Porsche Motorsport and Mobil 1 Launch GT3 Challenge Cup Esports on Gran Turismo 7

Porsche Motorsport and Mobil 1 are joining forces for the launch of the new GT3 Challenge Cup Esports, a competitive Gran Turismo 7 championship designed to give aspiring and experienced sim racers an opportunity to showcase their ability on the global stage.

Created in promotion of the Gran Turismo World Series, the championship will bring together 10 teams and 20 drivers for a high-level sportscar racing competition. The series is open to competitors at every stage of their esports journey, from promising newcomers looking to make their mark to established drivers ready to prove themselves against elite competition.

Racing on Gran Turismo 7, drivers will take on the challenge of GT3 machinery in a format built to capture the intensity, strategy and close competition of real-world sportscar racing. With Porsche Motorsport and Mobil 1 supporting the project, the GT3 Challenge Cup Esports aims to create a professional platform for the next generation of virtual racers.

The series has been founded by Matthew Fisher, a nine time former F1 Sim Racing World Tier 1 Champion and widely recognised esports competitor.

In a short statement ahead of the opening round, Fisher said, “I’m incredibly excited for race one. This championship is about giving drivers, whether they are new to esports or already experienced, a real opportunity to prove themselves in competitive GT racing.”

Fisher and Porsche Motorsport have also teased a potential car switch for Fisher at the end of the season, subject to Formula 1 contractual obligations. Further details have not yet been confirmed.

Adding another distinctive element to the championship, the GT3 Challenge Cup Esports livery has been designed in collaboration with Mike Shinoda, founder of American rock band Linkin Park. The partnership brings a bold creative identity to the grid, combining motorsport, esports and music culture. (Livery to be used at the Season Finale with a Mercedes AMG GT3)

The opening race of the GT3 Challenge Cup Esports will take place at Laguna Seca and will be broadcast live on Tuesday, 1 September 2026.

Matthew Fisher Livery Reveal: