Compare our step-based Challenges that lead to a Funded Account
These programs are designed for traders who want to pass one or more evaluation stages and reach a funded account, where real payouts are earned through Funded trading.
Parameter | Thunderbolt 1 step | Ascended | Astral 3 step | Obsidian 4 step |
Program Type | 1-Phase Challenge | 2-Phase Challenge | 3-Phase Challenge | 4-Phase Challenge |
Profit Target | 9% (1 Phase) | 8% → 5% | 8% → 5% → 5% | 8% → 5% → 5% → 5% |
Maximum Daily Loss | 4% | 5% | 5% | 5% |
Maximum Overall Loss | 6% (Trailing) | 10% (Static) | 8% (Static) | 8% (Static) |
Max Single Trade Loss | 3% | 3% | 3% | 3% |
Minimum Trading Days | 2 | 5 / 5 | 3 / 3 / 3 | 3 / 3 / 3 / 3 |
Time Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Profit Split (Funded) | Up to 95% | Up to 95% | Up to 95% | Up to 95% |
Payout | 12 hours | 12 hours | 12 hours | 12 hours |
Leverage | Up to 1:50 | Up to 1:50 | Up to 1:50 | Up to 1:50 |
Weekend Holding | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
News Trading | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
Funded up to | $600k | $500k | $1 Million | $1 Million |
The Vanguard Instant Funding Program and the Breakout Reward Challenge are listed separately below this comparison.
Parameter | Vanguard | Breakout 3-Step |
Program Type | Instant Funding | 3-Phase Reward Challenge |
Profit Target | None | 10% → 8% → 6% |
Maximum Daily Loss | 4% | 2% → 2% → 1% |
Maximum Overall Loss | 6% (Trailing) | 4% → 3% → 3% |
Max Single Trade Loss | 3% | 3% → 3% → 3% |
Minimum Trading Days | 3 (For first payout) | 5 / 5 / 5 |
Time Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Profit Split (Funded) | Up to 95% | n/a (Reward model) |
Payout | 12 hours | (fixed reward) |
Leverage | Up to 1:50 | Up to 1:50 |
Weekend Holding | Allowed | Allowed |
News Trading | Allowed | Allowed |
Funded up to | $300k | $10k Fixed Reward |
Vanguard (Instant Funding)
Vanguard skips all challenge phases — traders get immediate access to a funded account and can start earning real profit shares from day one (first payout possible from Day 3). No profit target, no evaluation, just live trading under real conditions.
Breakout (3-Step Reward Challenge)
Breakout is not a funding program — it doesn't lead to a funded account. Instead, successful completion of all three phases results in a fixed cash prize payout, not profit split. It's a performance-based challenge with reward at the end, not ongoing trading capital.
Thunderbolt Challenge (1-Phase)
The Thunderbolt Challenge is our fastest and most dynamic program.
It consists of only one phase, allowing traders to get funded in as little as two days.
Key parameters:
Profit Target: 9%
Daily Drawdown: 4%
Trailing Drawdown: 6%
Minimum Trading Days: 2
Time Limit: Unlimited
Profit Split: Up to 95%
This program is ideal for traders who prefer aggressive trading strategies and want to skip the multi-phase evaluation process.
Ascended Challenge (2-Phase)
The Ascended Challenge is the golden standard at Upcomers — balancing risk, realism, and growth potential.
It includes two evaluation phases, each with its own objectives.
Phase 1:
Profit Target: 8%
Daily Drawdown: 5%
Maximum Loss: 10%
Minimum Trading Days: 5
Phase 2:
Profit Target: 5%
Daily Drawdown: 5%
Maximum Loss: 10%
Minimum Trading Days: 5
Time Limit: Unlimited
Profit Split: Up to 95%
Perfect for traders who value a structured process and long-term risk management.
Astral Challenge (3-Phase)
The Astral Challenge is the most advanced program, designed for traders who prefer a gradual and consistent evaluation.
It focuses on building a proven record of stable performance across three stages.
Phase 1:
Profit Target: 8%
Daily Drawdown: 5%
Maximum Loss: 8%
Minimum Trading Days: 3
Phase 2:
Profit Target: 5%
Daily Drawdown: 5%
Maximum Loss: 8%
Minimum Trading Days: 3
Phase 3:
Profit Target: 5%
Daily Drawdown: 5%
Maximum Loss: 8%
Minimum Trading Days: 3
Time Limit: Unlimited
Profit Split: Up to 95%
This program is best suited for traders who prefer a conservative and long-term approach with a focus on discipline and consistency.
Vanguard Program (Instant Funding)
The Vanguard Program offers instant access to a funded account — no evaluation required.
You start directly with virtual capital and earn real profit shares from day one.
Key parameters:
Daily Drawdown: 4%
Trailing Drawdown: 6%
Minimum Trading Days for First Payout: 3 (with ≥0.5% profit per day)
Profit Split: Up to 95%
News & Weekend Trading: Allowed
Ideal for experienced traders who want to start trading immediately without going through any challenge phases.