Financial Times Launched Second Stock Picking Game
The competition invites participants to manage portfolios for a chance to win a cash prize.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Investing
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The Financial Times has officially launched the second season of its interactive stock picking game. Participants can register to compete for a prize of £1,000.
Why it matters
The game offers a platform for traders to test investment strategies in a competitive environment. It builds on the success of the inaugural season, which saw high participation and significant returns for top traders.
Nearly 13,000 players participated in the first nine-week season, where the eventual winner achieved a 36 per cent gain. Participants may select between five and 20 stocks and execute trades as frequently as they choose.
The players
Financial Times
The Financial Times is a global business news organization that publishes the stock picking game.
The details
Players in the new season must select a portfolio of five to 20 stocks and can adjust their holdings through unlimited trading during the contest. The competition aims to challenge participants to maximize returns over the designated timeframe.
Timeline
The first season of the game began in June 2026.
The second season starts on October 5, 2026, at 8am.
The competition concludes on November 27, 2026, at midnight.
Market Dynamics
The game follows a broader trend of gamified finance that allows retail investors to benchmark their performance against the S&P 500 total return index. This signals a shift toward interactive, performance-based engagement tools in the investment sector.
Interested traders can register to apply their skills in a simulated environment with unlimited trading opportunities. Successful portfolio management could lead to the £1,000 prize or improved personal investment metrics.
The takeaway
Engaging in competitive trading simulations can help investors refine their portfolio management skills and risk assessment. Players should focus on consistent strategy execution to improve their standing against market benchmarks.
Further reading
Learn more about market strategies in our Investing section.
More information
To join 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?
