Phemex launches $650k trading contests for 2026 New Year futures push

Phemex launches Apex Season 3 and New Year Futures Boost, offering $650k in prizes and risk support to attract both pro and emerging crypto derivatives traders.

Cryptocurrency exchange Phemex has launched two trading programs in early 2026, offering a combined $650,000 in prizes and incentives, according to a company announcement.

The exchange introduced Apex Competition Season 3 and the New Year Futures Boost program, targeting both experienced and emerging cryptocurrency traders.

Apex Season 3 features a $450,000 prize pool distributed across multiple ranking categories, including daily, weekly, and monthly leaderboards, according to the announcement. The competition is scheduled to run through Feb. 1, 2026.

New cryptos heading into 2026

The New Year Futures Boost program allocates $200,000 to a risk-mitigation fund designed to provide profit optimization and loss protection for participating traders. The program is set to conclude on Jan. 19, 2026.

Phemex stated the dual programs aim to accommodate traders with varying experience levels and risk profiles. The exchange described the initiatives as part of its platform strategy to expand accessibility in cryptocurrency trading.

Founded in 2019, Phemex reports serving over 10 million traders globally. The platform provides spot and derivatives trading, copy trading, and wealth management services, according to company information.

The announcement comes as cryptocurrency markets have shown renewed activity in early 2026, though specific market performance data was not provided by the exchange.