I’ve been watching Gary Stevenson’s YouTube channel for a couple of years now, so when The Trading Game came out, I was genuinely curious. Watching someone go from rags to riches and then use that experience to critique the very system that made them? That’s exactly the kind of contradiction I find fascinating. Plus, working in the finance sector, I figured that there might be moments that hit a little close to home.
What I Loved:
- The Raw Honesty: This book does not sugar-coat the trading world. From his East London upbringing (which coincidentally is about 5 mins from where I live), to the brutal, boozy pressure-cooker that is Citi’s trading floor, Stevenson tells it straight. There’s something deeply compelling about his refusal to be likeable for the sake of it – he’s angry, sharp, and clearly still processing a lot of what happened to him. That makes for an intense (but weirdly addictive) read.
- The Insight into Finance Culture: This isn’t a “how-to” guide to trading, and it doesn’t try to be. But it does give you a feel for the vibe of high finance: the chaos, the egos, the weirdly adolescent energy of a desk handling billions. I found myself nodding (and occasionally wincing) at just how familiar some of those dynamics were. It’s less about the numbers and more about the psychology – and that’s what makes it interesting. While I may not work on the trading floor, M&A is still very toxic and can understand its effects on mental health.
- The Critique of Inequality: I enjoyed the aspects of the book where Stevenson links the financial system to wider economic inequality. It’s what he’s best known for now and why I enjoy watching his videos. He made a fortune betting that interest rates would stay low because the world was so deeply unequal – and he was right. That thread runs throughout the book, even when he’s at his most self-absorbed, and it’s part of what gives the book a bit of weight beyond the chaos of the trading floor.
My Reflections:
This isn’t a tidy redemption story. If you’re looking for heartfelt growth or soul-searching apologies, this might fall flat. There’s limited introspection and it’s very clear he’s still angry – at the system, at his past, at pretty much everyone. But somehow, that worked for me. The book felt like a confession written mid-process, not at the end of a journey.
I also couldn’t help but wonder was was left out. There’s no mention of things like the LIBOR manipulation scandal, which seems like a glaring omission given his role on the STIRT desk at Citi. But then again, maybe that’s the trade off – you either tell the full story or keep your deferred bonus.
Still, what makes the book memorable is that it captures something real about the pull of money, success, and identity. You see a young man with a chip on his shoulder, desperate to prove himself – and what happens when he finally does.
Would I Recommend?
Yes – but with caveats. If you’re into memoirs that are messy, fiery, and full of contradictions, this is a ride worth taking. And if you’re curious about the inner workings of high finance without wanting a textbook, this hits the mark. But if you’re after a polished takedown or a deep dive into trading mechanics, you might be left wanting.
Personally, I couldn’t put it down. It’s not perfect, but it’s powerful – and I’m glad I read it.
Have you read The Trading Game yet? What did you think?
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