A Different Approach to Competitive Trading
Looking for a TopStep Alternative?
Alpha Kings is not another prop firm. We are a skill-based trading competition platform where traders compete head-to-head for real USDC prizes. No evaluations. No trailing drawdown. No futures-only restrictions. Just pure skill.
Why Traders Choose Alpha Kings Over TopStep
TopStep locks you into futures-only evaluations with trailing drawdowns. Alpha Kings gives you freedom.
Trade Any Market
TopStep limits you to CME futures. Alpha Kings lets you compete across forex, crypto, indices, and commodities — over 36 symbols available.
No Trailing Drawdown
TopStep's trailing max drawdown resets to your worst equity point, creating constant pressure. Alpha Kings has no drawdown rules — just outperform other traders.
No Monthly Subscriptions
TopStep charges $49-$149+ per month for evaluation access. Alpha Kings charges one-time entry fees per competition starting at just $1.
Alpha Kings vs TopStep: Side by Side
Comparison based on publicly available information as of March 2026.
Alpha Kings is the creator of this page. TopStep is a registered trademark of TopstepTrader, LLC.
| Feature | Alpha Kings | TopStep |
|---|---|---|
| Business Model | Skill-based competition (like DraftKings) | Funded trading evaluation |
| Entry Cost | Competition entry fees ($1-$500+) | Monthly subscriptions ($49-$149+) |
| What You Win | Real USDC prizes (crypto) | Profit split from funded account |
| Risk | Zero personal capital at risk | Lose subscription if you fail evaluation |
| Duration | 30min to multi-day competitions | Multi-step evaluation over weeks |
| Trading Style | Compete against other traders | Trade solo against rules |
| Markets | Forex, Crypto, Indices, Commodities | Futures only (CME products) |
| Starting Balance | $100,000 virtual per competition | $50K-$150K evaluation accounts |
| Payout Speed | USDC payouts within minutes | 7-10 business days |
| Drawdown Rules | No daily drawdown limits | Trailing max drawdown (resets to worst equity) |
How Alpha Kings Works
Create Account
Sign up for free in under 60 seconds. No evaluation fees.
Fund Your Wallet
Deposit USDC on Polygon to enter competitions.
Enter & Compete
Join a competition and trade against other traders using $100K virtual funds.
Win USDC
The top trader wins the prize pool. Real USDC, real payouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alpha Kings a prop firm like TopStep?
No. Alpha Kings is a skill-based trading competition platform, similar to DraftKings but for trading. You do not pass an evaluation to receive a funded account. Instead, you enter competitions against other traders and the best performer wins real USDC prizes.
How is Alpha Kings different from TopStep?
TopStep is a futures prop firm that requires passing a multi-step evaluation with strict trailing drawdown rules before you can trade a funded account. Alpha Kings is a competition platform where traders compete head-to-head using $100K virtual funds for real prizes. There are no evaluations, no trailing drawdowns, and no profit splits. You also get access to forex, crypto, indices, and commodities — not just futures.
Can I use both Alpha Kings and TopStep?
Absolutely. Many traders use TopStep for funded trading and Alpha Kings for competitive trading. The skills are transferable, and winning competitions on Alpha Kings can supplement your funded trading income.
What are the entry fees for Alpha Kings competitions?
Entry fees range from $1 to $500+, with arena fees from $2 to $25 depending on the entry amount. There are no monthly subscriptions or recurring evaluation fees.
How do payouts work on Alpha Kings?
Winners receive real USDC (a stablecoin pegged to USD) on the Polygon network. Payouts are processed quickly and you can withdraw to any compatible wallet. A 5% victory fee is deducted from winnings only — you keep 95%.
Is Alpha Kings available in my country?
Alpha Kings is available globally. Within the United States, the platform is not available in AR, CT, DE, LA, and SD. Check the terms of service for full details.
Ready to Compete?
Join thousands of traders competing for real prizes. No evaluations. No trailing drawdown. No futures-only limits. Just you versus the market — and each other.
Join Alpha Kings