprinter Reece Presco...