“Passing the two phases is just the beginning of a much larger journey”

Many traders believe that completing our Evaluation Process is the final step, but the opposite is true. In reality, it marks the beginning of a much longer journey where patience, discipline, and the ability to learn from mistakes play a crucial role. Read what our new FTMO Traders have to say about this. 

Trader Tendani: “Trading psychology and money management beat analysis 100% of the time.”

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

I always remind myself that losing is part of trading and reacting impulsively to a loss or trying to change your system because of a loss causes more harm than good in the long term... In essence, what's the point of having a trading strategy if a minor inconvenience will take you out of your game plan...

What was the hardest obstacle on your trading journey?

Learning to trust my system and having zero impulse to interrupt my strategy when it's at work.

Has your psychology ever affected your trading plan?

Yes... In the past I used to react very negatively to losses to a point where I would change certain indicators in my algorithm just because I took a loss, but now I've gotten much better.

What does your risk management plan look like?

I risk 2% per trade if market volume is sufficient, if the volume is low, I risk 1% per trade... As far as my position sizing, I will open two half trades, one with a stop loss and take profit and one with a stop loss and no take profit and this one will be the one that rides the trend until the end.

How would you rate your experience with FTMO?

Excellent.

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

Trading psychology and money management beat analysis (technical or fundamental) 100% of the time.

Trader Alessandro: “The biggest challenge was managing the drawdown period.”

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

The biggest challenge was managing the drawdown period. Since I use a swing strategy and trade on the H4 timeframe, I wasn’t expecting to experience such a high percentage of drawdown. I managed to navigate this phase by staying calm, continuing to follow the plan, and maintaining good risk management. This allowed me to recover and bring the account back to profit.

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

Emotions were not a major issue because, by trading swing, I am not subject to anxiety or strong emotions on individual trades.

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

The drawdown period was the only aspect that presented some degree of difficulty.

How has passing the FTMO Challenge and Verification changed your life?

Passing the two phases is just the beginning of a much larger journey. Trading is a highly scalable profession, but it requires time, consistency, and dedication. Right now, I am fully focused on performing well in all the work that comes with managing the funded account.

How did you eliminate the factor of luck in your trading?

I eliminated the element of luck by implementing a hedging strategy and thoroughly backtesting a large number of trades. This process not only helped me develop a deeper understanding of market dynamics but also significantly boosted my confidence. By relying on data-driven decisions and minimizing uncertainties, I was able to reduce the influence of luck to an absolute minimum.

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

If you’re starting an FTMO challenge, my advice is to have a clear and well-tested strategy, both in backtesting and in demo. Always stick to your trading plan and don’t let emotions take over. Manage risk wisely: don’t try to speed up results by taking excessive risks. The goal isn’t just to pass the challenge, but to prove to yourself that you can be disciplined and consistent. Focus on the process, not just the outcome.

Trader Saul: “Never let your emotions get you down.”

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

I had one streak of a few losses that I wasn’t expecting, but that’s part of the trading, with the right management of risk and controls of emotions I could go through it without any problem.

Describe your best trade.

It was a trade ratio risk reward of 1:10. My best trade in my whole career. It touches my trend line in 4 hours and 3 trend lines in 5 minutes time frame plus was in an area of a lot of liquidity so went as expected.

How has passing the FTMO Challenge and Verification changed your life?

It brings excitement and a lot of pleasure for being able to do that after a long time learning and improving my skills as a trader. And I couldn’t feel happier to be part of the team of FTMO. One step closer to achieving my dreams.

What does your risk management plan look like?

I risk 0.50 % of the account per trade. Never more. This is because I might open a few trades during the different sessions in the market, of course if I see my confirmations.

Where have you learnt about FTMO?

In Podcasts and YouTube channels.

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

For me the more important thing is to have good risk management, get used to risk every time the same percentage, 0,50 % is the ideal. And this with a good ratio risk reward following your trading plan and being consistent will end well. And never let your emotions get you down, part of this profession are the losing trades as same as the winning ones. So, if you fail, review your trade to find out what went wrong and next time improve it.

Trader Arnord: “Forget about the money, just make sure you're following your plan.”

Where have you learnt about FTMO?

On YouTube and, I've seen lots of good reviews about your reputation, so I decided to give it a try

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

I have back tested my strategy many times, so I just always believe the wins will come since it's tested and proven I don't feel sad for losses because it's part of the game I just have trust in my plan and risk management.

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

Well, I didn't have any major challenge as I followed my plan, and everything went smoothly. I have blown accounts before because I was carried away with excitement and didn't pay attention to the little details that matter so I think being focused and having the right mindset helped me pass this account.

What inspires you to pursue trading?

Freedom, I love to be my boss and do what I want at my convenience, and we all know that's impossible working under someone. And most importantly, to retire my parents.

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

Meeting the 10% target in a short period I passed phases 1 and 2 in 2 weeks that's 15% honest with my strategy I average 3 -5% a month though some good months might be more and some months even BE or drawdown. Guess it was one of my good weeks.

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

Before attempting the challenge make sure you have a proven and tested strategy, also don't rush it and keep cool no emotions forget about the money just make sure you're following your plan and work with percentages. It took me 4 years of failing because I didn't want to point out my errors and correct which was backtesting my strategy and fixing any flaws and Journaling boom everything changed for me. So, you have to put in the work with actions not words.