Home › Market News › The Truth About Funded Trader Programs
HIGHLIGHTS
What happens when a trader known for calling out BS sits down with the founder of a prop trading firm he once tried to dunk on?
You get honesty. You get insight. And you get one of the realest conversations about what funded trader programs actually offer.
Our founder and CEO, Michael Patak (MP), sat down to talk shop with Lance Breitstein, an 8-figure trader, educator, and prop firm skeptic. They covered everything from how Topstep began to what makes a trader succeed, and the red flags to watch out for in today’s prop trading world.
THE PROBLEM WITH TRADITIONAL TRADING
Most retail traders don’t fail because they lack skill. They fail because the system works against them.
| Traditional Trading | Topstep Approach |
| You risk real money from day one. | Start in a disciplined environment so you can learn and grow without losses. |
| You’re trading solo, without feedback or structure. | Clear structure and feedback designed to build consistency |
| You’re on your own to figure out risk management. | Maximum daily loss limits and profit targets that build strong habits. |
| One bad trade could cost your kid’s college fund. | Learn from mistakes, reset, and try again. |
| No real path to capital or professional growth. | From Combine to Funded, you have a step-by-step path to succeed. |
That’s the problem most traders run into. No safety net, no structure, just trial by fire.
Topstep was built to fix that. Since 2010, it’s helped traders learn, grow, and get funded without putting their life savings on the line.
For those who stick with it, the results speak for themselves.
FUNDED TRADER PROGRAMS: THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY
Lance came into the interview with serious skepticism. He’d seen shady funded programs with unclear rules, bait-and-switch marketing, and traders who never got paid out.
But what changed his mind?
Transparency.
At Topstep, the rules are clear:
No curveballs. Just clear expectations, and real capital for those who earn it.
At Topstep, we keep it clear and objective, so you’re not guessing what we want; you’re focused on trading well and earning your shot.
FUNDED TRADER PROGRAM RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR
Not all funded programs are created equal. MP and Lance both agree: the industry is booming, but that means there’s also more noise.
Watch out for:
If you can’t tell how to win from day one, that’s not a trading opportunity. It’s a trap.
DO FUNDED PROGRAMS ACTUALLY WORK?
Short answer: Yes, if you’re serious about your craft.
With discipline and screen time, anyone can rise through the Combine. MP’s seen traders from all over the world, including one in Kenya who earned $12K, make it happen. Whether you’re trading after work or on weekends, the opportunity is there if you’re willing to put in the work.
MP’s advice: look for a firm that’s clear, objective, and focused on your growth.
Bonus points if they offer:
“We’re not perfect, but we’re here to build better traders,” MP says. “That’s the whole point.”
Shout out to the Topstep Discord for the daily trade talk, TopstepTV for real-time coaching and honest convos, and TopstepX for giving traders the structure to practice like pros before real money’s on the line.
If a prop firm isn’t offering tools like these, keep it moving.
FINAL TAKEAWAY ON FUNDED TRADING
Trading is more than a job. It’s a discipline. A lifestyle that rewards those who respect the process.
And funded trading done right isn’t a shortcut. It’s a safer runway.
Topstep exists to give traders the chance MP never had. He learned the hard way, so you don’t have to.
Now the path is here. And it’s built for traders who are ready to earn it.
Want to hear the full conversation?
Watch the full interview between Lance and MP here.
Join the Conversation
Want more content like this? Head over to TopstepTV to hear directly from funded traders, learn from live trade reviews, and stay sharp with market breakdowns.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A funded trader program gives you the chance to prove your skills in a simulated environment before trading with real capital. Topstep pioneered this model, letting traders develop discipline, build good habits, and get funded without putting their life savings at risk.
Most traders don’t fail from lack of skill. They fail because there’s no structure, no safety net, and big personal risk from day one. Topstep fixes this by giving traders a structured Trading Combine® with clear rules, risk controls, and a clear path to funding, so you can grow without gambling everything upfront.
Watch for vague rules, unclear payout processes, zero education, and loud “get rich quick” promises. If the path to success isn’t clear from day one, that’s not a prop firm. It’s a setup.
Yes, if you take it seriously. Prop firms like Topstep are structured opportunities that reward discipline, consistency, and smart risk management. With the right mindset, Topstep gives traders the tools and support to turn that effort into real funding.
Clear rules. Consistent payouts. Real coaching. A community of 150,000+ traders. And a structure that helps you trade smarter, not just faster. We’re here to help you earn your spot and level up for the long haul.
(FN) Topstep LLC and its affiliates (collectively, “Topstep”) provide information for general informational purposes only. Testimonials on Topstep’s websites may not be representative of other clients or customers and are not a guarantee of future performance or success.
