For someone who had just lost USD 365,712, "Johanes9237" looked very happy. "I had a very strong view on Cable" he said "but the market turned while I wasn't paying attention".
About 40 people - most with arms folded - are riveted to the real-time data feed, waiting for the right moment to pounce. A quick check of the Leaderboard to see how much leeway there is or how much of a gamble needs to be taken. GBP/USD flashes red, drops below some magic threshold and three voices shout together "Reverse my Cable". The runners scribble furiously and rush to the entry clerks to have the orders processed.
This is not close of business in a real-world pit; this is Trader Games on an otherwise quiet mid-afternoon at the FOW show in Frankfurt.
The Montreal Exchange is determined not to be outdone. eSignal wants to demonstrate the superiority of their analysis software. Alessa just has to out-do her boss. Everyone wants an Apple iPod mini.
The strategies are varied: Large positions or a basket of smaller ones. Faith in a consistent market or scalping 2-3 pips each time. Gut feeling or analysis software. Self-confidence or the call to the office. And don't take your eyes off the Leaderboard.
Using a pit-based variation of their online platform (www.tradergames.com), Trader Games brought the excitement of Forex trading to the Derivatives and Securities World at Frankfurt March 1 and 2. Runners were available to take players' orders, and clerks provided speedy data entry. One plasma screen displayed real-time market rates while others showed the Leaderboard and real time graphs of the Top 5 players in various locations around the exhibition Hall in the Messe Frankfurt. The registration process was simplified, so that anyone placing an order was immediately included in the game. Delegates' badge numbers were included in their user names, allowing everyone to easily recognise themselves - and others - on the Leaderboard.
Over the two days of the show, 9 games were offered, varying in length from 45 minutes to an hour. The winner of each game received an Apple iPod mini, while the Top 5 players in each game were included in a draw for a luxury Trader Games weekend in London.
Two iPods went to eSignal, The Montreal Exchange boys took a brace as well for their long flight home, with the other 5 iPods going to a cross section of delegates attending the event. The Grand Draw was won by an eSignal employee, which means that another European capital will be substituted for London. Everyone involved agreed that Trader Games added great excitement to the event, all carried off in a high spirit of fun and camaraderie. We're certainly looking forward to a repeat performance at the London FOW show in June. See you there!
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