Winning Insights from our $1m Giveaway Competition

Mwangi K.

My best tip comes from patience mixed with a HTF analysis. I am an ICT trader so, I always have to do a Top down analysis of the market before my trading day begins at 8am New York. So one thing my year and a couple of months have taught me is a HTF bias is what moves the market.

I like to trade the 9am 4hr candle on GBPUSD, so I prefer to wait for the 5am 4hr candle to close before I move to the 1hr chart to watch price. The idea is to look first at the 5am 4hr candle closed and where it closed. If it respected an Order Block, swept liquidity and closed inside the range, closed above a high or below a low, or just tapped into a Weekly, Daily or 4hr. So with that I get an idea of what to expect on the next 4hr candle. So with that, I drop to a 1hr to then mark 1hr zones the 9am and 10am candle could tap into for a reversal as every big move has an accumulation, manipulation and expansion.

With that comes the Idea of patience. even though I am sue of the move, It is best I wait until a manipulation move occurs. Many times I would jump into a move before it starts and before a manipulation I would then get stopped out because of impatience.

The art of being an observer in the markets and not a trader is an important aspect. This is to realise that we are too insignificant as traders as our trades have absolutely no effect to the market and all we do everyday is try be a part of the move that takes place.

So the art of being an observer would help us not predict the market but react to the market. This is usually helpful to me as I love to predict a future move which puts me in a position where I am dead set and married to that Idea. That is a problem when I would try force trades to answer that Idea instead of trading what is offered to me. So being an observer allows you to notice all the things that happen in the market and lets you react to what you are seeing and not what you want to see.

Atem F.

So far what I learned in my trading journey is that to achieve a consistent edge in the market, I propose or use a strategy that combines trend-following, volume-based breakouts, and mean reversion, reinforced by strict risk management and psychological discipline. Here is an outline of my approach:

1. Trend-Following with Confirmation

• Trend Identification: I use moving averages (e.g., 50-day and 200-day) to spot trends on larger timeframes. A clear uptrend is indicated when the short-term average is above the long-term average, and a downtrend when it is below.
• Oscillator Confirmation: Indicators like RSI and MACD serve as confirmation tools. For instance, an RSI above 50 can confirm an uptrend.
• Entry and Exit Rules: I enter trades when trends align across multiple timeframes (e.g., daily and hourly). Stop-loss orders are placed just outside recent highs or lows for effective risk management.

2. Volume-Based Breakout Strategy

• Consolidation Zones: I look for areas of price consolidation, where the market is range-bound, indicating accumulation or distribution phases.
• Volume-Driven Breakouts: I watch for breakouts from consolidation zones supported by high volume, suggesting the start of a new trend.
• Confirmation and Risk: Breakouts are confirmed on smaller timeframes, with a stop loss set just below the breakout level. I remain cautious of false breakouts if the volume is insufficient.

3. Mean Reversion Using Support and Resistance

• Support and Resistance Zones: Prior highs, lows, and Fibonacci retracement levels act as critical zones where prices are likely to reverse.
• Oversold/Overbought Entries: Buying opportunities occur at support when the RSI is below 30 (indicating oversold), and selling occurs at resistance with an RSI above 70 (indicating overbought).
• Exit Plan: Exits are set at nearby support or resistance levels, with a tight stop loss to guard against extended adverse moves.

4. Risk Management

• Position Sizing: I ensure that no more than 1-2% of capital is risked per trade.
• Risk-Reward Ratio: Trades are selected based on a minimum risk-reward ratio of 1:2.
• Loss Limitation: Stop-loss orders are strictly adhered to, and positions are reevaluated when market conditions shift.

5. Psychological Discipline and Backtesting

• Emotional Control: I prioritize discipline, avoiding impulsive decisions and following the strategy even after a loss.
• Backtesting: Historical data testing is used to evaluate strategy performance, refine the approach, and build confidence in the system.

This structured combination of technical analysis, volume indicators, risk management, and psychological discipline creates a balanced strategy that adapts to market trends and price behavior, enhancing my edge in trading.

I haven’t been following this strictly for the past months as I mainly trade on demo so I hope to surely stick to my plan.

Suleman K.

First we start with the basic concept – retail support and resistance zones. Using this we can understand that price will break + retest every zone before moving to a further price point. We gain some information on future price direction – either by expecting a retest or a continuation to the next zone after a retest.

Then we have our insituonal zones. Price will not always perfectly react from these zones. However If we see a setup on lower timeframes and price gives a perfect rejection we know banks are in the move – and are most likely looking to move price to the next zone.

Liquidity… Liquidity…. where to start! If only everyone understood just how “overpowered” this concept is. Above all concepts you should focus on this (not saying the others should be neglected). Remember this golden rule “the market is always attracted to liquidity”. Especially on gold and more volatile pairs it plays even more importance! Banks will always look to take out as many traders before making a true makret move – hence why if we follow where liquidity lies we know where price will come to in the future. Using this we understand more about market direction.

Rameesh M.

A great strategy that provides me an edge in trading is trend-following with risk management. Here’s how I can apply it effectively:

1. Identify the Trend. I’m using technical indicators like moving averages (e.g., 50-day and 200-day MA) to identify the overall market trend. A simple rule: if the short-term MA is above the long-term MA, the trend is up (bullish), and vice versa for a downtrend.

I’m also look at price action and trendlines to confirm the direction of the market.

2. Entry Points. Enter trades when the trend is confirmed. For example, buy in an uptrend when the price pulls back to a support level or a moving average.

In a downtrend, look for shorting opportunities when the price retests resistance or a moving average in a downward direction.

3. Risk Management Position Sizing: I never risk more than a small percentage of my capital on any single trade (typically 1-2% of my portfolio).

Stop-Loss: I always set a stop-loss to protect against large moves against my position. A good rule of thumb is to place my stop just outside recent support or resistance levels.

Risk/Reward Ratio: I aim for a risk/reward ratio of at least 1:2. This means that for every dollar I’m willing to risk, I should aim to make at least two dollars in profit.

4. Adapt to Market Conditions Not every trend will continue forever. Be prepared to exit early if the trend starts showing signs of reversal (e.g., a break of key support or resistance).

I stay flexible and adjust my strategy as the market environment changes (bullish, bearish, or ranging).

Why This Works for me: Trend-following capitalizes on market momentum and reduces the need to predict reversals. Risk management helps protect my capital, allowing me to stay in the game longer even if individual trades don’t always work out.

In short, trade with the trend, and ensure I’m always protecting my downside with solid risk management.

Efeoghene S.

My name is Sido Efeoghene, also known as King Thorian, and I approach the markets with a disciplined, trend-following strategy focused on XAUUSD (gold). My trading is set apart by patience and a keen focus on technical setups, using a blend of moving averages and Fibonacci retracement levels to identify optimal entry points.

Trading Strategy: XAUUSD Trend-Following

1. Timeframes:
   • 1-hour chart (primary)
   • Daily chart (trend confirmation)
2. Indicators:
   • 50 EMA and 200 EMA: Identify trend direction.
   • Fibonacci Retracement: Spot pullback entry points at 38.2%, 50%, 61.8% levels.
   • MACD: Confirms trend momentum.
3. Entry:
   • Buy: 50 EMA above 200 EMA (uptrend), enter at 50%-61.8% Fibonacci level, confirmed by bullish MACD.
   • Sell: 50 EMA below 200 EMA (downtrend), enter at 50%-61.8% Fibonacci level, confirmed by bearish MACD.
4. Stop-Loss/Take-Profit:
   • Stop-loss: Below the 61.8% retracement for buys, above for sells.
   • Take-profit: Next major support/resistance or Fibonacci extension.
5. Risk Management:
   • Risk 1-2% per trade, adjusting position size based on entry and stop-loss distance.

This strategy allows me to enter high-probability trades by aligning with the trend and minimizing risk through calculated pullbacks.

Theodore L.

I trade Supply & Demand. At the beginning of the week I look at the Weekly and Daily to give me an initial bias. On both the daily and weekly, I use a line to identify 50% & 75% of the body or wick, whichever is larger on both the buy and sell sides. These help identify POIs on the 15m TF.

I highlight POIs on the 15m TF, looking for both flip zones that have broken structure and OBs with a FVG that have also broken structure. Both of these would ideally have taken liquidity on the buy/sell side.

Depending on my setup (and other confluences), I would either enter a Risk trade @0.25% or 0.5% (on A+ Setups that align with the daily bias) and then re-enter at 1% for at minimum 1:3. Although I would rather aim for a POI on the opposite side of my trade. FVG usually are my go to targets.

For trades that aren’t my A+ setups, I would usually wait a confirmation entry (As long as my patience hold)

I am happy taking counter-trend trades for a minimum of a 1:2RR with a 0.25% or 0.5% risk entry because I believe in my ability to read Market Structure and price action.

I take anywhere between 3 – 5 trades a day if a set up arises on the 5m TF.

I rarely trade news.

Owais S.

1. Risk Management: Only risk 1-2% of capital on each trade.
2. Technical Analysis: Use charts and indicators like Moving Averages and RSI to spot trends.
3. Trading Plan: Have clear entry and exit rules and stick to them.
4. Stay Informed: Keep up with market news that can affect your trades.
5. Backtesting: Test strategy on historical data before going live.
6. Discipline: Avoid emotional trading
7. Keep Learning: Always look for ways to improve trading skills.

Aliyu N.

Trading Rules As A Trader You Must Have Clear Rules For Yourself To Remain Disciplined.

Set a mandatory timer of 5-10 minutes before placing any trade, regardless of how strong the setup looks. During this pause, focus on doing anything but looking at your charts; take a walk, do breathing exercises, or even write down your thoughts in a journal. This short break helps disconnect the impulsive emotional reaction from your decision-making process, ensuring that each trade you place is deliberate and well thought out.

1. I will not risk more than 0.5% of my account per trade.
2. I will not enter trades blindly and hope the trade goes in my favor.
3. I will wake up 1 hour before the market opens to prepare and game-plan for the trading day.
4. I will stop trading after 2 consecutive losing trades.
5. I will not over trade!
6. I will no FOMO (Fear of missing out) on trades.
7. I will not add to my losing positions.
8. I will wait for my trading set up before entering my trades.
9. I will let my runners run and move my stop loss higher.
10. What is your time frame?(15M,1Hr,4Hr and daily).
11. What are the conditions of your trading setup?(market order).

Five (5) things before entering a trade

1. Check for News.
2. Market structure best on top down analysis.
3. Wait for price to reach areas of value e.g support and resistance, FVG, supply and demand, OB Or BOS.
4. Entry: enter with at least two compermention e.g area of value, fib retresment and lion reversal.
5. Exit: SL on next fip retresment and TP in next key area.

Risk management rules

1. Calculate lot sizes before entering a trade.
2. Risk 0.5% of account size per trade.
3. RRR of 2%,3%,4% or 5%.
4. Move SL into profit best on market structure.
5. No moving of TP and SL, except move SL in profit.
6. Cut losses early.

John N.

As a swing trader. I map the markets (Forex) support and resistance level, from Weekly, Daily and 4 hour time frame

Then again, from weekly to 4 hour, i will now look at the market structure ( swing highs and lows ).

My bias will be the daily or weekly chart. Also the daily candle formation is important. (Inside bar, pin bar, engulfing etc)

I will wait for the price to go to my area of interest (Support and resistance level). Then i will watch closely from the Daily and 4H, sometimes i use 1H. And then i will wait for the candlestick reaction from that level. I will wait for the candlestick to close above (Bullish) or close below (short). The important part here is the candlestick formation. I always wait for the candle to close.

My stop loss will be below the swings.

My target is the previous swings or next support and resistance level.

My risk management is like this. If i have a 10k funded account. I want my weekly drawdown to be just around 2% of the total capital. 10k x 0.02= 200 weekly drawdown 200 / 5 =40 Daily drawdown.

$40 will be my daily drawdown. If i have 2 trades for a day, i will split the $40 to 2. So i am only allowed to risk $20 for 2 markets.

I learned this recently and it helps me a lot to stay in the market.

Ashley B.

I only use this strategy on Gold & it shows up at least 3-4 times a week sometimes more. I wait for a sweep of liquidity on the 4hour. Once this happens, price will break structure then revisit 4 hour sweep.

For pin point accuracy enter on 1min but i usually have a stop limit upon second candle close with my stop below liquidity targeting new high.

There is also opportunity for re-entries when price comes rejects of the 1 hour chart then exit off previous high that wasn’t reached of first 4 hour sweep. Occasionally you can leave a runner.

Erick K.

Every trade is like a fart—if you force it, it can turn into sh*t.

These insights from our competition winners showcase the diversity of successful trading approaches while highlighting common themes: the importance of patience, disciplined risk management, and having a clear strategy. Whether you prefer technical analysis, trend following, or institutional order flow, there’s wisdom here for traders at every level. Congratulations again to all our winners, and thank you for sharing your valuable insights with our trading community.