Raised in Portland, Oregon, Atlas received a university degree in Health Science and Sport in June 1993 from Oregon State University. He began modeling for fitness magazines after being noticed at a bodybuilding show. From there, Atlas met erotic photographer Ron Lloyd and posed for some photos; this lead to the "Body Solo" video series produced by Lloyd's Body Image Productions. Atlas was named Men magazine's "Man of the Year" in 2003 (along with Nate Christianson) and 2006. He filmed his first gay oral sex scene for JakeCruise.com. His role in Falcon Studios film Best Men garnered Atlas GayVN awards nominations for "Best Supporting Actor" and "Best Oral Scene." In addition, the film Best Men Parts 1 & 2 was nominated for "Best Picture" and "Best Group Scene," but lost to Raging Stallion Studio's To The Last Man. In October 2009, Zeb Atlas made his pop music video debut, appearing in "Stop For Love" by Pearly Gates as the singer's love interest.