😮 8th annual Whooptopia 2026! 🤯
Whooptopia 2026, the world's biggest whoop race, returns to the valley of the sun February 14th-16th in Phoenix Arizona for the 8th year in a row.
The event will take place Saturday February 14th through Monday February 16th which is Presidents Day weekend! Tickets WILL sell out very quickly so be ready, they go on sale Monday September 15th at noon PST! ⏰
Tickets: www.Whooptopia.org 🎫
For the first time in many years, we have a new crowned champion of Whooptopia, Proximo who had attended his first Whooptopia and came with precision and focus leading him to being crowned the newest World Champion! Will he hold down his title for a 2nd year in a row or will there be a new World Champion?!
Tickets: www.whooptopia.org 🎫
80 Pilot slots for Individual Racing: $100ea
40 Pilot slots for Underground Drone League: $40ea
Www.Whooptopia.org 🎫
Let’s cover some of the basics to ensure your whoop is ready to pass tech inspection at Whooptopia 2026! 🙌
Whoop Requirements:
65mm Frame size Only ✅
Fully ducted frame ie: Cockroach / Meteor65 Frame / Fractal 65 / Meteor65Air Frame v1/v2 / Mobula 6 Frame / Crown Frame ✅
31mm Propeller Size Only ✅
Brushed or Brushless motors of any size ✅
1s Lipo Battery Only 270mah-350mah (Max Charge of 4.35v) ✅
25mW VTX Power Output Only (If your whoop does not have a 25mW option it may not be flown) ✅
CP antennas are NOT required ✅
There is a few very important details we want to share with all the pilots attending Whooptopia 2026 - so there is no surprises what so ever when you are at the actual event itself. Please note, these decisions were made to ensure the playing field is as fair as possible and not to upset any pilots. It’s impossible to please everyone but we will always try our best to do so. 😃
1.) 25mW ONLY. In the past there were times where a pilots whoop was barely transmitting on 25mW setting therefore we would allow them to bump up their mW to be able to transmit higher. This is NOT acceptable this year. You are to arrive with proper working gear at Whooptopia. If your whoop is only transmitting 9mW on a 25mW setting you will NOT be allowed to bump up your mW, period. This comes down to ensuring your gear is working properly. If you are transmitting lower then 25mW we will let you know at tech inspection. You may still fly your whoop if it transmits too low but do know, very good odds you will have extremely poor video. If your whoop does not have a 25mW setting at all, it will not be allowed to be flown. No questions asked. If a pilot is caught bumping up their mW because they are transmitting low that pilot will receive a verbal warning. If it happens a 2nd time a pilot may be subject to DQ. Please do not be that guy or gal! 😎
2.) There is a few fc’s on the market that are known to have “floating” VTX’s. This is when you have your whoop programmed to a specific channel but it’s transmitting slightly off the channel you told it to be on. Example: if you’re assigned R8 and have a “floating” VTX your video will be transmitting perfectly on E7. This will be determined at tech inspection this year. If your VTX is “floating” we will not mark that whoop as passing tech inspection. Again, this is nothing against the pilot in specific but to ensure that all others in your heat are not penalized by your faulty gear causing poor video to all others. If your whoop does not pass tech inspection it may NOT be flown, period. In the past we allowed pilots to fly with “floating” vtx’s but this year, and on going, we will not allow it. We strongly suggest you arrive to Whooptopia with 2 brand new whoops at a minimum. The more the merrier. The best way to test this at home is with an RF Explorer if you have one. You can see if your gear is transmitting on the correct channel you are telling it to be on, and you can always verify what kind of mW it’s pushing out. This is what we will be using at tech inspection. Like last year, we will display what we are looking at on a projector so you can see exactly what we are seeing during tech! ⬆️
Current FC's not allowed to be used:
NewBeeDrone BBBLV3
HappyModel Diamond
BetaFPV F405 AIO FC
3.) Let’s discuss a bit about the different receiver protocols out there that will be used at Whooptopia. 🫡
- Redpine: Redpine is known to be a low latency link. As it is SPI there is nothing you need to change or set up to run Redpine. As it sits is perfectly acceptable.🧨
- ELRS: For those of you using ELRS you are not to exceed 500hz for your packet rate and you are not to exceed 100mW for your power. For best performances we would suggest running 500hz and 100mW. (Note: if you are flying with ELRS you will be required to prove you are on the above mentioned settings within your external module, so please ensure you have your lua set up to be able to enter the menu to prove such at tech inspection). If you are unable to prove your ELRS settings at tech inspection we cannot mark it as passing tech. So please, if you come on ELRS, make sure you can prove your settings at tech inspection! Very very important. 🚨
- Tracer / Ghost / Crossfire: if you are using tracer, ghost, or crossfire, you are not to exceed 100mW on your power. You will be required to prove your power level is not exceeding 100mW at tech inspection therefore please ensure you have the proper lua within your transmitter to prove it. If you are unable to prove your Tracer, Ghost, or crossfire mW power we cannot mark it as passing tech. So please, make sure you can prove your settings at tech inspection! 🤩
- FrSky / FlySky / Spektrum: No changes required. As they come is acceptable. 🤗
As we know this post may come off as harsh to some, we assure you the reasoning is to ensure all pilots have the best possible video and radio link throughout the entirety of the event itself. If any pilot is caught adjusting the above mentioned settings above and beyond what is acceptable, the pilot will receive one verbal warning. If the pilot is caught a 2nd time they may be subject to a DQ. If we experience issues within a heat do not be surprised if each pilot within that heat are required to prove their settings are appropriate on the spot. Please please please, play fair and there will be no issues! 🫠
Moral of the story, test your gear, make sure you have the abilities to prove your settings, and come prepared with multiple BRAND NEW whoops in case one or more of your whoops do not pass tech inspection. 🥴
That's it! Meet these requirements? Then you’re all set! If not, get to building to the above specs so your whoop is ready for the madness to come! 👏
Prizes For Individual Racing! 💰 💴 💵
In the past we have always offered $4,000 MINIMUM Cold Hard Cash for Individual Racing Pool given all 80 tickets sold! We do have a goal however of growing the pot beyond this based on event support! Please note if less than 80 tickets are sold the payout amounts will be properly adjusted based on how many tickets are sold. Given the fact ticket prices increased to $100 USD this year, and the fact we take EVERY single dollar raised from ticket sales as the prize purse, the purse is scheduled to grow this year!
Elite Class: 🔥
1st - Cash + Trophy
2nd - Cash + Trophy
3rd - Cash + Trophy
Pro Class: 🥵
1st - Cash + Trophy
2nd - Cash + Trophy
3rd - Cash + Trophy
Advanced Class: 🤠
1st - Cash + Trophy
2nd - Cash + Trophy
3rd - Cash + Trophy
Enthusiasts Class: 🥸
1st - Cash + Trophy
2nd - Cash + Trophy
3rd - Cash + Trophy
Hobbyist Class:🥳
1st - Cash + Trophy
2nd - Cash + Trophy
3rd - Cash + Trophy
Event Sponsors 😁
Event Title Sponsor:
NewBeeDrone - Www.NewBeeDrone.com
Diamond Sponsors:
Platinum Sponsors:
Gold Sponsors:
Sponsor Packages:
Event Title Sponsor Package (One only) SOLD
Cost: $2,500
Benefits:
3 pilot tickets for individual racing (if solidified prior to ticket sale date of September 15th)
Constant Logo on stream as Title Sponsor
Largest size logo on the event stream with dedicated page of only your brand.
Largest size logo on www.Whooptopia.org with a link leading to your company website and/or bio.
Special commercial segment used many times during the event on the livestream (Company provided commercial). 30 seconds maximum length.
Special company advertisement with vinyl logos on the proprietary Whooptopia gates.
Multiple social media recognitions leading up to and during the event.
Multiple amplified shoutouts during the live event.
⚡️ Diamond Sponsor Package ⚡️
Cost: $1250
Benefits:
2 pilot tickets for individual racing (if solidified prior to ticket sale date of September 15th)
Large size logo on the event stream.
Large size logo on www.Whooptopia.org with a link leading to your company website and/or bio.
Special commercial segment used many times during the event on the livestream (Company provided commercial). 30 seconds maximum length.
Special company advertisement with vinyl logos on the proprietary Whooptopia gates.
Multiple social media recognitions leading up to and during the event.
Multiple amplified shoutouts during the live event.
💎 Platinum Sponsor Package 💎
Cost: $500
Benefits:
1 pilot ticket for individual racing (if solidified prior to ticket sale date of September 15th)
Medium size logo on the event stream.
Medium size logo on www.Whooptopia.org with a link leading to your company website and/or bio.
Special commercial segment used many times during the event on the livestream (Company provided commercial). 15 second maximum length.
Multiple social media recognitions leading up to and during the event.
Multiple amplified shoutouts during the live event.
💰 Gold Sponsor Package 💰
Cost: $100
Benefits:
Small size logo on the event stream.
Small size logo on www.Whooptopia.org listed as an event sponsor.
Special commercial segment used many times during the event on the livestream (Company provided commercial) 10 seconds maximum length.
Multiple social media recognitions leading up to and during the event.
Multiple amplified shoutouts during the live event.
Note: All sponsors are welcome to include products in addition to the package costs if they choose. However, each sponsor package with a dollar value is offered at a cost, and not with a value of products. If your company decides to do products only, this will be classified as a GOLD SPONSOR package. We do offer a 50/50 split option for all packages minus the Title Sponsor package.📦
If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor of Whooptopia 2026 please see the sponsor package section located on www.Whooptopia.org 🎫
Location:
SouthGate Church
2020 E. Baseline Rd
Phoenix AZ 85042
Event Schedule🔑
Whooptopia 2026 is scheduled to operate the same as past years. We will divide all 80 pilots into 5 separate groups per day (16 per group) where each pilot will get eight (8) qualifying packs on the track.
Please Note: DO NOT BE LATE!!!! It is very important that you arrive ON TIME for tech inspection. If you do not get tech inspected during the designated time slots you will not be able to race! I repeat DO NOT BE LATE! Please see below for how tech inspection works.🪭
Saturday February 14th:
Group 1:
7:30am - 7:45am: Tech Inspection / Pilot Registration
7:45am - 7:50am: Pilot Meeting / Track Walk Through
7:50am - 10:20am: Qualifying
Group 2:
10:20am - 10:35am: Tech Inspection / Pilot Registration
10:35am - 10:40am: Pilot Meeting / Track Walk Through
10:40am - 12:55pm: Qualifying
Group 3:
12:55pm - 1:10pm: Tech Inspection / Pilot Registration
1:10pm - 1:15pm: Pilot Meeting / Track Walk Through
1:15pm - 3:30pm: Qualifying
Group 4:
3:30pm - 3:45pm: Tech Inspection / Pilot Registration
3:45pm - 3:50pm: Pilot Meeting / Track Walk Through
3:50pm - 6:05pm: Qualifying
Group 5:
6:05pm - 6:20pm: Tech Inspection / Pilot Registration
6:20pm - 6:25pm: Pilot Meeting / Track Walk Through
6:25pm - 8:40pm: Qualifying
Qualifying day complete (Check group chat for seeding placements)
Race Schedule Sunday Elimination Rounds February 15th 🔑
Now that all 80 pilots have completed their qualifying it is time for double loss elimination brackets! Be sure to check the group chat to see which class you made so you know what time you need to be at the venue to compete in elimination brackets! 🛎️
Sunday February 15th:
Hobbyist Class: Seeds 65-80
7:45am-8:00am: Pilot Meeting
8:00am-10:15am: Double Loss Elimination Rounds
Enthusiasts Class: Seeds 49-64
10:15am-10:30am: Pilot Meeting
10:30am-12:45pm: Double Loss Elimination Rounds
Advanced Class: Seeds 33-49
12:45pm-1:00pm: Pilot Meeting
1:00pm-3:15pm: Double Loss Elimination Rounds
Pro Class: Seeds 17-32
3:15pm-3:30pm: Pilot Meeting
3:30pm-5:45pm: Double Loss Elimination Rounds
Elite Class: Seeds 1-16
5:45pm-6:00pm: Pilot Meeting
6:00pm-8:15pm: Double Loss Elimination Rounds
Award Ceremony For All Classes:
8:30pm-8:45pm
Race Schedule Monday February 16th:
We are bringing someone newish to the bonus day at Whooptopia 2026! The weBLEED 500 UDL Team Racing Day!
40 total pilots, with 5 pilots per team. We will take your qualifying time from the main race to seed the pilots. Top 8 will be captains and the lower 32 will be in one big pool of pilots to draft! We will do a snake style draft where Captain #8 will start with the first pick. We will do a double loss elimination bracket worked down to our final 4 teams that'll then compete in the weBLEED 500!
8:30am - 9:30am: UDL Tech Inspection
9:30am - 9:45am: UDL Pilot Meeting
10:00am - 10:30am: Elim Round 1
10:40am - 11:10am: Elim Round 2
11:20am - 11:50am: Elim Round 3
12:00pm - 12:30pm: Elim Round 4
12:40pm - 1:10pm: Elim Round 5
1:30pm - 5:00pm: weBLEED 500 (4 remaining Teams)
5:15pm - 5:30pm: Award Ceremony for weBLEED 500 UDL Race
Prizes For weBLEED 500 Underground Drone League Racing!
1st Place: Cash + Trophy
2nd Place: Cash + Trophy
3rd Place: Cash + Trophy
Tech Inspection:
We will be forcing specific ESC settings at Whooptopia 2026 for UDL racing this year. You will also be required to pass the spec checker program as well. Please refer to Www.UndergroundDroneLeague.com for more information on what is allowed to be used with the spec!
ESC Firmware Specs:
Bluejay Firmware on 0.19
48khz
Minimum Startup Power (Boost) = 1125
Maximum Startup Power (Protection) = 1300
Motor Timing = 30 (High)
Demag Compensation = Off
RPM Power Protection (Ramp Up) = 13x (Less Protection)
ESC Power Rating = 1s
Temperature Protection = Disabled
Maximum Breaking Strength = 255
Break On Stop = Not Checked
PWM Dithering = Checked
Turtle Mode
Yes. turtle mode is allowed at Whooptopia 2026 but there will NOT be track marshals at any given time therefore I strongly suggest having your turtle mode set up properly prior to arrival!
Q&A’s
Question: So, if I'm in group 1 and it says I'm to be there at 7:30am on Saturday can I show up at like 7:45am?
Answer: NO! Please do not be late, these 15 minutes before your group is very crucial for us event organizers to get you all tech inspected, registered, and learning the track during this short period! If anything, please show up early!!!
Question: So, what do you mean when you say three (3) consecutive lap times for qualifying?
Answer: During your eight (8) qualifying rounds there will be two (2) minutes on the timing system which means you may fly as many laps as you possibly can, once that two (2) minute timer goes off, each pilot is to continue flying until they finish the lap they are on. We will take your fastest three (3) consecutive laps to determine your best three (3) lap time of the day. Consecutive meaning they must be three (3) laps all strung together. If you get six (6) laps we cannot use lap 1, 4, and 6. It must be laps 1, 2, and 3 or laps 4,5, and 6, or laps 2, 3, and 4 etc.
Question: What if my whoop breaks and I have to swap whoops but need time to change channels. Can I just change right now?
Answer: No, please make sure if and when you do need to change your channel it is at the start of a heat that you are in. That’ll keep things moving as smoothly as possible.
Question: If I bought a ticket and I can no longer attend, am I eligible for a refund?
Answer: Yes, you sure are. Please contact Anthony Knight directly and he can process the refund for you immediately. However, refunds are available up until seven (7) days before the event takes place. So please make sure to do so as soon as possible if you cannot attend. All refund requests must be submitted no later than 11:59pm on 2-7-26.
This event information will be edited and added to often as more info rolls in so always check here first before asking questions as most of your questions should be answered within the event information!
If you cannot find your answer, please feel free to reach out to Anthony Knight directly.
Also check out other Sports events in Phoenix, Workshops in Phoenix, Meetups in Phoenix.
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