Deriv trading tournaments give you the opportunity to sharpen your trading skills, compete for real prizes, and learn about the Deriv MT5 platform in a risk-free environment. Whether you’re looking to test new strategies or engage with traders worldwide, these tournaments are designed for both new and experienced users.

Quick summary

• Trade risk-free on dedicated MT5 demo accounts using $10,000 in virtual funds.
• Win prizes credited to your Deriv account. A fully verified real account is required to redeem.
• Multiple tournament formats and themes are available, including forex, synthetic indices, and commodities.
• Leaderboards update in real time—compete against global traders!
• Strict one-entry-per-tournament rules and anti-cheating measures ensure a fair trading environment.
• All tournaments are free to join.

What are Deriv trading tournaments?

Deriv trading tournaments are time-limited competitions where you trade virtual funds on a dedicated MT5 demo account. The objective is to earn the highest account balance by the tournament’s end and secure your spot on the leaderboard. Top performers win real prizes, credited directly to their Deriv accounts.

Why join a tournament?

• No financial risk: Trade with virtual funds—no real-money loss.
• Win real prizes: Prizes are credited to the winners’ real Deriv accounts, redeemable upon verification.
• Learn by doing: Improve your trading skills in a fun, competitive setting.
• Community Engagement: Connect, compete, and learn with traders from around the world.
• Exposure to Deriv MT5: Experience the power and versatility of Deriv’s MT5 trading platform on various asset classes.

How to join a free trading tournament

Choosing the right trading tournament

Tournaments may vary by asset class, region, and theme. Read the tournament name and description before registering to ensure it matches your interests.

Requirements to join a tournament

• Account type: You don’t need a real (live) account to participate, but will require a real, verified account to claim any prizes if you win.

• Compliance: Full account verification is only mandatory for prize redemption.
• Location: Open to most regions globally, except where restricted by local laws.

Steps to register for Deriv trading tournaments

1. Review tournament options
   Visit contest.deriv.com to browse upcoming tournaments by asset class, theme, or region.
   
   
2. Register for your chosen tournament
   Complete the online form: enter your name, email (matching your main Deriv account for prize claims), phone number, and country. Accept the terms and conditions.
   
   
3. Receive your MT5 Demo credentials
   After registering, you’ll get your tournament MT5 login details by email.
   
   
4. Start trading when the event opens
   Log in to Deriv MT5 with your tournament credentials and begin competing as soon as the event goes live.

Tip: Ensure you use the same email as your main Deriv account. This is especially important for claiming your prize if you win.

Tournament formats & rules

Types of trading tournaments

Deriv's trading tournaments present a variety of competition formats to cater to different trading preferences and regions. Most tournaments typically run for two weeks, providing participants with ample time to develop and execute their trading strategies. Occasionally, longer tournaments may be held, running for up to one or two months depending on the event and audience engagement. 

Themes are sometimes introduced, allowing traders to focus on specific asset classes or participate in regionally-targeted competitions, such as the “Synthetics Challenge” or “Forex Sprint.” All tournaments are currently free to enter, making them accessible to both new and experienced traders.

Scoring mechanics & leaderboard

Leaderboard rankings are determined by the final account balance held by each participant at the tournament’s conclusion. In the case of a tie, priority is given to the trader who reached the final balance first, adding a competitive edge throughout the event. 

Leaderboards are updated in real time and are visible through the dedicated tournament portal, allowing participants to track their progress and compare their performance with others as the competition unfolds.

Conduct and fairness

Maintaining fairness and integrity is a cornerstone of Deriv trading tournaments. Each participant is permitted only one account per tournament; any attempts to register multiple times or engage in manipulative behaviour will lead to immediate disqualification. 

The use of bots or Expert Advisors (EAs) is strictly prohibited unless explicitly specified for a particular event. Participants are expected to uphold high standards of conduct, fostering an environment that is both competitive and fair for all involved.

How the trading tournament works

Once the tournament begins, participants can access their designated MT5 demo accounts and immediately start trading. All standard instruments and features available on Deriv MT5 are accessible for use, so traders can explore different strategies and approaches. Since the competition takes place with virtual funds, you have the freedom to experiment without the pressure of risking real money. For those keen on approaching the leaderboard, it is advisable to strike a balance between caution and ambition; while aggressive trades can lead to rapid gains, consistency often proves to be a more reliable path to a top ranking.

Throughout the tournament, you can monitor your progress through the live leaderboard found on contest.deriv.com. This allows you to see your current position, compare your performance with competitors, and refine your trading tactics as the event develops. Analysing your trades within the MT5 platform and tracking the strategies of leading traders can offer inspiration to adjust your own methods. 

Remember, staying up to date with tournament updates and notifications is essential, as any changes or important announcements will be communicated via email.

Top tips to maximise your ranking

• Focus on consistency rather than high-risk high-reward trades.
• Try out new strategies without fear of losing real funds.
• Keep an eye on top performers and adjust your tactics accordingly.

Prizes and rewards for top traders

Deriv trading tournaments offer attractive prize pools, with a typical monthly competition awarding up to $2,000 among the top participants. The winner often takes home a $1,000 prize, with second and third places receiving $600 and $400 respectively, although these figures may vary depending on the specific tournament or theme. All rewards are distributed as account credits and are transferred directly into the winners’ Deriv accounts following the completion of the tournament and confirmation of eligibility.

Important: To redeem a prize, winners must ensure they have completed the entire verification process and hold a fully verified Deriv real account. Once all verification steps are satisfied, prizes are usually credited within seven business days of the tournament’s conclusion. 

It is crucial to claim any winnings within 30 days of notification; failure to do so will result in the prize expiring. Unverified accounts or those that do not meet the necessary requirements risk forfeiting any rewards earned. The structure not only provides a genuine incentive for participation but also ensures a fair process for distributing prizes to deserving competitors.

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Deriv trading tournaments offer a unique, risk-free opportunity for both novice and seasoned traders to engage in skill-based competition, test new strategies, and win real rewards. With rich in-platform features, topical competitions, and a fair, transparent process, you can advance your trading journey alongside a vibrant global community.

Ready to compete for the top spot?

Register for your first Deriv trading tournament, and climb the global leaderboard today!

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