Step 1: Understanding the Topstep Ecosystem
Before attempting the Topstep Trading Combine, it’s crucial to understand the broader ecosystem. Topstep LLC is a Chicago-based proprietary trading firm that has been in operation since 2012, making it one of the oldest and most established firms in the industry. The company is regulated and follows strict compliance standards, which provides additional security for traders.
Topstep offers multiple account sizes ranging from $50,000 to $150,000, with the option to scale up to $2 million through their scaling plan. Each account size has specific profit targets, maximum daily loss limits, and trailing drawdown requirements that traders must meet to qualify for funding.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Account Size
Selecting the appropriate account size is a critical decision that should be based on your experience level, risk tolerance, and trading capital. For beginners, we typically recommend starting with the $50,000 account, which has the lowest combine fee at $49 per month and the most achievable profit target of $3,000.
Intermediate traders with some experience in futures trading may opt for the $100,000 account, which offers a good balance between profit potential and risk. Advanced traders who are confident in their abilities often choose the $150,000 account to maximize their earning potential from the start.
Step 3: Platform Setup and Configuration
Once you’ve purchased your Topstep Trading Combine, you’ll need to set up your trading platform. Topstep supports three main platforms: NinjaTrader, Tradovate, and Quantower. Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice often comes down to personal preference and trading style.
NinjaTrader is the most popular choice among Topstep traders due to its extensive customization options, large community, and wide range of third-party indicators and strategies. To how to download TopstepX (the latest version), simply visit the NinjaTrader website and follow the installation instructions.
Tradovate offers a more modern, cloud-based approach with excellent mobile support. If you’re wondering how to connect Topstep to Tradovate, the process is straightforward: simply log in with your Topstep credentials, and your account will be automatically available.
Quantower Project X is the newest addition to Topstep’s platform offerings. It provides professional-grade tools with advanced order types, sophisticated charting, and excellent execution speed. Many professional traders prefer Quantower for its reliability and advanced features.
Step 4: Developing Your Trading Strategy
A well-defined trading strategy is essential for passing the Topstep Trading Combine. Your strategy should be based on thorough backtesting, have clear entry and exit rules, and include proper risk management parameters. The strategy should also be compatible with Topstep’s rules, particularly the consistency rule and maximum daily loss limit.
Popular strategies for Topstep include scalping the E-mini S&P 500 (ES) during the New York session, swing trading the Nasdaq (NQ) on daily timeframes, and range trading Gold (GC) during the London session. Each strategy has its own risk-reward profile and should be chosen based on your personality and schedule.
Step 5: Risk Management Mastery
Risk management is the foundation of successful trading, and it’s especially critical when attempting the Topstep Trading Combine. The key rules to remember are: never risk more than 1-2% of your account on a single trade, always use stop losses, and never exceed the maximum daily loss limit.
For a $50,000 account with a $2,000 maximum daily loss, you should aim to keep your daily losses well below this threshold. A good rule of thumb is to limit your daily risk to 50% of the maximum, which means $1,000 for the $50K account. This provides a buffer for unexpected market movements and helps ensure you don’t violate the rules.
Step 6: Trading Psychology and Discipline
The mental aspect of trading cannot be overstated. Many traders fail the Topstep combine not because they lack skill, but because they lack discipline. Common psychological pitfalls include revenge trading after losses, overtrading when feeling confident, and deviating from your strategy during drawdowns.
To maintain psychological discipline, develop a pre-trading routine that includes reviewing your strategy, setting daily goals, and preparing mentally for the session. Take regular breaks, especially after losses, and never trade when emotional or fatigued.
Step 7: Execution and Monitoring
Once you begin trading the combine, it’s important to execute your strategy with precision and monitor your progress regularly. Keep a detailed trading journal that records every trade, including entry and exit points, position size, profit or loss, and any observations about the trade.
Review your journal daily to identify patterns, strengths, and weaknesses in your trading. Adjust your strategy as needed, but avoid making drastic changes based on short-term results. Consistency is key to passing the combine.
Step 8: Reaching the Profit Target
As you approach the profit target, it’s common to experience increased pressure and anxiety. This is normal, but it’s important to stay focused on your process rather than the outcome. Continue executing your strategy with the same discipline and risk management that got you this far.
Many traders make the mistake of becoming overly conservative as they near the target, which can actually extend the time needed to pass. Stick to your normal trading approach, and the target will be reached naturally.
Step 9: Passing the Combine and Getting Funded
Once you’ve reached the profit target and met all other requirements (minimum trading days, consistency rule, etc.), you’ll receive notification that you’ve passed the combine. At this point, you’ll need to complete the funding process, which includes signing the trader agreement and setting up your funded account.
The activation fee for Topstep is typically $85 (one-time), though this can sometimes be waived with promotional codes. After paying the activation fee, your funded account will be activated, and you can begin trading with real capital.
Step 10: Managing Your Funded Account
Getting funded is just the beginning. The real challenge is managing your funded account profitably over the long term. This is where our Funded Account Management Service can provide significant value. Our professional traders manage your account with the same discipline and strategy that passed the combine, generating consistent profits and regular payouts.
Remember that funded accounts have their own set of rules, including the Topstep Express Funded Rules, which may differ slightly from the combine rules. Stay informed about any rule changes and adjust your trading accordingly.
