> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.duels.trade/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.duels.trade/duel-modes/funded-duel.md).

# Funded Duel

Funded Duel combines a real-USDC Entry Amount and Reward with virtual-capital trading.

## Best suited for

Traders who want a fast competitive format and real Reward without exposing a real trading portfolio to the duel's virtual positions.

## Capital and account

* Every trader starts with the same $1,000 virtual balance.
* Entry Amounts are real USDC and form the Reward.
* Virtual PNL cannot be withdrawn.

Real Entry Amounts are safeguarded through a non-custodial smart contract. They remain separate from the virtual positions used in the competition.

## Trading rules

* Starting virtual balance: **$1,000**
* Markets: **BTC, ETH, and SOL**
* Orders: market orders
* Leverage: up to the amount shown in the interface
* Elimination: virtual balance below **$10**

Virtual gains are used for standings. They do not become wallet funds.

## Consensus pricing

Funded Duels use a dedicated consensus market price designed for fair competition. It reflects a broad view of the market rather than relying on one individual source.

The same reference price is used for simulated entries and exits, the live chart, PNL, liquidation, and final scoring. This keeps the competition consistent from the first trade through the final result.

If a dependable current consensus price is temporarily unavailable, price-dependent actions wait for the market view to recover instead of silently switching to a lower-quality reference.

{% hint style="info" %}
Consensus pricing applies only to Funded Duels. It does not change Portfolio Duel, Kingmaker, or regular trade execution.
{% endhint %}

## Non-custodial smart contract

The contract safeguards real Entry Amounts while the duel uses virtual capital. Simulated positions do not place those real funds into market trades.

After the final result is confirmed, the contract supports the appropriate payout or refund.

## Scoring

The highest ending virtual balance wins. Because every player starts with the same virtual capital, scoring compares absolute ending balance.

## Reward

Participants contribute real USDC to the Reward. The highest ending virtual balance wins the net Reward after settlement.

The current settlement fee is **10% of each losing Entry Amount**. Trading inside Funded Duel has no simulated slippage or simulated trading fee, but the settlement fee still applies to the real Reward.

## Risk

* Virtual trading losses do not reduce your real trading portfolio.
* The real Entry Amount remains at risk.
* High virtual leverage can cause rapid elimination.

## Key distinction

Funded Duel separates real Reward funding from virtual trading. Portfolio Duel and Kingmaker execute real trades; Funded Duel does not.

Read [Non-custodial smart contracts](/duels/smart-contract-escrow-and-vaults.md) for the high-level contract model across all paid duel modes.


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