First surfaced in 2023, it’s taken years before the Enhanced Games’ potential debut could happen. Still in the pipeline it’s expected by the end of the year or the start of the next. Well, the highly controversial nature of the event can perhaps be blamed. However, in 2025, things appear to be fast-tracking. A few days back, it was reported that Donald Trump Jr. made a double-digit million-dollar cash investment in the Games. And now, it looks like that the Games might have just gotten an even bigger boost.

The Enhanced Games, or as controversially labeled, the ‘Steroid Olympics’ by critics, can include sports like track and field, swimming, wrestling, gymnastics, and combat sports. Also, if it does happen, this shall be the first time ever that prohibited and performance-enhancing substances can be used by athletes before competing without any restriction. While this idea does not sit well with many, it is now being reported that the Games may be getting quite the push.

As reported by the Financial Times in February 2025, “Donald Trump’s return could well be the Games’ saving grace.” The Financial Times also reported the Enhanced Games president, Aron D’Souza’s words, who mentioned that the new health secretary, RFK Jr, “He made it very clear about what his priorities are, and human enhancement is on that list.”

Moreover, the report also mentioned that one of the key investors, Peter Thiel, former ceo of PayPal, is on good terms with the government and that can potentially have positive implications for the Games. “Thiel, who has invested in a number of longevity start-ups, has a sizeable influence in the White House.”

The article also mentions that ever since President Donald Trump assumed power for the second time, the Enhanced Games have seen two major changes. Firstly, it was reported that two particular performance-enhancing d–gs were no longer allowed in the competition. Then came the President’s new executive order banning the participation of transgender athletes in female sports events. But according to the Financial Times report, the President of the Enhanced Games has stated that they would abide by the President’s ban.

Other key individuals are also expected to play important roles in the Games.

Who are the people behind Enhanced Games?

Apart from Donald Trump Jr., who has invested heavily into the Games through venture capital fund, 1789 Capital,  Christian Angermayer, the founder and owner of Apeiron Investment Group, is one of those backing the Enhanced Games. He has been reported to be more involved than the rest of them in organizing the Games. The report also mentions that Angermayer sees his role as the one to create a more ‘positive approach.’ This includes what the Games can give young people, potentially a more open and transparent approach to bodily enhancement.

Well, if the Enhanced Games eventually materialize, it will bring to fruition a key competitor to the IOC. As reported by the New York Post, the President of the Enhanced Games, Aron D’Souza had previously mentioned, “The International Olympic Committee are legacy incumbents that have a giant, multi-billion dollar, century-long monopoly and they’re afraid of competition,” Do you think the Enhanced Games will be able to challenge the hegemony of the Olympics? Take to the comments to let us know your thoughts!