Steve Henris Claims Victory in the Forex Grand Prix

In a competition where only the sharpest minds in forex trading could rise to the top, Steve Henris emerged as the clear winner of our Forex Grand Prix. With an outstanding profit of $94,728.36, Steve secured 1st place and earned a €100,000 funded trading challenge — completely free of charge (worth €749). In this exclusive interview, he shares his approach, insights, and what it took to dominate the charts in a forex-only environment.

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

I started trading about 4 years ago when I became more intensively involved with shares. It all started with setting up a monthly savings plan without actively trading. But then I found out about trading through YouTube, so I opened my own account with a broker and started trading with my own money. Without experience, profits were rather lucky, and losses were the majority.

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

It felt great to know that my strategy is working and that I can achieve my goals with clear discipline. Trading can be a lot of fun if you stick to the rules.

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

I follow the clear strategy of trend following. I look for clear patterns in candlestick formations and use Heikin-Ashi candlesticks for this. The aim is always not to guess the future, but to stick to clear patterns that have already brought success.

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

I didn't know what I was doing at the very beginning. Profits came and went, losses got bigger because I increased position sizes without knowing the consequences. I once won €20,000 in a day and lost it again the next — with added losses. That’s when I started to get more involved with trading and began to understand market techniques.

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

I had to learn to trust the strategy unconditionally, accept losses, be patient, and stick to the system — sometimes over several days.

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

I always follow the trend — starting from the correction phase and aiming for a continuation of the trend. What’s important is a so-called balancing candle on Heikin-Ashi, which signals an imbalance and a possible reversal from the correction.

Risk Management

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

My risk is always the same. I don’t increase it, which helps me stay in control. It’s important that profits in percentage terms are always higher than the losses — this way I never risk failing a challenge. But that only works when you know your strategy is reliable.

Do you rely more on technical analysis, fundamental analysis, or a blend of both? What drives your preference?

I ignore all peripheral noise and only look at the chart and the candlestick formations. The cleaner my chart, the more confident I feel. I don’t use indicators. The candles tell me where it might go. The only fundamental tool I check is the economic calendar — to avoid trading during major events like interest rate decisions.

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

It’s important not to change a strategy constantly. Never change a running system. The only thing I adjusted was switching to higher timeframes, so I’m no longer stressed by 5-minute charts, for example.

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

Demo, demo, demo — and practice a lot. Be patient with real money and respect the market because you can’t control it; you can only go with the flow. Never start with real money without experience — you’ll lose it fast. Don’t chase luck; I lost a lot that way myself. It’s best to find a mentor and figure out which strategy suits you. And know this: it will take 1–2 years before you feel truly confident and profitable.

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

Everyone thinks they’re smarter and stronger than the market at first. But once you realize you’re just a small fish in a very big tank, you’ll start watching the big players instead of fighting them. Follow them. Trust yourself, but never lose respect for the other participants.

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

I don’t let others influence me — I trust my strategy. It’s important to read the market and keep up with news. I regularly watch trading videos on YouTube and take away what works for me — but always with caution, because everyone trades differently. Having a live market ticker is also essential to stay informed.

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

Self-discipline and respect for the market — every day. Motivate yourself, even on bad days. Tomorrow can be a winning day again. Setbacks are normal. The stock market is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency wins — not fast, risky trades.

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