> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.tradealpha.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Competitions and Payouts

> How trading competitions work, how prizes and revenue share are paid out, and when Alpha asks for identity verification.

## 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.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Competition closes">
    Final standings are confirmed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Prize is credited">
    Once verified, the prize is credited to your Alpha balance in USDC. You can trade with it or withdraw it.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### 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**.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Profile → Referrals">
    Your accrued, unclaimed revenue share is shown here.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Tap Claim">
    Do this any time before Friday 9:30 AM Eastern. Tapping Claim queues your balance for the next payout.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>
</Steps>

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.

<Note>
  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.
</Note>


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