The cryptocurrency landscape has witnessed a monumental event with WhiteBIT, Europe’s leading crypto exchange by traffic, conducting the inaugural International Crypto Trading Cup (ICTC 2025). This pioneering competition resulted in a spectacular triumph for Ukrainian trader Max Hamaha, showcasing extraordinary trading skills.
Unveiling the International Crypto Trading Cup
Last week marked a historic moment as WhiteBIT announced Max Hamaha as the champion of ICTC 2025. This two-day event, streamed live across various platforms, took place on May 9 and 10, and attracted some of the globe’s elite crypto traders.
Each participant started with 50,000 USDTB, the exchange’s proprietary asset, engaging in intense trading over two consecutive days. The format included twelve hours of live trading, allowing for a total of 269 trades. This environment not only highlighted traders’ strategies but also offered insights into effective risk management and tactical decision-making.
Max Hamaha, initially lagging in the standings, made an impressive leap to victory on the second day, securing the title with a realized Profit and Loss (rPNL) of 7,488.84 USDT, predominantly through a confident long position on Ethereum (ETH).
Following closely was Merlijn The Trader from the Netherlands, who claimed second place with a rPNL of 6,745.96 USDT. Ukrainian participant Eugene Loza, known as EXCAVO, finished third, reporting a rPNL of 4,098.90 USDT.
Hamaha also demonstrated trading prowess with a commendable 47 transactions, second only to the top trader Muslim Abdullayev (Mus_Money) from Kazakhstan, who executed 49 trades.
In a remarkable display of skill, Malik Roth Klindt Jensen, known as Coinvo, recorded the largest single profit of the tournament, netting 12,249 USDT on an ETH-PERP position. Conversely, the largest loss of 10,725 USDT again highlighted the inherent risks involved in high-stakes trading.
Hamaha’s victory resonated beyond the trading floor, with his name showcased on LED screens during El Clásico, a major football event between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, emphasizing the crossover between sports and crypto trading.
This unprecedented recognition during such a high-profile match signifies a pivotal moment for the perception of crypto trading as an esteemed competitive discipline, potentially on par with traditional esports.
The Dawn of Competitive Trading
Reflecting on the event, Hamaha expressed, “Participating on stage was exhilarating—far more intense than my usual routine at home. I had to adapt my strategies to accommodate the competition’s format, yet I maintained my focus on active, high-leverage intraday trading. While I was confident, the adrenaline surged as the clock wound down.”
He further hinted at the growing recognition of competitive trading, noting, “WhiteBIT is setting a transformative precedent. I envision crypto trading events becoming as mainstream as esports, possibly rivaling games like Dota 2 in popularity.”
Beyond the main action, ICTC 2025 offered a platform for professional traders to display their strategies, with over 3,000 spectators participating in live discussions and analyses of trading setups.
Marc Principato, a prominent market technician and host of the tournament, emphasized the educational significance of the event:
The competition showcased a variety of trading methodologies, featuring standout moves such as Mauro Ciami’s bold high-risk approach on the first day, alongside Merlin and Excavo’s effective overnight positions that delivered impressive results.
Principato highlighted that this unique format provides invaluable lessons for aspiring and veteran traders, facilitating the integration of practical knowledge into their own trading styles. Meanwhile, Volodymyr Nosov, founder and President of WhiteBIT Group, stated:
Through this tournament, we are exploring new horizons. It’s not merely about trading; it’s about fostering a community, sharing expertise, and propelling the global integration of blockchain technology. Our objective is to transform this into an ongoing, expansive event that evolves in scale and significance with each occurrence.
Following the success of this inaugural event, the crypto exchange is gearing up for ICTC 2026, with registrations now open, inviting traders from all backgrounds to participate, connect, and leave their mark on history.
