FTMO introduced its 1-Step Challenge on 6 February 2026, marking the biggest product change in the firm's history. The new evaluation removes the separate Verification phase entirely, giving traders a single stage to prove themselves before accessing a funded account.
Here is what changed, what the rules are, and how it compares to the competition.
What Is the FTMO 1-Step Challenge?
The standard FTMO model has always been a two-phase process: pass a Challenge, then pass Verification. The 1-Step Challenge condenses this into a single evaluation. Hit the profit target once, and you move directly to a funded account.
FTMO described the launch as "the most significant update to its product portfolio." The move comes after months of competitive pressure — firms like FundedNext, E8 Markets, and The5ers have offered single-phase evaluations for some time. FTMO was one of the last major firms to follow.
1-Step Challenge Rules
| Rule | 1-Step Challenge | 2-Step Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Target | 10% | 10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2) |
| Max Daily Loss | 3% | 5% |
| Max Overall Loss | 10% (EOD trailing) | 10% (static) |
| Time Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Profit Split | 90% from first payout | 80% (rising to 90%) |
| Leverage | Up to 1:100 | Up to 1:100 |
Account sizes range from $10,000 to $200,000. Promotional pricing starts at EUR 79 for the $10k account and EUR 999 for the $200k account.
The first payout is available after 14 calendar days from the first trade placed on the funded account.
The Key Differences
Three things stand out.
Tighter daily drawdown. The 1-Step allows just 3% daily loss compared to 5% on the 2-Step. That is a significant reduction and will catch aggressive scalpers and news traders off guard if they are not prepared.
Trailing max drawdown. The 10% overall loss limit is not static. It trails upward based on the highest end-of-day balance and never decreases. In practice, this means the drawdown tightens as profits grow — a mechanic that punishes traders who build profits quickly and then give back.
The 50% Best Day Rule. No single trading day can account for more than 50% of total profits across all positive days. This is not an instant fail — traders can rebalance by adding more profitable days — but it forces consistent performance rather than one lucky trade.
How FTMO 1-Step Compares to Competitors
FTMO's 10% max drawdown is more generous than most competitors, who typically offer 5-6%. But the trailing mechanic narrows that advantage over time.
FundedNext currently offers up to 95% profit split on CFDs and a 15% profit share during the challenge phase itself — something FTMO does not match. E8 Markets offers accounts up to $500,000 and a 100% profit split option on certain plans. The5ers has progressive scaling to $4 million.
Where FTMO still leads is reputation. A 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating and years of consistent payouts carry weight in an industry where dozens of firms have collapsed in the past 12 months. Over a third of tracked prop firms are now dead or inactive — trust matters more than ever.
Who Is This For?
The 1-Step Challenge suits traders who find the two-phase process unnecessarily drawn out. If you are confident in your strategy and want to reach a funded account faster, the single evaluation removes one hurdle.
However, the tighter 3% daily drawdown and trailing max loss mean this is not the easier option. It demands more discipline, not less. Traders who rely on high-risk entries or concentrated positions may find the 2-Step's 5% daily buffer more forgiving.
What This Means for the Prop Firm Market
FTMO adding a 1-step option signals where the industry is heading. Single-phase evaluations are now the fastest-growing model in prop trading, and even the market leader has been forced to adapt.
For traders, more competition means better terms. Profit splits have risen across the board — 90% is now a baseline, not a premium. Evaluation fees are dropping. Activation fees are being scrapped by firms like E8 Markets.
The trade-off is that the market is also more volatile. With over 80 prop firms shutting down in the past year alone, choosing a firm with a proven payout track record is more important than chasing the highest profit split on paper.
If you are comparing options, see our breakdowns of Smart Trader Funds vs FTMO and Bullwaves Prime vs FTMO for side-by-side comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FTMO 1-Step Challenge?
A single-phase evaluation where traders must hit a 10% profit target with no time limit. Passing grants direct access to a funded FTMO account with a 90% profit split.
How does the FTMO 1-Step differ from the 2-Step?
The 1-Step has a tighter 3% daily drawdown (vs 5%), uses a trailing max drawdown instead of static, includes a 50% Best Day Rule, and offers 90% profit split from the first payout.
What account sizes are available for the FTMO 1-Step?
Account sizes range from $10,000 to $200,000. Promotional pricing starts at EUR 79 for the smallest account.
Is the FTMO 1-Step Challenge easier than the 2-Step?
Not necessarily. While it removes the Verification phase, the tighter daily drawdown and trailing max loss require more disciplined risk management.
Can US traders access the FTMO 1-Step Challenge?
US traders are served through FTMO US via an OANDA partnership, though five states are currently excluded.
What is the Best Day Rule on the FTMO 1-Step?
No single trading day can account for more than 50% of total profits. This encourages consistent performance rather than relying on one large winning day.