Many traders struggle for months or even years to pass the FTMO challenge, but is it possible for a complete beginner to succeed on their first try? Meet Alex, a 24-year-old who went from zero trading experience to passing the FTMO evaluation in just 30 days. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll reveal exactly how he did it and how you can replicate his success.
The Beginner’s FTMO Success Blueprint
Alex’s story isn’t about luck or genius – it’s about following a disciplined approach that any motivated trader can implement. Here are the key components of his strategy:
1. Choosing the Right FTMO Challenge
Alex selected the 100K account with normal risk (10% profit target) and 30-day duration. His research showed this offered the best balance between achievable targets and potential rewards.
| Account Size |
Profit Target |
Max Daily Loss |
Max Overall Loss |
| $10,000 |
10% ($1,000) |
5% ($500) |
10% ($1,000) |
| $100,000 |
10% ($10,000) |
5% ($5,000) |
10% ($10,000) |
| $200,000 |
10% ($20,000) |
5% ($10,000) |
10% ($20,000) |
2. The Trading Strategy That Worked
Alex focused on just three simple setups that occurred frequently in the London session (his chosen trading window):
- London Breakout: Trading breakouts of the first 1-hour range
- EMA Pullback: Entries when price pulled back to the 20 EMA
- News Fade: Counter-trading extreme initial news reactions
He only traded EUR/USD and GBP/USD, keeping his focus narrow. His risk management was strict:
- 1% risk per trade maximum
- 3 trades maximum per day
- 1:1.5 minimum reward-to-risk ratio
Pros and Cons of Alex’s Approach
Pros:
- Simple, repeatable strategy
- Limited trading hours prevented overtrading
- Small risk per trade preserved capital
- Focus on just two currency pairs reduced complexity
Cons:
- Required patience during slow periods
- Missed opportunities in other sessions/pairs
- News trading carried additional risk
3. Psychological Preparation and Routine
Alex treated the challenge like a professional job with these daily habits:
- Pre-session preparation (30 min): Review economic calendar, mark key levels
- Trading session (3 hours): Execute only high-probability setups
- Post-session review (15 min): Journal all trades and emotions
He also implemented these psychological techniques:
- 10-minute meditation before trading
- Physical exercise on non-trading days
- Complete weekends off from market analysis
Key Lessons From This FTMO Success Story
Analyzing Alex’s journey reveals several important insights for FTMO applicants:
1. Consistency Beats Brilliance
Alex’s results came from executing simple strategies consistently, not from finding “perfect” trades. His equity curve showed steady growth rather than dramatic spikes.
2. Risk Management Is Non-Negotiable
By never risking more than 1% per trade, Alex ensured that even a string of losses wouldn’t jeopardize his challenge. This discipline prevented emotional trading.
3. Preparation Matters More Than Prediction
Alex spent more time preparing his trading plan and reviewing his performance than actually trading. This structured approach eliminated impulsive decisions.
FTMO Challenge FAQs
Can a complete beginner really pass FTMO on first try?
Yes, as Alex’s story demonstrates, but it requires dedicated preparation, strict discipline, and following proven risk management rules. Beginners should expect to spend significant time practicing before attempting the challenge.
What’s the best FTMO account size for beginners?
The $10,000 or $25,000 accounts are often recommended for beginners as they have lower absolute profit targets ($1,000-$2,500) while still offering meaningful capital if passed.
How many hours per day did Alex spend trading?
Alex limited his active trading to just 3 hours during the London session, with additional time for preparation and review. This focused approach prevented fatigue and overtrading.
Conclusion: Your Path to FTMO Success
Alex’s story proves that passing the FTMO challenge as a beginner isn’t about innate talent or complex strategies. It’s about developing discipline, managing risk, and sticking to a proven process. By following the blueprint outlined here – selecting the right account, using simple strategies, and maintaining psychological discipline – you too can achieve funded trader status.
