The Basics
Topstep is always innovating — and Topstep Labs is where that shows up first. You've probably had ideas a prop firm should try. An account structure that made sense. A feature that could help. A program you wished existed. Labs is where those ideas get tested for real.
Not just concepts — actual experiments you can trade right now. Every drop is limited; when it's gone, it's gone. Some Labs ideas graduate into the full Topstep experience. Others won't. But every drop teaches us something. This article tracks every Labs offering as it launches — full details and dates, all in one place.
👉 You can also visit topstep.com/labs to see what's live and sign up to stay in the know.
How Topstep Labs Works
We drop an experiment. A new Labs offering goes live as a limited drop.
You trade it. Real Traders, real data. This is how we find out if an idea actually works.
We see what works. Some experiments make it out of the lab and into the full Topstep program.
The Scientist Behind Labs
Topstep acquired Futures Desk because we knew how much they cared about the development of futures Traders. Josh Schwartzberg was the man behind Futures Desk — and now he's the Head Scientist behind Topstep Labs.
"We built Futures Desk because we believed traders deserved a better way to learn. Topstep Labs gives us the opportunity to bring those ideas to life at Topstep's scale. A place to test new opportunities, explore new ideas, and help traders become better traders."
Josh Schwartzberg
CEO, Futures Desk — Topstep Labs Head Scientist
Topstep Labs Drops
Check here for Topstep Labs offering details. Once something drops, we'll list it here.
Initiative | Launch Date | Accounts Available |
$25K Static Drawdown Trading Combine® | June 2026 | 5,000 |
$25K Account Parameters
The first program under Topstep Labs. A one-time-fee evaluation with $25,000 in buying power and a static Maximum Loss Limit — your drawdown floor never moves, so your effective room grows as your account does.
Phase 1: Trading Combine®
Parameter | Value |
Buying Power | $25,000 |
Profit Target | $2,000 |
Max Loss Limit | $1,000 (static, non-trailing 🔥) |
Max Contracts | 2 mini / 20 micro |
Consistency Target | 50% |
Daily Loss Limit (DLL) | Mandatory $500 |
Funded Activation Fee | Free |
Price | $75 one-time — no subscription. 90 Day expiration. |
Resets | Not Available |
Accounts Available for Purchase | 5,000 |
Phase 2: Express Funded Account® (XFA)
Parameter | Value |
Path | Choose Consistency or Standard |
Payout Cap | $4,000 |
Max Loss Limit | $1,000 (static, non-trailing 🔥) |
Max Contracts: | 2 mini / 20 micro (no scaling) |
Daily Loss Limit (DLL) | Mandatory $500 |
Phase 3: Live Funded Account® (LFA)
Parameter | Value |
Tier Size | $25,000 |
Starting Balance | $5,000 minimum |
Daily Loss Limit | Mandatory $500 |
Max Contracts | 2 mini / 2 micro |
$25k Static Trading Combine FAQs
$25k Static Trading Combine FAQs
What does "static drawdown" mean, and how is it different from trailing drawdown?
Topstep uses 2 types of drawdown. Here's how each works using the same scenario: a Trader starts with a $25,000 balance and a $1,000 Max Loss Limit, earns $1,000 in profit (balance hits $26,000), then loses $500 (balance ends at $25,500).
End-of-Day (EOD) Trailing (standard Topstep Trading Combines): The Max Loss Limit trails the end-of-day closing balance — not intraday peaks. Trader ends at $25,500, limit moves to $24,500. They start the next day with $1,000 of room.
Static (this Trading Combine): The Max Loss Limit never moves. It stays at $24,000 no matter what. With a $28,000 balance, the Trader has $4,000 of room — not $3,000.
| EOD Trailing | Static |
Maximum Loss Limit after scenario | $24,500 | $24,000 |
Effective room next day | $1,000 | $1,500 |
Who is eligible to purchase this new offering?
All Traders — new and existing — can purchase the $25k Static Trading Combine while spots are available.
Where do I find the $25k Static Trading Combine?
Visit topstep.com/labs. The $25k Static is displayed as a card with full details and a purchase button while availability lasts.
I missed out on the $25K Offering. Can I purchase later?
No. Once a Topstep Labs offering is gone, it's gone. Although some Labs ideas graduate into the full Topstep experience, it's not guaranteed. If it happens, we'll let you know!
Will the $25k Static Trading Combine Rebill each month?
No. The $25k Static Trading Combine has a one-time fee — no Rebill, no subscription. Please note, this Trading Combine expires 90 days after purchase. If you haven't passed by then, it will close automatically.