Donald Trump Jr‘s 1789 Capital has co-led a multi-million-dollar Series B for the Enhanced Games, an Olympic-style event allowing the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).
Co-founded by Trump Jr., Omeed Malik and Chris Buskirk, 1789 Capital has invested in the Enhanced Games to support its planned launch, which may be as soon as the end of this year.
Buskirk commented: “The Enhanced Games represent the kind of bold, forward-thinking innovation that drives real progress. I’ve always backed ventures that challenge the status quo and push mankind forward.
“Just as we’ve seen breakthroughs in finance, defence tech, and media, we’re now seeing sports evolve to embrace science, technology, and human potential. This is an investment in the future – not just of athletics, but of a freer, more competitive world.”
Established in 2023 by Australian entrepreneur Aron D’Souza, the Enhanced Games made headlines after an athlete in a promotional video claimed he could run faster than Usain Bolt with help from PEDs.
Commenting on the latest investment, D’Souza said: “With these powerhouse investors, we’re building something revolutionary – sports without hypocrisy, where the best can actually be the best. Our investors see the future, and they’re backing it with conviction.”
Following this recent investment, the organisation has posted a new video to its website. The video states: “The media has claimed that the Enhanced Games aren’t possible, but in Trump’s America the impossible is what we do best.”
Enhanced support for the Enhanced Games?
Beyond financial support, Trump Jr.’s involvement and the mention of his father, US President Donald Trump, could hint at possible political backing – though it is important to emphasise that the Trump administration has not officially endorsed the tournament.
The Enhanced Games has been a controversial idea since its inception, raising concerns around ethics, athlete wellbeing and sports integrity and being dubbed the ‘steroid Olympics’ in the press. Political support could prove crucial in overcoming opposition from governing bodies, medical professionals and former athletes as the organisation prepares for its launch.
Trump Jr., remarked: “For over 100 years, elites in charge of global sports have stifled innovation, crushed individual greatness, and refused to let athletes push the limits of what’s possible. That ends now. The Enhanced Games represent the future – real competition, real freedom, and real records being smashed.
“This is about excellence, innovation, and American dominance on the world stage – something the MAGA movement is all about. The Enhanced Games are going to be huge, and I couldn’t be prouder to support this movement that is changing sports forever.”
The Enhanced Games frequently highlights “innovation” in messaging, even claiming on its website that “sports can be safer without drug testing.” D’Souza has also argued that athletes deserve fair compensation, stating that ‘Olympians live in poverty’.
This perspective is based on a broader belief that governing bodies have restricted athletes’ potential by enforcing bans on PEDs – something new investor Malik firmly opposes.
He said: “The Enhanced Games aren’t just another sports league – they’re a declaration of freedom. For too long, we’ve let bureaucrats and corrupt institutions decide what’s ‘allowed’ in sports and what’s not. That era is over. We’re giving power back to the athletes and the fans, and I can’t wait to see history being made.”
1789 Capital is not alone in eyeing up an investment opportunity in the controversial tournament. Last year the Enhanced Games received funding from other leading venture capitalists, including Christian Angermayer’s Apeiron Investment Group, PayPal Co-Founder Peter Thiel, and former Coinbase CTO Balaji Srinivasan.
