Financial Times Launched Second Stock Picking Game Season
Participants can compete for a £1,000 prize by managing portfolios of five to 20 stocks through November 27.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Investing
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The Financial Times has started the second season of its stock picking competition, inviting participants to trade portfolios for a top prize of £1,000. The game allows for active trading and variable portfolio weightings until the season concludes at midnight on November 27, 2026.
Why it matters
The game provides a low-stakes environment for investors to test stock selection strategies against broader market benchmarks. It follows a successful initial season where nearly half of participants outperformed the S&P 500.
During the inaugural nine-week season, 75% of the nearly 13,000 participants finished in profit. The eventual winner achieved a 36% portfolio gain compared to the broader market index.
The players
Financial Times
An international news organization that provides financial data and reporting for household decision-makers.
The details
Players must select between five and 20 individual stocks and are permitted to adjust their portfolio weights throughout the competition. Participants may execute as many trades as they choose during the game duration, which concludes on November 27, 2026. This structure offers users a way to monitor their simulated performance and risk management relative to other traders.
Timeline
The second season of the game began at 8am on October 5, 2026.
The competition closes at midnight on November 27, 2026.
Money Landscape
The game follows a pattern set by the documented surge in retail investor participation across global equity markets. It reflects a growing trend of using simulated platforms to gauge individual stock-picking aptitude against historical index benchmarks.
Participants should note that this is a simulated competition and does not involve real-money investment outcomes. Before engaging in actual stock market trading, discuss your risk tolerance and financial goals with a qualified financial professional.
The takeaway
Simulated trading games can highlight individual risk profiles and stock-picking performance without exposing personal capital to volatility. Keep a close eye on your own portfolio performance and review your asset allocation with a qualified financial professional to ensure it aligns with your long-term goals.
Further reading
For more strategies on portfolio construction, visit our section on Investing.
More information
To participate in the competition, visit the Stock picking game registration page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Financial Times News.
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Would you participate in a stock picking competition to test your investment strategy?
