The OptiverTrading Game 2026

Optiver will be launching the Tilburg Trading games, a course open to Tilburg University students. Led by Optiver industry expert Robbert Pullen, the course introduces students to the foundations of financial markets and options theory, progressing to hands-on algorithm development and testing in Python. Participants will work on Optiver’s simulated exchange, Optibook, combining academic concepts with practical industry application.

You’ll walk away with:

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  A deep understanding of financial markets, options theory and algorithmic trading – no financial background required!

  
  


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  Direct experience on a simulated market exchange, offering a glimpse into what it’s like to work as a trader at a leading global market maker.

  
  


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  The skill to design and optimise a Python trading algorithm based on real financial market data.

  
  

Course overview

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  Market making theory: Foundations of market making, including options theory, evolving to practical data analysis and Python algorithm design.

  
  


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  Hands-on practice: Build and optimise Python-based trading algorithms in Optibook, our real-time simulated exchange.

  
  


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  Competitive challenges: The course concludes in a competitive event where you’ll deploy your Optibook algorithms against those of your peers. This event replicates the high stakes and rewards of real trading, giving you insights into the day-to-day life of a trader. An exciting prize awaits the winning team!

  
  

Eligibility criteria

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  A registered student at Tilburg University

  
  


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  A strong aptitude in mathematics

  
  


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  Basic coding proficiency – participants will use Python for this challenge

  
  


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  No prior backgrounds in financial markets is required

  
  

Application procedure

After you submit your registration, you will hear back about your application decision by April 3rd.

Key dates

►Dates: 17 and 24 April and 1 May

►Time: 11:00 to 14:30

Application deadline: 27 March, 12:00 CET

Apply below for this incredible opportunity to enhance your knowledge and get practical skills in the world of algorithmic trading.