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How SwapRoyale Works

A complete guide to fantasy trading contests · Last updated May 19, 2026

SwapRoyale is a fantasy trading contest platform where players compete head-to-head using virtual portfolios that move with real-world markets. You pay a fixed entry fee to join a contest, receive a virtual $100,000 portfolio, and trade it across stocks, crypto, commodities, and forex at live market prices over the contest window. The players with the highest portfolio values when the contest ends win a share of the prize pool, paid in USDC.

This page walks through every step of a SwapRoyale contest so you know exactly what to expect, from signing up to cashing out.

What is a SwapRoyale contest?

A SwapRoyale contest is a time-limited fantasy trading competition. Every player who enters pays the same entry fee and starts with the same virtual balance of $100,000, so contests are decided by trading decisions rather than account size or capital. There is no real-money risk on the trades themselves: every trade uses virtual money. What you are competing for is a share of the real-money prize pool, funded by the entry fees of all entrants.

Contests run on two main schedules:

Each contest displays its entry fee, prize pool, trade limit, and exact start/end times before you join.

Step 1: Download the app and create an account

SwapRoyale is currently in Public Beta and available on iOS 16 or later. Download the app from the App Store and sign up using your email address. SwapRoyale uses email verification codes rather than passwords, so each time you sign in you'll receive a one-time code by email.

When you create your account, SwapRoyale automatically provisions a secure non-custodial wallet to receive winnings. Non-custodial means only you have access to the funds, and SwapRoyale cannot move them on your behalf.

Step 2: Choose and enter a contest

Open the Contests tab to browse available contests. Each contest card shows:

Tap "Enter" to pay the entry fee and join. If a contest does not reach its minimum number of entrants before the start time, the contest is cancelled automatically and every entry fee is refunded in full.

Step 3: Trade your virtual $100K portfolio

Once a contest starts, your $100,000 virtual balance is unlocked for trading. You build and rebalance your virtual portfolio across stocks, crypto, commodities, and forex at live, real-time prices. There is no slippage simulation or fake fill price: when you tap "Buy" at $187.32, your virtual position opens at $187.32.

A few mechanics to know:

Trading windows

Each contest specifies its trading window in the contest detail screen. Crypto and stocks (via tokenized 24/7 price feeds) are available continuously. Metals, energy, and forex pause on weekends.

Trade limits

Every contest has a maximum number of trades, shown in the contest rules before you enter. Trade economically; every trade counts.

No leverage, no shorting

SwapRoyale contests use cash-secured positions. You cannot trade on margin and you cannot short. This keeps contests fair and prevents blow-up strategies that don't reflect real skill.

Step 4: Watch the leaderboard

Every contest has a live leaderboard ranking players by current portfolio value. The leaderboard updates in real time during trading windows, so you can see exactly where you stand and how many places out of the money you are. The "In The Money" line on the leaderboard marks the cutoff between paid and unpaid finishers.

Strategy is a real factor: do you swing for a top-three finish or play steady to lock in any cash prize? That's your call.

Step 5: Contest ends, prizes distribute automatically

When the contest's end time hits, all positions are marked to the closing market price and final rankings lock in. Prize distribution happens automatically within minutes of contest finalization. Winnings are deposited as USDC (a stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the US dollar) directly into your SwapRoyale wallet.

USDC was chosen because it lets prize distribution happen instantly, transparently, and 24/7, without waiting on banking rails or business hours.

Step 6: Cash out

Your USDC wallet balance can be:

There are no hidden fees. Entry fees, prize pools, and any payment processing costs are disclosed before you act on them.

Is SwapRoyale gambling?

SwapRoyale is a skill-based fantasy contest, not a casino game. Outcomes depend on player decisions (what to buy, when to sell, how to size positions) and on real public market movements. Every player starts identical, with the same balance and the same access to the same prices. Contests are governed by entry fees and prize-pool payouts rather than by house odds.

That said, fantasy contests are regulated state-by-state in the United States. SwapRoyale is currently available in 43 US states. It is not available in Connecticut, Delaware, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, South Carolina, South Dakota, or Washington D.C. You must be at least 18 years old (or the legal age of majority in your jurisdiction) to play.

How is SwapRoyale different from other apps?

People often ask how SwapRoyale compares to existing apps. The short answer:

Ready to play?

Download SwapRoyale on the App Store to enter your first contest. New to the format? Look for low-entry-fee contests as your first try; they have the same mechanics as larger contests but let you learn the flow before scaling up.

For specific questions about your account, contests, or payouts, see our Support page or email support@swaproyale.com.