
“Don’t panic or try to revenge trade to win it back quickly”
Panicking when trading is not worth it, in the vast majority of cases it only leads to unnecessary losses. After a series of losing trades it is much better to take a break from trading, organize your thoughts and focus on something else. In the long run, it will definitely pay off more, as our new FTMO Traders have found out.
Trader Adrian: “In a marathon, equilibrium must be present.”
How did passing the FTMO Challenge and Verification change your life?
I went through these steps confident that I will pass them. With dedication, smart work and a healthy mindset I managed to reduce the overall risk, keep a safe trading environment and complete all the objectives.
How did you manage your emotions when you were in a losing trade?
With proper risk management, the emotions remained to low levels. I choose a range between 0.3 - 0.5% of total equity for SL levels. The Take Profit levels were set according to the liquidity presence, order blocks, FVGs and other market structures. I have closed many positions near the break-even level because in most cases the initial reason targeted for opening trades no longer hold true.
What was easier than expected during the FTMO Challenge or Verification?
I think that I pushed the limits harder during Verification step. In a marathon, equilibrium must be present, this stood out mostly in the FTMO Challenge stage, which was easier in my opinion.
How did loss limits affect your trading style?
The Maximum loss limit helped me to keep the drawdown at a decent value.
Where have you learnt about FTMO?
First time I heard about FTMO from a social platform advertising. The second time I heard again in one of the courses I took (about different prop firms).
What is the number one advice you would give to a new trader?
Trading is not about speed; it is about consistency. My advice is to buy some trading courses and learn as much as possible. Then take some quizzes and check the results. Repeat until the results are above average.
Trader Siem: “Don’t panic or try to “revenge trade” to win it back quickly.”
How did you manage your emotions when you were in a losing trade?
Breathe. Don’t panic or try to “revenge trade” to win it back quickly. Acknowledge the loss and focus on the long-term outcome, not just one trade.
Describe your best trade.
I waited for a liquidity sweep below a previous low, right into the demand zone. A bullish engulfing candle printed, with clear volume picking up (confirmation). Entered with tight risk, stop just below the wick, targeting previous high + a bit of extension.
How did passing the FTMO Challenge and Verification change your life?
Yes.
How would you rate your experience with FTMO?
1. Clear rules, fair challenge: It teaches discipline—stick to Max daily loss, Max overall loss, and hit the profit target. Simple, but not easy. Great for testing your strategy under pressure. 2. Real funding with profit split: Once funded, getting paid 80-90% of profits is pretty amazing considering you’re not risking your own capital. 3. Professional feel: Their dashboard, Account Metrix, and trader feedback are top-notch. Makes you feel like you’re part of something serious. 4. No funny business: FTMO is known for actually paying out and being transparent. That builds trust.
Do you have a trading plan in place, and do you follow it strictly?
I stayed patient and waited for all confirmations, no FOMO. Trusted my analysis and didn’t touch the trade after entry. Took partials at 2R, moved stop to breakeven, and let the rest ride. Journaling the trade later reinforced what went right — execution, timing, and mindset.
What is the number one advice you would give to a new trader?
One trade means nothing over hundreds. Focus on being consistently good, not perfect.
Trader Costel: “Recognizing and managing my emotions became a key part of improving my consistency.”
How did passing the FTMO Challenge and Verification change your life?
Passing the FTMO Challenge and Verification gave me the freedom to trade with confidence, knowing my skills are validated. It opened a new chapter where trading is no longer just a passion, but a professional and rewarding career path.
What inspires you to pursue trading?
The ability to be independent, to challenge myself daily, and to build a life of financial freedom inspires me to pursue trading every day.
What do you think is the most important characteristic/attribute to become a profitable trader?
Discipline. Sticking to a plan, managing risk, and staying consistent through ups and downs is what truly makes a trader profitable.
Has your psychology ever affected your trading plan?
Yes, definitely. Emotional reactions like fear or overconfidence have influenced my decisions before. Recognizing and managing my emotions became a key part of improving my consistency.
Describe your best trade.
My best trade was (NAS100) I caught a perfect bounce off a strong support level, planned my entry and exit ahead of time, and the trade hit my target exactly as expected, following my setup flawlessly.
What would you like to say to other traders that are attempting the FTMO Challenge?
Stay patient, trust your strategy, and focus on consistency rather than rushing for profits. Treat the FTMO Challenge like any normal trading day, and success will follow naturally.
Trader Valentyna: “Don’t rush. Focus on building a strong foundation.”
What inspires you to pursue trading?
I’m inspired by the freedom trading can offer—both financial and personal. I also find the markets intellectually stimulating; it’s a space where logic, emotion, and strategy constantly interact.
Where have you learnt about FTMO?
From social media.
What does your risk management plan look like?
I stick to a 1:2 (1:4) risk-to-reward ratio and 0.5-1% max. 2% risk per trade and limit myself to two trades per day. I don’t use trailing stops or move to breakeven—my entries and exits are planned in advance, and I stick to the plan.
What was the most difficult during your FTMO Challenge or Verification and how did you overcome it?
Psychology, without a doubt. Staying disciplined, managing emotions, and not letting fear or greed dictate decisions is the hardest part.
What do you think is the key for long term success in trading?
Consistency, emotional control, and having a well-tested strategy. Long-term success comes from following a process, not chasing quick wins.
What would you like to say to other traders that are attempting the FTMO Challenge?
Don’t rush. Focus on building a strong foundation. Understand your edge, manage your risk, and most importantly—keep learning and journaling your trades. The market will always be there.
About FTMO
FTMO developed a 2-step Evaluation Process to find trading talents. Upon successful completion you can get an FTMO Account with a balance of up to $200,000. How does it work?.