TRADER GUIDE
What Is a Prop Trading Challenge?
A prop trading challenge is a simulated evaluation of your trading skill. You trade a demo account with defined profit targets and risk limits, and if you stay inside the rules you qualify to trade a larger simulated account under the same conditions. No real capital is at risk during the challenge. It measures whether you can hit a target while respecting a drawdown limit, nothing more.
What a prop trading challenge actually is
A prop trading challenge is a structured test run on a demo trading account, in this case the Match-Trader platform. You are given simulated capital, a profit target, and risk limits (a maximum drawdown and a daily loss cap). The point is to prove you can reach the target without breaking the limits. It is an evaluation of discipline and consistency, not a live brokerage account, and no real money changes hands while you trade the challenge.
How the 2-Step challenge works
The Daycano challenge has two phases. Phase 1 asks for an 8% profit target, and Phase 2 asks for 5%. There is no time limit and no minimum number of trading days, so you can take the pace that suits your strategy. Clear both phases inside the risk rules and you move on to trade a larger simulated (funded) account. The rules in the evaluation are identical to the rules after funding, so nothing shifts underneath you once you pass.
The rules that matter, and why static drawdown and no consistency rule count
Daycano uses a 10% static maximum drawdown, meaning the loss limit is fixed from your starting balance and does not trail your equity up as you profit. That is the difference between a limit you can plan around and one that tightens every time you profit. There is also no consistency rule, so a single strong day does not disqualify your account or delay a payout. Add a 5% daily loss limit, and you have three numbers you can actually manage a strategy around.
What makes a challenge fair
Fair means the terms you accept on the day you buy are the terms that hold to the end. At Daycano the rules do not change after purchase, news trading is allowed, Expert Advisors (EAs) are allowed, and weekend holds are allowed. The entry fee is refundable and comes back in full on your first payout, per program rules. Payouts are on-demand with no cap and no 21-day lock, and the profit split runs up to 100%. There are no hidden limits waiting to catch you at the finish line.
How to start
Pick an account size from $5,000 to $200,000 and choose the 2-Step challenge. Founders launch pricing is 50% off with the code FOUNDERS50 (for example, a $100K account is $449, or $225 with the code). Then trade Phase 1 to the 8% target, Phase 2 to 5%, and stay inside the 10% static drawdown and 5% daily limit. The challenge is available outside the US and Canada.
Is a prop trading challenge real trading with real money?
No. The challenge is a simulated evaluation on a demo account. You trade simulated capital to prove your skill against a profit target and risk limits. No real money is at risk while you take the challenge, and payouts are made per program rules.
What is the difference between static and trailing drawdown?
A static drawdown is a fixed loss limit measured from your starting balance, so it stays the same as your account grows. A trailing drawdown moves up with your equity, tightening as you profit. Daycano uses a 10% static drawdown, which is easier to plan a strategy around.
Is there a time limit or a minimum number of days?
No. The Daycano 2-Step challenge has no time limit and no minimum trading days. You hit the 8% Phase 1 target and 5% Phase 2 target at your own pace, as long as you stay inside the 10% static drawdown and 5% daily loss limit.
What's the drawdown?
Maximum drawdown is 10%. And it's static, not trailing. It doesn't move up as you profit. The daily loss limit is 5%.
Is there a consistency rule?
No. No consistency rule, no minimum trading days, no time limit. Hit the 2-Step targets your way.
Which strategies and platforms can I use?
News trading, EAs and weekend holds are allowed. Trade on Match-Trader. Desktop, web and mobile.
Which countries can buy?
Available outside the United States and Canada (Match-Trader availability) plus a few sanctioned/restricted jurisdictions. If your country is supported, you'll be able to check out.
Do I need to verify my identity?
Identity verification (KYC) is standard before a first payout, per program rules. We say so up front, no surprises later.
How fast are payouts?
Payouts are on-demand and processed per program rules. No 21-day lock, no monthly cap. You request, we process.
See challenges and pricing on the main page
Start your 2-Step challenge
Choose an account from $5,000 to $200,000, trade to the 8% and 5% targets, and keep the rules you started with all the way through. Founders launch: 50% off with code FOUNDERS50. Available outside the US and Canada.
Start the challenge