Topstep Labs Launches the Revenge of the $3K Challenge

Topstep announced the Revenge of the $3K Challenge on 15 October 2026. It is two new Topstep Labs drops: #008 Undead and #009 Slasher. Topstep Labs is the firm's section for limited, experimental programs.

What changed

Both drops share one goal. Reach a $3K profit target in a Challenge Round, then again in a Payout Round, without hitting the static Max Loss Limit. Clear both rounds and you unlock a $3,000 payout.

Undead vs Slasher

Undead (Drop #008)

• Price: $199 plus tax.
• Static Max Loss Limit: $1,000.
• Max size: 5 minis or 50 micros.

Slasher (Drop #009)

• Price: $65 plus tax.
• Static Max Loss Limit: $500.
• Max size: 2 minis or 20 micros.

Both have no daily loss limit, no consistency target, no minimum trading days, no scaling plan and no profit split. Each trader can buy up to 5 of each.

Who it affects

Futures traders who want a short, fixed-reward challenge. It does not change the standard Trading Combine rules. Topstep says some Labs experiments may later move into its main program.

Downsides to weigh

• Capped reward. The payout is a fixed $3,000. There is no ongoing funded account in the announcement.
• Two rounds. You must make the target twice. Losing the account in round two costs you the reward.
• Small loss limits. $500 on Slasher with up to 2 minis leaves very little room.
• Limited and unclear availability. Labs drops are limited, no end date is stated, and the Labs page groups them under "Past Lab Drops". Check before you plan around it.

What traders should do

1. Read the official Topstep announcement and check the Topstep Labs page for current availability.
2. Work out how many winning days $3K needs at your size with our profit target calculator.
3. Compare with the regular Combine in our Topstep review.

Topstep Labs programs are simulated trading programs operated by TopstepTrader, LLC.

Terms change often. Confirm current prices and rules on the firm's own site before you buy. This is educational content, not financial advice. Trading involves risk.