"Discipline under the pressure of achieving targets was the hardest thing to maintain"

Three FTMO traders reveal the emotional and strategic challenges they faced during the FTMO Challenge. From managing emotions during losses to maintaining discipline when things were going well, these traders emphasise the importance of sticking to a trading plan and managing risk effectively. How did they navigate through the evaluation process?

Trader Abdelwahab Omar: “The hardest part of the funded account challenge was managing emotions and sticking to my strategy during losses”

What was the most difficult during your FTMO Challenge or Verification and how did you overcome it?

The hardest part of the funded account challenge was managing emotions and sticking to my strategy during losses. I overcame this by following strict risk management and staying disciplined, regardless of short-term results.

What was easier than expected during the FTMO Challenge or Verification?

What was easier than expected during the challenge was sticking to my trading plan when things were going well. Once I had momentum, it was easier to stay disciplined and follow my strategy without overthinking each move.

 

Describe your best trade.

My best trade was when I caught a major market reversal after a key news event. I had done my analysis and identified a strong support level. When the price action confirmed the reversal, I entered the trade with a tight stop-loss. The market moved quickly in my favor, and I managed to hold the position, trailing my stop as it surged. The trade exceeded my initial target, resulting in a great risk-to-reward ratio and boosting my confidence in my strategy.

How did you manage your emotions when you were in a losing trade?

When I was in a losing trade, I managed my emotions by sticking to my pre-set risk management rules. I reminded myself that losses are a normal part of trading and focused on following my plan rather than reacting emotionally. Keeping my position size small and using stop-losses helped me stay calm and prevent any one trade from having too much of an impact on my account or mindset.

 

Do you have a trading plan in place, and do you follow it strictly?

Yes, I have a trading plan in place, and I follow it strictly. It includes my entry and exit criteria, risk management rules, and position sizing guidelines. Sticking to the plan helps me stay disciplined and avoid emotional decision-making, which is key to long-term success in trading.

What is the number one advice you would give to a new trader?

Risk management/Don't over trade.

Trader Mohamed Saad: “ I had to strictly adhere to my strategy regardless of winning or losing.”

 

How would you rate your experience with FTMO?

I found the FTMO Challenge to be a valuable experience that allowed me to test my trading strategies under real market conditions. The structured evaluation process helped me focus on my trading discipline and risk management.

What was the hardest obstacle on your trading journey?

Discipline under the pressure of achieving targets was the hardest thing to maintain Especially deciding to stop trading when a certain loss occurs and not being pulled back to trade until I cool down.

How did you manage your emotions when you were in a losing trade?

I had to strictly adhere to my strategy regardless of winning or losing. For example, I was allowed 10k$ daily loss. I set my target to 6k$ only. Another example is when the price goes against my prediction, then I need to halt trading for the day… that means my analysis was flawed and need revision.

What was more difficult than expected during your FTMO Challenge or Verification?

Both had nearly the same difficulty. But market conditions were more favourable for my strategy during the challenge than verification.

What do you think is the most important characteristic/attribute to become a profitable trader?

Discipline for sure This includes laying out a strategy before trading and stick to it regardless of any fluctuations.

What would you like to say to other traders that are attempting the FTMO Challenge?

Slow and steady wins the race … Discipline is the key.

 

Trader Tilen Safaric: “Don’t ever give up, your day is coming.”

What was easier than expected during the FTMO Challenge or Verification?

Nothing was easy, it is hell to go through this, but when you are good enough (have a trading plan, good strategy, good mindset), you can pass this challenge if you stick to your plan.

How did loss limits affect your trading style?

In the begging when I was gambling it was always the problem. When I start following my plan, it didn’t affect it.

Do you have a trading plan in place, and do you follow it strictly?

Yes, I started doing this and I will continue because this is the only way to success.

 

How would you rate your experience with FTMO?

FTMO is definitely the best prop firm out there, good spreads, good support, FTMO is the only prop firm I trust.

What was more difficult than expected during your FTMO Challenge or Verification?

Everything was difficult, someone who say it's easy is lying.

One piece of advice for people starting the FTMO Challenge now?

Don’t ever give up, your day is coming.