- FundedNext: $6,000 - Express
- FundedNext: $15,000 - Express
- FundedNext: $25,000 - Express
Prop Firm Challenges for Risk-Tolerant Traders — For Those Who Trade with Precision
If you’re the kind of trader who thrives under pressure and sees challenge as fuel, this is your arena. While most traders search for safe havens and flexible structures, you’re wired differently. For you, tighter margins, sharper targets, and leaner risk rules are not threats—they're opportunities.
But if you prefer a more methodical, risk-conscious approach, check out our guide to the Top Prop Firm Challenges for Low-Risk Traders.
This article highlights the Top 5 Prop Firm Challenges designed for risk-tolerant traders. These aren’t your average evaluations—they’re tougher, faster-paced, and built for those with rock-solid strategies and elite mental discipline.
Why High-Risk Challenges Attract Elite Traders
Prop firms have evolved dramatically over the last five years. While most new entrants cater to volume and beginner pass rates, a smaller segment is doubling down on trader performance and profitability. These high-risk challenges are the proving ground for serious traders—those who don’t just want funding, but want to dominate with it.
But what exactly makes a challenge “high risk”?
- Lower maximum daily and total drawdown limits
- Higher profit targets (often 10–15%) in a short timeframe
- Strict rules or no second chances
- Shorter evaluation periods or faster trading requirements
- Often equity-based drawdown tracking — punishing intraday losses
Yet with this risk comes unmatched upside: faster scaling, larger capital allocations, higher profit splits, and often weekly or even daily payouts.
The Methodology Behind the Rankings
These rankings are data-driven, not hype-based. We applied the same core algorithm used in our low-risk challenge analysis but optimized it to favor challenge features that appeal to high-performance, risk-tolerant traders.
Key Factors Evaluated:
- Drawdown Tolerance: Firms offering tighter daily (e.g. 3%) and total (5–8%) drawdowns were prioritized. This tests a trader’s ability to manage equity fluctuations precisely.
- Profit Targets: Targets of 10% or more in the evaluation phase were ranked higher. High reward = high risk. These require strong trend conviction, high Reward-to-Risk ratio, or strategic compounding.
- Challenge Structure: Single-phase high-target challenges or aggressive models with strict timelines were considered ideal for risk-tolerant traders.
- Evaluation Time Limit: 10–30 day limits were considered standard. Some firms push even shorter windows (e.g. 5-day “express” challenges).
- Payout & Scaling Models: Fast payouts, high profit splits, and aggressive scaling models added bonus points. For traders who trade big, the upside must be worth the heat.
- Equity-Based Tracking: Firms that track drawdowns in real-time (equity-based) were factored as “high pressure” — appealing to those with precise execution.
- Strategic Restrictions: While still valuable, fewer trading restrictions (news, EA, weekends) were a lesser priority than in low-risk scoring.
Each factor was scored, weighted, and normalized. The firms listed below are those that stood out as top-tier arenas for advanced traders ready to embrace the edge of risk.
Top 10 High-Risk Prop Firm Challenges (2025 Edition)
| Prop Firm | Challenge Name | Funding | Daily Drawdown | Overall Drawdown | Profit Target | Time Limit | Structure/Steps | Challenge Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FundedNext | $6,000 - Express | $6000 | 5% | 10% | 25% | N/A | 1 | $49 |
| FundedNext | $15,000 - Express | $15000 | 5% | 10% | 25% | N/A | 1 | $99 |
| FundedNext | $25,000 - Express | $25000 | 5% | 10% | 25% | N/A | 1 | $199 |
| FundedNext | $50,000 - Express | $500000 | 5% | 10% | 25% | N/A | 1 | $299 |
| FundedNext | $100,000 - Express | $100000 | 5% | 10% | 25% | N/A | 1 | $549 |
| FundedNext | $200,000 - Express | $200000 | 5% | 10% | 25% | N/A | 1 | $999 |
| City Traders Imperium | $5,000 - 1-Step Instant | $5000 | 0% | 5% | 9% | N/A | 1 | $99 |
| City Traders Imperium | $10,000 - 1-Step Instant | $10000 | 0% | 5% | 9% | N/A | 1 | $159 |
| City Traders Imperium | $25,000 - 1-Step Instant | $25000 | 0% | 5% | 9% | N/A | 1 | $299 |
| City Traders Imperium | $50,000 - 1-Step Instant | $500000 | 0% | 5% | 9% | N/A | 1 | $559 |
| City Traders Imperium | $75,000 - 1-Step Instant | $75000 | 0% | 5% | 9% | N/A | 1 | $799 |
| City Traders Imperium | $100,000 - 1-Step Instant | $100000 | 0% | 5% | 9% | N/A | 1 | $949 |
| Alpha Trader | 200,000 3-Step | $200000 | 4% | 6% | 10% | N/A | 3 | $311 |
| Alpha Trader | 100,000 3-Step | $100000 | 4% | 6% | 10% | N/A | 3 | $242 |
| Alpha Trader | 50,000 3-Step | $50000 | 4% | 6% | 10% | N/A | 3 | $181 |
| Alpha Trader | 25,000 3-Step | $25000 | 4% | 6% | 10% | N/A | 3 | $141 |
| Alpha Trader | 10,000 3-Step | $10000 | 4% | 6% | 10% | N/A | 3 | $69 |
| City Traders Imperium | $5,000 - Direct Funding | $5000 | 0% | 5% | 10% | N/A | 0 | $299 |
| City Traders Imperium | $10,000 - Direct Funding | $10000 | 0% | 5% | 10% | N/A | 0 | $599 |
| City Traders Imperium | $25,000 - Direct Funding | $25000 | 0% | 5% | 10% | N/A | 0 | $1499 |
1. MyFundedFX — Rapid Challenge ($50,000 Account)
- Drawdown: 5% daily, 8% total (equity-based)
- Profit Target: 10% in 5 days
- Time Limit: 5 calendar days
- Structure: 1-step express evaluation
- Payout: After 14 days, up to 90% split
One of the fastest challenges in the market. Ideal for scalpers or short-term momentum traders who can make aggressive gains in a compressed window. Zero room for drawdown error.
2. True Forex Funds — Pro Trader Challenge
- Drawdown: 4% daily, 8% overall (equity-based)
- Profit Target: 10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2)
- Time: 10 days per phase
- Structure: 2-step with tight limits
Considered a rite of passage for precision-based traders. Rewards tight entries and high Reward-to-Risk ratio setups. Ideal for intraday swing traders or experienced prop veterans looking to upgrade their cap.
3. FundedNext — Evaluation Challenge (Aggressive Track)
- Drawdown: 5% daily, 10% overall
- Profit Target: 12% (Phase 1)
- Payout: Weekly after first 2 weeks
This challenge pushes traders to produce results fast. Includes profit splits even during evaluation—a rare perk in this high-stakes category. You need to be sharp, consistent, and capital-efficient.
4. The 5%ers — High Stakes Bootcamp
- Drawdown: Equity-based tracking
- Profit Target: 6% in 10 days
- Unique Features: High leverage (1:100), extremely short evaluation period
The 5%ers test your edge fast. With a short window and tight risk, you’re expected to execute like a machine. Great for seasoned traders with short-term setups and strong mental discipline.
5. E8 Funding — E8 Track ($25,000 to $100,000)
- Drawdown: 5% daily, 8% total
- Profit Target: 8% (P1), 5% (P2)
- Scaling: Rapid growth after two payouts
E8 combines modern tools, fast funding, and a very trader-facing UI. But its challenge is no walk in the park. The risk constraints make this a proving ground for those with accuracy and rhythm.
Who These Challenges Are Best For
If you’re still refining your system, these aren’t your entry point. But if you’re a trader who:
- Has 6–12 months of consistent results
- Can handle tight risk management under stress
- Executes high Reward-to-Risk ratio setups with conviction
- Uses prop trading as a professional revenue stream
Then these challenges aren’t just opportunities—they’re your edge. High risk means high responsibility, but also high reward. These challenges pay faster, scale faster, and validate real skill—not just luck or low-risk pass-throughs.
Looking to maximize capital while minimizing startup costs? Some high-reward evaluations come at surprisingly low prices. Check out our breakdown of the Cheapest Prop Firms Challenges to find challenges that punch above their price point.
Final Thoughts: Trading on the Edge
The prop trading landscape rewards precision and performance. While many chase volume or low barriers, true traders know the value of difficult trials. These top 5 challenges aren’t forgiving—but they’re fair. They reflect real-world trading where edge, discipline, and resilience win out over luck or time extension.
If you’re ready for that level, you’re already ahead. Just remember: with great reward comes great risk. Know your system. Know your stats. And step up with purpose.
Ready to scale fast and prove yourself in the toughest challenges? Start with one of these high-octane evaluations and show the market what you’re made of.
