Interview with Moss: From Struggles to Success in the Crypto Cup

Meet Moss, a dedicated trader from South Africa who recently claimed 1st place in our Crypto Cup, turning consistent efforts into a standout win. In this exclusive interview, Moss opens up about his journey, setbacks, and the mindset that keeps him moving forward—even when trading gets tough.

Could you please introduce yourself and share what initially sparked your interest in trading?‍

My name is Moss, and I'm based in South Africa. I was introduced to trading back in 2015 but didn’t take it seriously until around 2018–2019.

How did you feel when you learned you had won the competition, and what does this achievement mean to you?

‍Winning the comp felt unreal. I had been praying that I’d win one day. I’ve entered many competitions before but never reached 1st place. It was a very special moment, and I’m incredibly grateful.

How would you summarize your trading philosophy in a few sentences?

‍I keep things simple. I believe simplifying trading helps reduce stress and allows me to stay consistent.

Can you walk us through your first steps into the world of trading? Was there a defining moment or inspiration behind your decision?‍

In 2018, I started actively looking for ways to free myself financially and took trading seriously from that point. I lost a lot of money, fell into debt, and I’m still working my way out—but I’ve made some solid progress lately.

What resources (such as mentors, courses, or books) were most influential in helping you develop your trading skills?‍

I took a lot of courses—both paid and free—but I never had a mentor because I couldn’t afford one. I joined several online communities, which helped a lot.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced early on, and how did you overcome them

‍Strategy hopping and over-risking were my biggest problems. I kept changing strategies and didn’t stick with one, which wasted a lot of time. Over-trading is still an issue, but I’m getting better at managing it.

Could you explain your overall trading strategy and how you decide on which trades to execute?‍

I use a simple break-and-retest strategy, based on common Fibonacci levels—nothing fancy.

Can you share one or two memorable trades that played a key role in your journey?‍

I can’t recall any specific trades, but trading crypto was never my thing. Ironically, trading crypto for the first time during the competition is what helped me win. Almost all my trades worked out during the comp.

How do you manage risk and maintain discipline, especially during volatile market conditions?‍

In the competition, I was risking more than 2%, but in my regular prop trading, I usually risk less than 1%. It’s still hard to keep the risk low and avoid revenge trading, but that’s part of the process—ups and downs.

Do you rely more on technical analysis, fundamental analysis, or a blend of both?‍

I rely solely on technical analysis.

Market conditions are always evolving—how have you adapted or refined your strategy over time?‍

Some things don’t change much. I constantly watch the behavior of my two main pairs: EUR/USD and GBP/USD. When they become unpredictable, I reduce risk or take a break.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the world of trading?‍

I’m still learning after more than 3–4 years. Start with free and paid courses, find a mentor if you can. Don’t use credit cards or loans to fund trading or buy challenges—it’s a bad idea. Start small and give yourself years to grow. And most importantly: don’t give up.

Are there any common mistakes or pitfalls that you’ve observed among new traders that they should be cautious of?‍

Don’t get into debt trying to make it in trading. It adds unnecessary stress. Don’t quit your job. Trade while you work—it takes the pressure off and gives you funds to invest in your journey each month.

How important is ongoing education and adaptation in trading, and what methods do you use to stay ahead?‍

Learning is important, but once you find what works for you—stick to it. Hone in on it and master that one thing.

What mindset or habits do you believe are crucial for long-term success in trading, and how can aspiring traders develop them?‍

Mental health is number one. Stay physically healthy, exercise daily, pray or meditate if you can. Breath work is great too. These should be part of your daily routine. Once your mind and body are aligned, your energy shifts—and good things follow.