Atlas Cup: Launching the Inaugural Professional Orbital Championship in 2028

Introducing the Atlas Cup: The Era of Orbital Sports

In a groundbreaking announcement, Atlas Cup has declared its intention to launch the world’s first professional sport operating in space. Scheduled to debut in 2028, this championship brings a novel twist to competitive racing by taking it to the realm of low Earth orbit. Founded in late 2025, Atlas Cup is poised to become a frontrunner in the sports media industry, showcasing unmanned spacecraft competing in an ultrafast format of racing that combines advanced space technology with spectacular visual experiences.

The Vision of Atlas Cup

According to Philip Hover-Smoot, the CEO of Atlas Cup, “The Atlas Cup will do for the space industry what professional car racing did for automobiles.” His vision is to reignite public fascination with space exploration while offering unprecedented entertainment options. The ambition is to provide a platform that captures the extraordinary potential of outer space and connects it with global audiences.

The introduction of orbital sports comes at a pivotal moment as the commercial space industry undergoes rapid evolution. Just as the automotive industry expanded in the early 20th century, today’s burgeoning space economy presents vast opportunities. However, the industry faces challenges, including a fragmented supplier ecosystem and a lack of reliable performance data. By establishing direct competition in space, Atlas Cup aims to create not just a thrilling spectacle but also a substantial database surrounding spacecraft performance and their components.

Addressing New Media Trends

The global sports media landscape is also rapidly transforming, heavily influenced by the upcoming generation of viewers and the diminishing relevance of traditional broadcasting methods. Communities are demanding engaging, premium content that resonates with their experiences. The Atlas Cup is strategically positioned to thrive in this environment, as orbital racing taps into current trends by celebrating groundbreaking advancements in the space sector and generating innovative sports content designed for social media, mobile platforms, and streaming services.

Unprecedented Adventure in Space

Operationally, the Atlas Cup will utilize proven technologies and a partnership model that alleviates traditional technical and regulatory risks. “How do you know that your system is the best?” adds Hover-Smoot. “You win. In orbit.” This approach allows for head-to-head racing in space—a concept previously unexplored. By merging breathtaking space imagery with the excitement of racing, the Atlas Cup aims to deliver an experience that's not just competitive but also inspirational.

The Team Behind the Vision

Founded by Philip Hover-Smoot, who has a rich background in the space industry—including leadership roles at Scout Space, Spaceflight, and Momentus—Atlas Cup is backed by a formidable team of advisors from various fields including sports, entertainment, and technology. This strategic collaboration is expected to create impactful alliances within the worlds of sports, media, space exploration, and innovative technologies.

Looking Ahead

As we anticipate the inaugural championship races in 2028, the excitement around orbital sports is palpable. The Atlas Cup promises a thrilling adventure not only for fans and participants but also for budding technologies that will undoubtedly evolve as a result of this new frontier in sports entertainment. As we stand on the brink of this journey, it’s evident that the Atlas Cup is not just introducing a new sport; it’s paving the way for a completely new entertainment sector.

For more information about the Atlas Cup and its upcoming events, visit atlastcup.com.