If you’ve spent time trading forex, you’ve probably seen firms running competitions for traders. These are real contests where traders try to get the best results over a short period. The winners often receive funded accounts, prize money, or a chance to trade for the firm full-time.
These competitions have become more common over the past few years. With so many new traders entering the market, firms are using these events to spot strong performers. For traders, it’s a chance to prove what they can do without risking their own money.
Some of these contests are free to join, while others ask for a small fee. The setup can be different from one firm to another, but they all give you a chance at something real: a funded account. That said, not every competition is worth your time. Some offer good rewards and fair rules. Others are harder to win or come with restrictions that make it difficult to succeed.
We looked at many of the competitions out there and picked the ones that stand out. If you’re looking to test yourself and possibly earn funding, these are the top 5 prop firm competitions you should look into this year.
No matter how you trade! fast, slow, or somewhere in between, there’s likely one here that fits your style.
What Is a Prop Firm Competition and Why Traders Love It
A prop firm competition is a trading contest. A firm sets the rules, traders join in, and whoever performs best wins something, usually funding or prize money. The trading is done on a demo account. You’re not risking real cash, but the results still matter. The firm watches how you trade and uses that to decide who gets a reward.
These contests can run for a few days or a full month. Everyone usually starts with the same account balance. The goal is simple: follow the rules, trade smart, and finish with a good return.
Traders like these competitions because they offer a real chance to get noticed. If you do well, you could end up with funding or an offer from the firm. And since you’re not using your own money, the risk is low. Even if you don’t win, the experience is valuable. You learn to trade under pressure, manage your risk, and stick to a plan. It’s a solid way to move forward as a trader, especially if you’re confident in your skills but don’t have the capital to trade big.
Best 5 Prop Firm Competitions This Year
| Prop Firm | Competition Type | Entry Cost | Top Reward | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RebelsFunding | Monthly Trading Challenge | FREE | $1,000 In Cash Copper $320,000 program | All traders |
| Hola Prime | Monthly Trading Challenge | FREE | $5,500 in Cash$50k MTR (2-Step Prime) | All traders |
| FundedNext | Monthly Trading Challenge | FREE | $5,000 In CashStellar Lite 100K | All traders |
| The5ers | Weekly and Monthly Trading Challenge | FREE | 60K High Stakes | All traders |
| FORFX | Monthly Trading Challenge | FREE | $200,000 Challenge Account | All Traders |
1. RebelsFunding
RebelsFunding is offering one of the most exciting prop firm competitions on the scene right now. It’s designed for traders who want to push their skills to the limit in real market conditions without the usual restrictions. This is a month-long challenge where your goal is simple: grow your account and beat the competition. The top three traders will walk away with both cash and access to large, funded accounts.
Format
This is a leaderboard-style competition that runs for one full month. All traders start with the same account conditions and aim to finish the challenge with the highest return. It’s not a paid challenge; you’re competing without risking your own money.
Rules
| Daily Drawdown Limit | 5% |
| Maximum Drawdown | 10% |
| Minimum Trades Required | 10 |
| Overnight and Weekend Holding | Allowed |
| News Trading | Allowed |
| Take-Profit/Stop-Loss Required | Not required |
| Lot Size Limits | None (only leverage is capped) |
Important: If you hit the daily drawdown limit of 5%, your account will be closed, and you’ll be removed from the leaderboard. This is a strict rule; there are no second chances.
Rewards
| Placement | Cash Reward | Funded Account (Copper) |
| 1st Place | $1,000 | $320,000 |
| 2nd Place | $600 | $160,000 |
| 3rd Place | $400 | $80,000 |
Best For
This prop firm competition is ideal for confident traders who understand risk management and can stay disciplined under pressure. If you’re good at managing drawdowns and want the freedom to hold trades overnight or over the weekend, this one suits you.
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Large funded account rewards | One strike on daily drawdown = disqualified |
| Real cash prizes | High pressure with tight risk limits |
| No lot size or trade timing limits | You must place at least 10 trades to qualify |
| Overnight and weekend trading allowed | |
| News trading permitted |
2. Hola Prime
The KAT’s Playoff competition from Hola Prime is a straightforward, high-reward event for traders who want to test their skills in a real-time trading environment. The competition is open to anyone with a Hola Prime account and offers a mix of cash prizes and funded trading accounts to the top three performers. You don’t need to go through a verification process to join, but you will need to complete it later if you win and want to collect your rewards.
This event is perfect for traders who want a clean shot at real prizes without paying to enter.
Format
KAT’s Playoff is a free-to-enter prop firm competition hosted on the Match Trader platform. Everyone begins with a $10,000 virtual account, and the leaderboard ranks traders based on who ends with the highest balance once the contest ends.
To join, you just need to log into your Hola Prime account and sign up from the competition tab. The competition runs for a set period (usually announced ahead of time) and all trades will be closed automatically at the end.
Rules:
| Initial Balance | $10,000 |
| Daily Loss Limit | 3% (based on previous day’s closing balance) |
| Maximum Loss Limit | 7% (based on starting balance) |
| Leverage | Up to 30:1 |
| Overnight and News Trading | Allowed |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | Not allowed |
| Account Access | One account and one IP per trader only |
| Commission – Gold | $3 per lot |
| Commission – Other Commodities | $1.5 per lot |
| Commission – Indices | $0 |
*Breaching either loss limit ends your participation. All trades will close automatically when the competition ends.
Reward
| Placement | Cash Prize | Funded Account | Bonus |
| 1st Place | $5,500 | $50,000 (2-Step Prime) | Bonus Challenge Account |
| 2nd Place | $3,500 | $25,000 (2-Step Prime) | Bonus Challenge Account |
| 3rd Place | $1,500 | $10,000 (2-Step Prime) | Bonus Challenge Account |
*Winners are contacted by email and Discord, and announced publicly on Hola Prime’s website and social media pages.
Best For
This prop firm competition is best suited for traders who like structured rules but still want room to trade freely. It’s especially good for those who are confident managing risk daily and are comfortable trading on Match Trader. Since there’s no cost to join, it’s also great for newer traders who want to gain experience in a competitive setting.
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Free to join | Low leverage compared to other firms |
| Real cash and funded accounts for top traders | EAs (automated strategies) not allowed |
| No KYC required to participate | Strict drawdown limits small mistakes can cost you the account |
| Overnight and news trading allowed | |
| Multiple platforms used for winner announcements |
3. FundedNext
The FundedNext Trading Competition is a monthly event that welcomes traders from all skill levels to join, compete, and win. It’s a free trading contest where your performance speaks for itself. Whether you’re new to prop firm competitions or have done them before, this one gives you a chance to trade in a risk-free environment while working toward real rewards. The top traders walk away with funded accounts, and even traders who don’t finish at the top can win through a special lottery draw.
Format
This is a free, leaderboard-based prop firm competition that runs from the 1st to the last day of every month. Traders compete using demo accounts under real market conditions. At the end of each month, rankings are finalized and winners are announced through the dashboard and social media platforms. The competition is open to everyone no entry fee required.
Even if you don’t place in the top 100, you still have a chance at winning. Traders ranked between 101st and 600th are entered into a lottery, where 50 winners receive a Stellar 1-Step $6,000 funded account.
Rules
| Maximum Daily Loss Limit | 5% (includes floating losses; breach = disqualification) |
| Maximum Overall Loss Limit | 10% (based on starting balance; breach = disqualification) |
| Minimum Trading Days | 5 trading days required |
| News Trading | Allowed |
| Commission | $3 per lot (Forex & Commodities), $0 on Indices |
| Overnight & Weekend Holding | Permitted |
| Swap Charges | Accounts will be swap-free |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | Not allowed |
| Max Lot Size | 3 lots per instrument (Indices, Commodities, Metals) |
| Max Open Positions | Up to 5 positions at a time |
| Account Access | One account and one IP per person |
| Trading Start | Enabled on official competition start date |
| Max Trades per Day | 50 trades |
Reward
| Placement | Cash Prize | Funded Account |
| 1st Place | $5,000 | Stellar Lite 100K |
| 2nd Place | $2,000 | Stellar Lite 100K |
| 3rd Place | $1,000 | Stellar Lite 100K |
Best For
This prop firm competition is best for traders who are disciplined and consistent. If you can manage your risk, stick to limits, and meet the required trading days, this is a solid chance to get funded without spending a dime. It’s also good for traders who enjoy regular, structured challenges.
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Free to enter | Strict drawdown limits |
| Runs monthly- consistent opportunity | EAs not allowed |
| Cash-free trading with real prizes | Only 5 trades open at a time |
| Lottery gives more traders a chance to win | Max 50 trades per day |
| News trading and overnight holding allowed | |
| Swap-free accounts |
4. The5ers
The5ers offers a fast-paced, no-cost prop firm competition that runs every week. It’s designed for traders who can stay focused, manage risk, and make smart decisions under pressure. With just one trade allowed at a time, this challenge is all about precision over volume. The top three traders each week are rewarded with High Stakes funded accounts, giving them access to real capital and a chance to scale their trading career.
Format
This is a free leaderboard competition that starts every Wednesday at 10:00 AM (server time) and ends the following Tuesday. Each trader gets a $10,000 demo account, and performance is ranked on the leaderboard based on who finishes with the highest balance by the end of the contest.
It’s a short, high-stakes trading challenge perfect for traders who like quick turnarounds and weekly opportunities to win.
Rules
| Rule | Details |
| Starting Balance | $10,000 |
| Daily Loss Limit | 5% |
| Maximum Loss Limit | 10% |
| Leverage | 1:30 |
| Open Positions | Only one open position allowed at a time |
| News Trading | Allowed |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | Not allowed |
| Disqualification Conditions | Breaching drawdown limits or opening multiple trades |
Reward
| Placement | Prize |
| 1st Place | $60,000 High Stakes Funded Account |
| 2nd Place | $20,000 High Stakes Funded Account |
| 3rd Place | $10,000 High Stakes Funded Account |
Best For
This prop firm competition is a great fit for traders who prefer quality over quantity. If you’re confident in your setups and can manage a trade from start to finish without rushing in and out of positions, this format works well. It’s also ideal for those looking for regular chances to earn funding without paying to compete.
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Weekly opportunities to win | Only one trade allowed at a time |
| Free entry | No EAs |
| Real funded accounts as prizes | Strict risk rules – small mistakes can end your run |
| News trading allowed | |
| Focuses on strategy and discipline |
- FORFX
The FORFX trading competition gives traders a full month to show their skills and win access to large funded accounts. With balanced rules and flexible trading conditions, this prop firm competition gives you enough room to trade your strategy without rushing. It’s a great fit for traders who are focused on consistency rather than short-term hype. The top three finishers will receive funded challenge accounts worth up to $200,000.
Format
This is a free-to-join leaderboard competition that runs over 30 days. Once you sign up, you have one full month to trade. To qualify for the prizes, you must trade on at least 4 separate days. Rankings are based on overall performance, and only traders who follow the risk rules will be considered for rewards.
Rules
| Trading Period | 30 days |
| Minimum Trading Days | 4 |
| Daily Drawdown Limit | 5% |
| Maximum Loss Limit | 10% |
| Lot Size Limit | 5 lots per group of assets |
| Weekend Holding | Allowed |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | Not allowed |
| FLR (Fixed Loss Rule) | 2% |
| 30-Second Rule | Not applied |
*Stick to the limits any breach in risk will disqualify you from the prize pool.
Reward
| Placement | Prize |
| 1st Place | $200,000 Challenge Account |
| 2nd Place | $100,000 Challenge Account |
| 3rd Place | $50,000 Challenge Account |
Best For
This prop firm competition is ideal for traders who like to pace themselves and follow a solid risk plan. If you’re disciplined and consistent over several weeks, this format gives you a good chance to stand out. It’s also a great option for traders who want time to settle into the competition instead of rushing trades.
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Long 30-day trading window | Minimum trading days required |
| High-value challenge accounts as rewards | No EAs allowed |
| Free entry | Lot size cap may restrict some strategies |
| Weekend holding allowed | |
| Lot size limits keep things balanced |
How to choose the best prop firm contest?
Picking the right trading contest takes more than just looking at the prize. If you’re serious about getting funded, you need to focus on a few key things.
Start by looking at the rules. Some firms let you trade through news events, hold positions over the weekend, and manage trades freely. Others have tighter controls. Check how much you’re allowed to lose in a day or over the full competition. If the drawdown limits are too low for how you trade, you’ll get knocked out fast.
Next, check the format. Is it a one-week sprint or a full month? Are you limited to one trade at a time, or can you open multiple positions? Some contests are fast-paced, some give you more time. Go for the one that matches how you usually trade.
Don’t forget the prize itself. A $200K account sounds great but if it’s just a discount on a paid challenge, you might not be getting real value. Look for contests that offer real funded accounts or something that helps you move forward.
And make sure to read the fine print. Some firms require a certain number of trades. Others might kick you out for small mistakes. Know what you’re signing up for.
The best contest is one that fits your trading style, gives you a fair chance, and rewards good habits not just lucky trades.
What are the pros and cons of prop firm contests?
Prop firm contests can be a smart way for traders to get noticed and gain access to real trading capital, but they’re not without downsides.
Let’s look at the good first. One of the biggest benefits is that many of these contests don’t cost anything to enter. You get a shot at a funded account or challenge without spending a dollar. It’s a risk-free chance to prove what you can do. That alone makes it worth considering for a lot of traders.
They also give you a clear goal. There’s a start date, an end date, and a leaderboard. It keeps you focused. Trading with a purpose, even on a demo, can push you to improve faster. If you’re consistent and follow the rules, you might walk away with more than just experience.
But there are trade-offs. Some contests force traders into habits they wouldn’t normally follow. Trying to chase top rankings often leads to overtrading or taking big risks. That can backfire fast.
Then there are the rules. One wrong move like hitting the drawdown limit and you’re out, even if you were doing well. That can be frustrating. Not all rewards are what they seem, either. Sometimes the prize is just a discount on another challenge, not a full funded account.
In short, a prop firm contest can open doors but only if you stay sharp, trade smart, and don’t let the pressure take over.
Conclusion
Trading contests from prop firms aren’t for everyone, but they can be useful if you know what you’re doing. You get a chance to see how your strategy holds up when rules are tight and time is limited. Some people do it to try for a funded account, others just want the experience. Both reasons are fine.
What matters is picking the contest that feels right for you. Don’t get caught up in the size of the prize. It’s better to enter something that matches how you actually trade. Look at the rules. Can you hold over weekends? What’s the drawdown limit? Do you need to trade every day? All of that makes a difference.
These contests won’t make or break you, but they can show you where you stand. Maybe you finish in the top 10. Maybe you don’t. Either way, you walk away knowing more than when you started.
If you do decide to give one a shot, treat it seriously. Follow your plan. Don’t try to game the system. That rarely works out. Just focus on trading well, and let the rest play out.
In the end, it’s not about being flashy or perfect. It’s about doing your job as a trader quietly, carefully, and with control.
