Warp text around circle

[jodys1108700]

Hi. I'm trying to achieve a similar text effect as the "Champions" text in the left image attached. I have tried creating rectangular shape with an arc in the bottom (sample on the right of the image) and using the Envelope Distort -> Make with Top Object function...but it skews the text to where it doesn't stand straight up. Does anyone know how to achieve the look on the left and keep the text straight?

[Doug A Roberts]

in the original example, the text has been drawn that way. i don't think it's likely to be possible to create something that precise with distort tools.

[Mike_Gondek]

Fro this one I  recommend creating 3 type objects, then distorting the center  "HAMPION".

On the last step I manually adjusted the envelope to be more symmetrical, then focusing on getting the vertical stress in "H" and "N" to be straight, by pulling the bottom bezier handles.

This is quick, but with some more time could improve.

[Myra Ferguson]

There was a previous discussion about how to achieve a similar effect where the baseline is curved without distortion. Although there were alternatives presented, the consensus was like Doug said above that it was most likely hand-drawn https://forums.adobe.com/message/3078658#3078658#3078658#3078658

[Doug A Roberts]

nice thread, i think the last post has the right idea.