Enhanced Games Founder Aron D’Souza has reacted to criticism from the China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA), which likened the event to a “drug contest”.
CHINADA condemned the event on May 23, likening it to a “gladiator show” and criticising its slogan: “The achievements of science and technology should be celebrated.”
The agency argued the competition distorts the essence of sport, turning it into a “drug contest” rather than a fair athletic competition.
The statement from the Chinese authorities follows the Enhanced Games’ announcement on May 22, confirming Las Vegas as the host city for its inaugural event, scheduled for May 21-24, 2026.
CHINADA also directed criticism at the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for its response to the Enhanced Games’ plans.
“Rather than taking effective actions against those attempting to hold the Enhanced Games in the US, USADA has used its dissatisfaction with the anti-doping system as an excuse to challenge the well-functioning world anti-doping order built by the joint efforts of the anti-doping community and undermine the global anti-doping governance system, which was designed to protect clean athletes worldwide in a fair and consistent manner,” the statement read.
D’Souza, the Australian-born Founder of the Enhanced Games, is no stranger to criticism, with some of the most damning comments coming from USADA. Travis Tygart, CEO of USADA, dismissed the event outright, calling it a “dangerous clown show.”
In a statement sent exclusively to Insider Sport, D’Souza suggested these comments are “designed to deflect attention” from systematic failures of their own.
“These organisations have spent decades failing athletes, covering up scandals, and protecting a broken status quo,” he said. “Rather than issuing empty condemnations, they’d do better to focus on fixing their own credibility.
“We welcome a serious, public discussion on the future of sport, science, and integrity – anytime, anywhere. We’re ready to have that conversation. Are they?”
The commercial stakes
CHINADA’s statement did not dismiss the idea of the games outright but instead highlighted concerns over financial incentives being used to attract athletes.
“The organiser of the event continues to offer high prizes, economic sponsorships and other incentives to attract athletes and investors into the Games, luring athletes into risking their health to ‘bet’ on commercial interests,” the statement continued.
This latest opposition, while not the first and certainly not the last, raises two possibilities.
Either traditional sporting organisations are determined to prevent the event from taking place, or they fear it could gain traction and disrupt the existing sports landscape.
Interestingly, the heightened attention from major organisations could work in favour of the Enhanced Games. Increased media coverage may lead to stronger commercial deals with potential sponsors or partners.
Notably, the Enhanced Games is yet to confirm a broadcast partnership, leaving a key piece of its commercial strategy unresolved.
