When sportscasters describe a game as having “juice,” they mean it quite literally.
Emmanuel Ocho, a former NFL player, and sportscaster Abby Labar are set to be the studio anchors for the first-ever Enhanced Games, scheduled for late May. This event allows athletes to use performance-enhancing substances, diverging from the usual prohibition. Various sportscasters and celebrities are also expected to participate, providing a comprehensive viewing experience.
“The first Enhanced Games is going to revolutionize how we think about sports, which
made it critical to have hosts who can deliver the excitement for our viewers tuning in
from around the world,” said Maximilian Martin, CEO of Enhanced, in a statement. “Emmanuel is a
prominent and trusted voice in the U.S. sports media landscape and together with
Abby Labar will curate an incredible evening of world record-breaking action for our
viewers.”
Most sports organizations disapprove of athletes using drugs, pills, or injections to gain strength or stamina, fearing it leads to unfair competition. Enhanced, however, does not share this viewpoint.
Founded by Aron D’Souza, Enhanced has been controversial since its announcement in 2023. In 2024, the International Olympic Committee told Reuters: “The idea of the Enhanced Games does not merit any comment. If you want to destroy any concept of fair play and fair competition in sport, this would be a good way to do it.”
In a unique approach to sportscasting, Enhanced will have Acho and Labar team up with Bryan Johnson, an entrepreneur known for his longevity-focused venture, Blueprint. Johnson will analyze how athletes perform with enhancements.
“Bryan is arguably the most aligned person to Enhanced’s mission, and we are
excited to have him provide his expert commentary on athlete protocols, health and
performance, as it will dramatically elevate our broadcast team,” said Martin.
“Simply put, there is no more credible voice in the world on the positive impacts of
longevity medicine than Bryan and we’re overjoyed to have him as part of the
broadcast.”
Acho, previously with Fox Sports, is an entrepreneur who recently launched “Speakeasy,” a streaming after-show analyzing NFL games. Labar is recognized for her work with MLB Network and the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
Additional personalities will handle off-the-field segments. Oliver Trevena, known for his roles in films like “The Paradox Effect” and “Wire Room,” will be the entertainment reporter, covering the Enhanced “blue carpet” and guest suites. His cactus-water product, Caliwater, is the official hydration sponsor of the Enhanced Games.
Justin Kutcher will announce races and weightlifting events and is also affiliated with Fox Sports. Sam Quek, who played field hockey in the 2016 Summer Olympics, has been a sportscaster for British media. The broadcast team will also feature Max Atia as a weightlifting analyst and Kurt Mills Hanson for swimming.
