The inaugural International Crypto Trading Cup (ICTC 2025) held by European exchange WhiteBIT saw Ukrainian trader Max Hamaha emerge victorious in a thrilling finish that captivated audiences worldwide. The two-day live competition featured eight elite traders from four continents, engaging in intense trading sessions with 269 live transactions that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
On Day 1, Hamaha found himself at the bottom of the table, but he staged a remarkable comeback on Day 2 with a high-leverage long on Ethereum. His bold strategy paid off, as he secured a realized PnL of 7,488.84 USDT across 47 trades, narrowly beating out Dutch contender Merlijn “The Trader” and Ukrainian trader Eugene “EXCAVO” Loza.
Reflecting on his victory, Hamaha expressed his excitement about trading live on stage, highlighting the intensity and fun of the experience. He commended WhiteBIT for setting a new trend in the world of competitive crypto trading, drawing parallels to popular esports tournaments like Dota 2.
The competition also saw standout performances from other traders, with Kazakh trader Muslim “Mus_money_” Abdullayev logging the most trades and Denmark’s Malik Roth Klindt Jensen (“Coinvo”) achieving the largest single gain on an ETH perpetual contract. However, the event also underscored the risks involved, with one trader suffering a significant loss on an ETH-PERP trade.
In a groundbreaking move, Hamaha’s win was prominently featured during El Clásico between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, marking the first time a trading champion was showcased at such a high-profile sporting event. WhiteBIT’s founder and president, Volodymyr Nosov, emphasized the platform’s commitment to elevating competitive trading to mainstream entertainment status.
Throughout the competition, viewers gained valuable insights into different trading strategies and approaches, thanks to live feeds of the finalists’ trading terminals. The educational value of witnessing traders in action was highlighted by market technician and host Marc Principato, who praised the transparency and vulnerability displayed by participants.
Looking ahead, WhiteBIT has already opened registration for ICTC 2026, promising a larger field, regional qualifiers, and an expanded prize pool. The exchange aims to establish competitive trading as a prominent fixture in the financial industry, much like esports arenas transformed the gaming landscape.
For those eager to relive the excitement of ICTC 2025 or prepare for future competitions, full broadcasts and analysis are available on WhiteBIT’s YouTube channel. Aspiring traders are encouraged to study the footage, join a squad, and sharpen their skills for the next installment of the international trading cup.
In conclusion, Max Hamaha’s triumph at the International Crypto Trading Cup exemplifies the growing popularity and excitement surrounding competitive trading events. With WhiteBIT leading the charge, the future looks bright for traders seeking to showcase their skills on a global stage.