Understanding the Earn2Trade Gauntlet Timeline

The Earn2Trade Gauntlet is one of the most respected evaluation programs for futures traders looking to earn a funded account. It’s known for its comprehensive risk metrics, strict profit targets, and realistic trading environment. But one of the most common questions traders have before signing up is: how fast can I complete it?

The answer depends on the specific Gauntlet program you choose—namely, the original 60-day Gauntlet or the faster-paced Gauntlet Mini. In this article, we’ll break down the minimum time it takes to pass each, the rule-based requirements that impact speed, and strategies to help you finish your evaluation efficiently while maintaining discipline.

Two Versions of the Gauntlet

Earn2Trade offers two main versions of the Gauntlet:

• The Original Gauntlet: A 60-calendar-day program designed to mirror professional trading conditions.
• The Gauntlet Mini: A quicker, rule-based challenge that can be completed in as little as 15 trading days.

The original Gauntlet is less popular among traders looking for fast funding, while the Gauntlet Mini has become the preferred option for those trying to pass and scale up quickly.

Minimum Trading Days Requirement

The Gauntlet Mini requires a minimum of 15 trading days. This means you must place at least one qualifying trade per day across 15 separate market days—not calendar days. Weekends, market holidays, and inactive days don’t count.

There is no way to bypass this 15-day requirement. Even if you hit the profit target early, you still have to log the full number of days. The rule is designed to prevent lucky one-day wins from qualifying a trader for a funded account.

Profit Target and Risk Management Rules

For the Gauntlet Mini, the specific parameters vary by account size. For example:

• $25K account: $1,500 profit target
• $50K account: $3,000 profit target
• $100K account: $6,000 profit target

At the same time, you must avoid hitting the trailing drawdown limit, daily loss limit, and any prohibited trading behavior (like holding during news events, depending on rules).

If you break a rule—even on day 15—you’ll fail the challenge and need to reset or restart. This makes a quick pass not just about profit, but about consistent and disciplined execution.

Can You Pass in Exactly 15 Days?

Yes, many traders pass the Gauntlet Mini in the minimum required 15 trading days. However, this requires careful planning, precision, and risk control. Here’s how successful traders do it:

• Consistent Small Wins: Averaging $400–$600 per day on a $50K account will hit the target within 15 days.
• Avoid Rule Breaks: No high leverage, no holding past market hours, no large drawdowns.
• Journaling: Tracking every trade to make sure each day contributes to the goal without nearing rule violations.

If you aim to pass quickly, you must make every trade count and avoid overtrading. Many traders also use the Prop Firm Journal Sheets to track their daily profits, rule compliance, and risk levels.

What Slows Traders Down?

Even though 15 days is the minimum, the average trader takes between 18 to 25 trading days to pass the Gauntlet Mini. Here’s why:

• Red Days: A losing day can set you back significantly, especially if it reduces your profit buffer.
• Risk Resetting: Traders who come close to rule violations may reduce size and slow their progress.
• Strategy Adjustments: Many traders refine their setups mid-challenge, especially if early trades underperform.

Traders trying to rush the process often fail due to emotional mistakes. It’s better to aim for consistency than to “force” a 15-day pass.

Are There Speed Advantages with Larger Accounts?

Not necessarily. While larger accounts have higher daily loss limits and more room to maneuver, they also have higher profit targets. For instance, hitting $6,000 on a $100K account may require larger position sizes, which introduces more risk.

The $50K account is often seen as a sweet spot—manageable profit target with decent risk limits, making it a realistic option for passing in 15 days.

Does Weekend Trading Count?

No. Earn2Trade Gauntlet Mini evaluations only count Monday through Friday trading days when the futures markets are open. Holidays like Christmas or New Year’s also do not count toward your 15-day total.

Always plan your evaluation around the calendar to ensure you hit the minimum days without delay. A trader starting on a Monday can technically finish by the third Friday, if there are no holidays or missed days.

Tips to Pass in 15 Trading Days

• Pre-Plan Your Trades: Use economic calendars to avoid volatile news releases that may trigger violations.
• Trade the Same Setup: Stick to one or two high-probability setups. Don’t experiment mid-challenge.
• Keep a Daily Log: Use journaling sheets to track PnL, max drawdown, rule adherence, and mindset.
• Set a Fixed Stop-Loss: Predefined risk on every trade keeps you within parameters even under pressure.

Remember, one rule break resets your progress—so don’t cut corners in pursuit of speed.

Using Strategy and Discipline Together

Traders who pass quickly combine a well-tested strategy with strict execution. It’s not about hitting a home run—it’s about logging 15 consistent, professional-level days.

Many top performers use trade simulators for at least a week before starting the evaluation to make sure they’re in rhythm. Others paper trade side-by-side during the challenge to stay mentally sharp without overcommitting capital.

Should You Even Try to Pass in 15 Days?

While it’s possible, it’s not mandatory. Earn2Trade allows up to 60 calendar days to complete the Gauntlet Mini, giving you the flexibility to slow down if needed.

If your strategy performs better under specific market conditions, it might make sense to trade less frequently, aiming for quality over quantity. You can take rest days, pause during volatile events, or scale down risk after hitting partial profit milestones.

The Role of Psychology in Speed

Trying to pass as fast as possible can create pressure, which leads to overtrading, revenge trading, or breaking rules. Even with a solid plan, mindset plays a huge role in reaching your goal in just 15 days.

This is why journaling your emotions, tracking performance objectively, and debriefing each session can be a competitive edge. The traders who pass early aren’t always the most aggressive—they’re the most focused and emotionally regulated.

Fast Doesn’t Mean Reckless

Passing the Earn2Trade Gauntlet in 15 days is doable, but it must be done within the rules. There’s no prize for speed if it comes at the cost of your funding eligibility. Take the challenge seriously and approach each session like it’s your last. That mindset will not only help you pass quickly—it will prepare you to stay funded long after.