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Trading competitions

A competition is a trading contest with a fixed start and end, a live leaderboard, and prizes for the top finishers. Some are run by Alpha, and many are hosted by trading groups and creators for their communities.

How to join

  • Open Leaderboard in the app to see active and upcoming competitions.
  • Or join through a link from a trading group or creator you follow.
Once you are in, trade normally. Every trade you make during the competition window counts toward your ranking.

How you are ranked

Each competition states its ranking rule on its leaderboard page. Most rank by PnL, but a host can award any metric they choose: best trade, worst trade, volume, and so on. Some competitions award more than one. The leaderboard updates in real time.

Rules

  • One account per person. Duplicate accounts are disqualified.
  • Alpha may exclude trades that manipulate the leaderboard, such as wash trading between accounts.
  • Final standings are confirmed by Alpha after the competition closes.

Payouts

Trading competition prizes

Prizes are paid by Alpha by default. Some hosts choose to fund and distribute their own prize pool; the competition page says which applies.
1

Competition closes

Final standings are confirmed.
2

Winners complete identity verification

If you are due an Alpha-paid prize, you will be prompted in the app to verify your identity. See below.
3

Prize is credited

Once verified, the prize is credited to your Alpha balance in USDC. You can trade with it or withdraw it.

Revenue share and claiming rewards

Revenue share from your referral network accrues under Profile → Referrals. Payouts run once a week, on Fridays at 9:30 AM Eastern Time.
1

Go to Profile → Referrals

Your accrued, unclaimed revenue share is shown here.
2

Tap Claim

Do this any time before Friday 9:30 AM Eastern. Tapping Claim queues your balance for the next payout.
3

Receive USDC

At 9:30 AM Eastern on Friday, claimed earnings are credited to your Alpha balance. You can trade with them or withdraw them immediately.
If you miss the cutoff, your claim rolls into the following Friday. Unclaimed earnings keep accruing; nothing expires.

Identity verification (KYC)

Alpha does not ask for ID to sign up, deposit, trade, or withdraw. The only time Alpha requires identity verification is when you win a trading competition and are due a prize paid by Alpha. What to expect:
  • A government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID)
  • A quick selfie to match the ID
  • Usually completed in a few minutes; manual review can take up to 48 hours
Prizes are held until verification is complete. If verification fails or is not completed within the window stated on the competition page, the prize may be forfeited.
Verification protects the prize pool from duplicate accounts and ensures prizes go to real, eligible people. It is required by Alpha’s terms and by the laws that apply to prize payouts.