WhiteBIT Group’s recent International Crypto Trading Cup (ICTC) 2025 was a groundbreaking event – the first-ever live-streamed crypto trading competition. We talked to WhiteBIT’s President, Volodymyr Nosov, and CMO, Alex Kozenko, to learn about the event and the company’s vision.
WhiteBIT: More Than Just an Exchange
Volodymyr Nosov explained that WhiteBIT is part of a larger group focused on blockchain development, boasting over 1300 employees and 240 in-house developers. Their focus on in-house development has resulted in a seven-year track record with zero hacks or data breaches – a stark contrast to many other crypto companies. Nosov emphasized that WhiteBIT prioritizes development over marketing, leading to their impressive $2.7 billion trading volume in 2024.
Bridging Traditional Finance and Crypto
WhiteBIT’s long-term goal is to integrate traditional finance with crypto. They’re creating a comprehensive application for trading and financial management, while also building infrastructure for institutional clients and professional traders. They’re even developing blockchain solutions for various industries, helping traditional companies seamlessly integrate Web3 functionality. Nosov believes that while big companies aren’t disappearing, they’ll eventually need crypto-native infrastructure, and WhiteBIT is positioning itself to be the provider. They’re already seeing significant adoption from hundreds of companies, and anticipate this number growing exponentially in the coming years.
The International Crypto Trading Cup: A New Kind of Competition
The ICTC 2025 was inspired by a desire to create a meaningful event specifically for crypto traders. Nosov highlighted the lack of similar events in the crypto world’s history, emphasizing that this tournament aims to celebrate traders as professionals. The event also has a strong educational component, aiming to legitimize trading as a serious discipline, similar to the evolution of esports. It’s not just about trading, but also about building community and fostering connections among traders.
Behind the Scenes: The ICTC 2025 and its Challenges
Alex Kozenko, WhiteBIT’s CMO, shared insights into the complexities of organizing the ICTC 2025. He described it as a highly ambitious project, aiming to create a truly unique and memorable experience. The tournament was designed to be accessible to everyone, from beginners to seasoned professionals, creating a level playing field. Kozenko highlighted the initial mixed response from the community, with some skepticism about the concept. However, those who embraced the idea saw it as a dream come true. The event’s success hinged on transparency and the opportunity for traders to showcase their skills live.
Kozenko also candidly discussed the logistical hurdles, including venue changes due to power limitations and the tight timeline for securing approvals. He emphasized the challenges of managing the team’s energy and motivation throughout the process. Despite these challenges, Kozenko expressed immense pride in the outcome, viewing the event as a significant movement that’s just the beginning of something bigger.