Overview
On a Gladiator Futures (Payout Account), Benchmark 1 is a compliance and KYC review checkpoint rather than a cash-paying milestone. When Benchmark 1 is recorded, the firm runs a full compliance and identity review before the account moves into the automatic simulated payout phase (Benchmarks 2–7).
Benchmark 1 is designed to catch issues early, before any funds are committed. It is a normal, expected part of the Gladiator Futures (Payout Account) lifecycle.
What happens when Benchmark 1 is recorded
1. Benchmark 1 recorded. The system confirms that the Benchmark 1 profit target has been reached, the qualifying-day requirement is satisfied, and the account is inside its risk rules.
2. Compliance team review begins. The compliance team reviews trading behavior on the account up to Benchmark 1.
3. KYC re-verification. Identity documents are checked against the current KYC record. If KYC has expired, is close to expiring etc. the trader may be asked to resubmit documents.
4. Flag resolution. Any open flags (for example, a pending hedging flag or a coordinated-trading flag) must be resolved before Benchmark 2 is eligible to be earned.
5. Decision. Once compliance confirms the account is in good standing, the trader can continue to Benchmark 2 and the automatic simulated payout phase begins.
Is there a payout at Benchmark 1?
No. Benchmark 1 does not pay out. Its only purpose is to gate the account into the automatic simulated payout phase by ensuring KYC, identity, and trading behavior are all in order.
What does the compliance team look at?
KYC documents and identity match
Trading pattern and risk discipline to date
Drawdown and MAE behavior
Any active or recently resolved flags
Account activity (inactivity, login patterns, platform patterns)
Any evidence of prohibited practices (hedging, coordinated trading, account sharing)
How long does the review take?
Most Benchmark 1 reviews are completed within a few business days. If the trader's KYC is current, trading history is clean, and there are no open flags, the review is often complete in under 72 hours.
More time may be needed if:
KYC needs to be refreshed
The trader must submit supporting documents
A flag appeal is in progress
The account shows unusual patterns that need additional review
What traders can do to move through Benchmark 1 quickly
Keep KYC current. Check your dashboard for any expiring documents before you approach Benchmark 1.
Resolve any open flags. Respond to any compliance email from your registered email address within the stated window.
Maintain consistent trading behavior. Don't concentrate all profit on one or two big trades immediately before Benchmark 1.
Stay inside drawdown and MAE limits. MAE Warnings cannot be appealed.
Avoid any prohibited practice. Coordinated trading, account sharing, and hedging between accounts in the same profile are disqualifying.
What happens after Benchmark 1 is approved
Once the Benchmark 1 review is complete and the account is cleared, the account enters the automatic simulated payout phase:
Benchmark 2: $125 (25K-class) or $250 (50K-class), paid within 72 hours of the Benchmark being recorded and compliance approval.
Benchmarks 3–7: each pays out on the same 72-hour cadence.
Benchmark 8: triggers the automatic transition to Real Prop.
What happens if Benchmark 1 is not approved
If compliance identifies a violation that cannot be resolved, the account may be suspended, flagged, or failed depending on severity. The account's fate is governed by the normal compliance and account-failure rules. Traders can appeal through the standard flag-appeal process described in What Is the Compliance Review Process at PropShopTrader?.
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