WhiteBIT Crowns World’s First Top Crypto Trader in International Trading Cup

Max Hamaha, a Ukrainian trader, has made history by winning WhiteBIT’s International Crypto Trading Cup (ICTC 2025), demonstrating the thrilling potential of competitive crypto trading to captivate audiences worldwide.

• WhiteBIT hosts ICTC 2025
• Max Hamaha wins with Ethereum strategy
• Event aims to promote blockchain adoption

WhiteBIT, Europe’s largest crypto exchange by traffic, known for its robust trading platform, hosted the inaugural International Crypto Trading Cup (ICTC 2025). Held over two intense days on May 9 and 10, this groundbreaking event saw eight top traders compete live on stage, each starting with a capital of 50,000 USDTB (a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar). Over 12 hours, they executed a total of 269 trades, turning the competition into a spectacle of skill and strategic acumen.

Max Hamaha’s victory was nothing short of a cinematic comeback. Trailing behind in the final minutes, he made a decisive move with a high-conviction long position on Ethereum (ETH)—a strategy where he invested heavily, betting strongly on the price of Ethereum rising—which ultimately secured him a realized Profit and Loss (rPNL) of 7,488.84 USDT. This bold move allowed him to overtake the competition and claim the top spot. Reflecting on the experience, Hamaha shared, “Trading live on stage was an incredibly exciting experience—more intense and way more fun than trading at home. I had to adjust my usual approach to fit the tournament rules, but I still focused on active intraday trading with high leverage. I felt confident throughout, though the final minutes got nerve-wracking as others went all-in.”

While Hamaha’s triumph was the highlight, the event showcased a variety of trading styles and outcomes. Merlijn The Trader from the Netherlands secured second place with an rPNL of 6,745.96 USDT, while Ukraine’s Eugene Loza (EXCAVO) took third with 4,098.90 USDT. The tournament saw remarkable highs and lows, with Malik Roth Klindt Jensen (Coinvo) achieving the single-largest gain of 12,249 USDT on an ETH-PERP (Ethereum Perpetual Futures, a type of derivative contract) position. Conversely, another trader suffered a significant loss of 10,725 USDT on the same pair, underscoring the high-risk nature of crypto trading.

The celebration of Hamaha’s victory reached new heights when his name was displayed on LED boards during El Clásico, the iconic match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. This marked the first time a trading competition winner was celebrated during such a high-profile event, signaling the growing mainstream appeal of competitive crypto trading.

Volodymyr Nosov, Founder and President of WhiteBIT Group, highlighted the tournament’s broader implications, stating, “With this tournament, we’re pioneering a new frontier. This is not just about trading—it’s about building community, sharing knowledge, and accelerating global adoption of blockchain. We’re building the infrastructure for the future. ICTC 2025 was a first step to understand what works, what our traders and audience want, and where we can go from here. Our goal is to make this a recurring, global event—bigger and better with each edition.”

The ICTC 2025 not only showcased the skills of top traders but also highlighted the potential for crypto trading to become a mainstream spectator sport, much like esports. As Hamaha himself noted, “WhiteBIT is setting a new trend—competitive trading could easily go mainstream like esports. In a few years, I can see crypto trading tournaments rivaling Dota 2.”

Looking ahead, WhiteBIT plans to make ICTC an annual global event, with registration already open for ICTC 2026. This move aims to further cement the tournament’s role in fostering a vibrant trading community and promoting the adoption of blockchain technology.

While the event was a celebration of trading prowess, it’s crucial to acknowledge the risks involved. Crypto trading, particularly with high leverage, can lead to significant losses, as demonstrated by the tournament’s largest loss. It’s a reminder that while the thrill of competition is engaging, the underlying volatility of cryptocurrencies remains a challenge. As enthusiasts of decentralization and disruption, we must balance our optimism with a clear understanding of these risks.

Moreover, the rise of competitive trading events like ICTC raises questions about the hype surrounding crypto trading. While these events can inspire and educate, they can also create unrealistic expectations among newcomers about the ease and profitability of trading. It’s essential to foster a well-informed community that understands both the potential and the pitfalls of the crypto space.

The broader impact of ICTC 2025 on the crypto community cannot be overstated. Such events foster education and community building, drawing in a diverse audience of traders and enthusiasts. They also align with the trends in the esports industry, where competitive gaming has grown into a mainstream spectator sport. With over half of esports fans engaging via social media, ICTC has the potential to reach a broader, more digitally engaged audience.

As we look to the future, the possibility of integrating monetization strategies from the esports economy, such as subscriptions and virtual goods, could enhance the sustainability and growth of ICTC. Moreover, engaging with influencers and creators in the crypto space could help expand the event’s reach and build a more inclusive community around crypto trading.

Key Questions and Takeaways

What is the International Crypto Trading Cup (ICTC 2025)?
ICTC 2025 is a trading competition hosted by WhiteBIT, Europe’s largest crypto exchange by traffic, where top traders compete live on stage over two days with a starting capital of 50,000 USDTB.

Who won the ICTC 2025 and what was their strategy?
Max Hamaha from Ukraine won the ICTC 2025 with a high-conviction long position on Ethereum (ETH), resulting in a realized Profit and Loss (rPNL) of 7,488.84 USDT.

How was the winner of ICTC 2025 celebrated?
Max Hamaha’s name was featured on LED boards during El Clásico, the match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, marking the first time a trading competition winner was celebrated during such a high-profile event.

What is the significance of ICTC 2025 for the crypto industry?
ICTC 2025 signifies a step toward establishing crypto trading as a competitive, spectator-worthy discipline, potentially mainstreaming it like esports, while also promoting community building, knowledge sharing, and accelerating blockchain adoption.

What are WhiteBIT’s future plans for ICTC?
WhiteBIT aims to make ICTC an annual, global event, with registration now open for ICTC 2026, inviting new and experienced traders to compete and connect.

In the evolving world of cryptocurrencies, where the promise of decentralization and financial freedom is constantly weighed against market volatility and regulatory scrutiny, events like ICTC 2025 serve as a beacon of progress. They not only celebrate the skill and innovation within the community but also push the boundaries of what’s possible in the realm of blockchain technology. As we continue to champion the values of decentralization and effective accelerationism, we must remain vigilant in our advocacy for a well-informed and balanced perspective on the crypto revolution.