Topstep

Topstep wrote the rulebook for futures prop trading back in 2012, and while newer firms have copied and iterated, Topstep remains a gold standard for reliability and trader development.

Why Topstep Still Matters in 2025 In an industry flooded with new entrants, Topstep's 12+ year track record provides something invaluable: trust. They've funded over 35,000 traders and paid out tens of millions. When newer firms occasionally go under, Topstep's longevity becomes a serious advantage.

The Trading Combine (Evaluation):

Step 1 - Trading Combine:

• Prove consistent profitability
• Meet profit target based on account size
• Respect daily loss limit and max drawdown
• Minimum 5 trading days

Step 2 - Funded Account:

• Trade with rules similar to Step 1
• Qualify for payouts after meeting consistency requirements

The Education Advantage Unlike commodity prop firms, Topstep includes:

• Live trading classes
• 1-on-1 coaching sessions
• Access to professional traders
• Trading psychology resources
• Community Discord with mentors

For newer futures traders, this education alone could be worth more than the subscription cost.

End-of-Day Drawdown Explained Topstep calculates drawdown at the end of each trading day, not in real-time. This means intraday swings don't count against you - only your end-of-day balance matters. This is significantly more forgiving than real-time trailing drawdown.

Key Rules:

1. Daily loss limit is strictly enforced
2. Must trade during CME regular hours
3. No trading during major economic releases on certain accounts
4. Scaling limits on position size

The Verdict: Topstep is best for traders who value education and reliability over aggressive profit splits. If you're developing your skills and want mentorship alongside funding, Topstep justifies its reputation. For experienced traders purely focused on profit extraction, newer firms may offer better splits.