UCalgary students compete in 14th annual bp Canada Trading Competition

The stakes were simulated, but the adrenaline was real.

Dozens of students from all corners of the University of Calgary were plunged into the world of energy trading, as part of the bp Canada Trading Competition, hosted by the Haskayne School of Business on Sept. 27.

What began as a simulated challenge became a launch pad for students to explore career pathways in energy markets. Competitors came not only from business and economics, but also from engineering, computer science and the life sciences.

Designed to build technical skills, the value of the competition goes much further, says Steven Paget, an assistant professor (teaching) in finance at Haskayne.

“If all they’ve learned is how to place an order, build a screen, watch the market, that’s good; but they’re learning a lot more than that,” says Paget, BA’94. 

“They’re learning how to try to call the market, read the news and decide whether to go all-in or hold back.

“Some of these students had never traded in simulation or reality only weeks ago. Now, they’re not just trading, they’re winning.”

Now in its 14th edition, another aspect that makes the annual competition unique that it's guided by industry professionals and alumni who themselves once sat in the same classroom seats, but return to their alma mater as professional traders and mentors.

Challenged to apply different skillsets

Students were challenged to apply strategy, critical thinking and risk management using Rotman Interactive Trader software in Haskayne’s state-of-the-art trading lab.

Using both public and private market information, students practised making real-time trading decisions in scenarios that mirror actual market conditions. 

Students preparing for the competition participated in weekly practice sessions, building skills and teamwork.

Supported by bp Canada since 2012, the Haskayne competition is the only energy-trading event of this type in Western Canada.

As a collaborative partner since the competition’s inception, bp Canada expanded its prize pool this year, offering $2,000 to the top trader, $1,000 for second place, $500 for third place and four rookie prizes of $500 each to encourage diverse, first-time participants. Originally, three prizes were planned, but a fourth was added after a close finish this year.

Traders and alumni coach the next generation of energy traders

For bp Canada staff, the event was equally valuable. Employees provided real-time coaching during the simulations and saw the competition as a chance to inspire and connect with potential future colleagues.

“I really am passionate about trading and sharing that with young people,” says Chris Lewkowicz, bp trading lead for Alberta and the Pacific Northwest, emphasizing the value of connecting with students early in their careers.

Students also attended a panel featuring bp staff who shared their career paths, experiences and insights from working in the oil and gas industry.

All disciplines need apply

Jennah Amin, market strategist at bp Canada, highlighted how her science background gave her a unique perspective on problem-solving.

Three-time winner Mayankjot Singh, a computer science student with a dual minor in economics and mathematics/statistics, returned to mentor students and share how the competition shaped his own career.

“It has changed my life completely," said Singh, now an energy-trading analyst at GBE Energy.

"After winning in my first year, I landed an internship within two months. I won again, got another internship, won a third time and then secured my current job."

Brandon Hrycenko, BComm’18, a natural gas trader at bp, competed for two years at Haskayne’s bp Canada Trading Competition and represented UCalgary for two years at the Rotman International Trading Competition. He said the competition gave him both technical skills and industry insight.

“They (bp Canada) allow you to look at things from a fundamental lens. It’s very commercially driven and this trading competition today exposes you to that, so it really helped attract me to bp,” Hrycenko said.

Students take on real-time market simulations in the state-of-the-art trading lab

For many students, the experience proved transformative.

“The whole experience I've had in this competition really got me thinking that maybe I don't want to be an investment banker. Maybe I want to get into energy trading,” said math and finance student Saba Esmaeili, named one of the four Top Rookies at the competition.

Another Top Rookie, finance undergraduate student Timothy Thach, added, “I had a lot of fun and learned so much. I was able to meet and connect with people from the team, and also with classmates from different faculties, and I find that really interesting.”

Other competitors emphasized the value of networking and feedback.

Direct feedback from judges was especially meaningful, giving clear insight into decisions and performance during the simulations, said risk management undergraduate student Julia Hurtaj, another Top Rookie. 

Having experienced professionals observe and guide her after a simulation helped her understand not just what she did, but why certain choices worked or didn’t work, she added.

Top-performing students at the competition now have the opportunity to be selected for UCalgary’s teams in February at the Rotman International Trading Competition in Toronto, where they will put their skills to the test on a global stage.

2025 bp Canada Trading Competition winners

• First place: Axel Han Kin Sang
• Second place: Conor Mcculloch
• Third place: Soumik Sarkar
• First Top Rookie: Julia Hurtaj
• Second Top Rookie: Saba Esmaeili
• Third Top Rookie: Timothy Thach
• Fourth Top Rookie: Tarek Vu