The world of cryptocurrency trading in 2018 was defined by volatility, uncertainty, and a prolonged bear market that tested even the most seasoned investors. While many retail traders exited the space, a handful of skilled professionals not only survived but thrived—leveraging technical analysis, deep market insights, and disciplined strategies to generate consistent returns. These traders gained significant followings across platforms like Twitter and TradingView, sharing real-time analysis and building communities around their trading philosophies.
This article highlights 8 of the most influential cryptocurrency traders who stood out during one of the most challenging years in crypto history. Their ability to navigate downturns, predict short-term movements, and maintain engagement with their audiences offers valuable lessons for aspiring traders today.
👉 Discover how top traders analyze market trends and manage risk in volatile conditions.
1. Philakone – Master of Elliott Wave Theory
At the top of our list is Philakone (@Philakonecrypto), a Canadian trader renowned for his application of the Elliott Wave Theory to cryptocurrency markets. With over 107,000 Twitter followers, Philakone has built a reputation for blending technical analysis with behavioral psychology to forecast Bitcoin and altcoin price movements.
He frequently analyzes Bitcoin, Ripple (XRP), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH), focusing on identifying wave patterns that suggest upcoming reversals or continuations. His structured approach helps traders understand not just where the market might go, but why—by examining investor sentiment, fear, and greed cycles.
Philakone’s consistent updates and clear chart annotations make him a go-to resource for traders interested in advanced technical frameworks. His use of Elliott Wave principles—originally developed by Ralph Nelson Elliott—adds academic rigor to an otherwise speculative domain.
2. Nick Core – The Data-Driven Strategist
Nick Core (@Crypto_core) stands out for his data-centric approach to crypto trading. Active on Twitter, YouTube, and TradingView, he combines statistical modeling with real-time market observation to identify high-probability trade setups.
With over 33,000 Twitter followers and more than 7,000 followers on TradingView, Nick Core focuses on exchanges like Bitfinex and Bitstamp, analyzing order flow and position trends—especially within Discord-based trading groups. His expertise lies in short-term trading strategies, where precision timing and indicator interpretation are critical.
He primarily tracks Bitcoin, Litecoin (LTC), and XRP, using volume profiles, moving averages, and momentum oscillators to refine entry and exit points. His transparent style and educational content have made him a trusted voice during turbulent market phases.
3. Mr. Jozza – Real-Time Market Analyst
Ranked third is Mr. Jozza (@Mrjozza), a prolific poster known for his daily breakdowns of Bitcoin/USD trends. With over 16,000 Twitter followers, he delivers timely insights backed by technical charts and support/resistance levels.
In mid-December 2018, Mr. Jozza warned that Bitcoin faced significant downside pressure, suggesting a potential stop-loss zone around $3,000. His predictive charts often highlight key psychological price levels and trendline breaks, helping followers anticipate volatility.
His strength lies in simplicity—presenting complex market dynamics in digestible visual formats without overwhelming his audience. This focus on clarity has earned him a loyal following among beginner and intermediate traders navigating bearish conditions.
4. Magic Poop Cannon – The Chart Whisperer
Despite the unusual name, Magic Poop Cannon is one of the most respected analysts on TradingView. Boasting over 44,000 Twitter followers, he's affectionately known as the “Chart Master” for his detailed breakdowns of Bitcoin and other digital assets.
He’s published over 500 analyses with more than a million views collectively, focusing on granular indicators such as RSI divergences, MACD crossovers, and volume anomalies. Beyond cryptocurrencies like Litecoin and BNC, he also examines stocks tied to blockchain infrastructure—like NVIDIA and AMD—offering a broader macro perspective.
His unique blend of humor and analytical depth makes his content both engaging and informative—an ideal mix for sustaining audience interest during extended market slumps.
👉 Learn how professional traders use technical indicators to spot early trend reversals.
5. Excavo – The High-Traffic Analyst
Excavo ranks among the most-viewed cryptocurrency strategists on TradingView, with nearly 70,000 followers and over 850,000 views on his technical reports. He authored more than 1,200 analyses in 2018 alone, including a widely discussed piece titled "The Unofficial Start of the Financial Crisis," linking traditional market indices like the Dow Jones to crypto trends.
Excavo specializes in monitoring long/short ratios on Bitfinex and correlating them with broader financial signals. His work often explores macroeconomic parallels between fiat markets and digital assets, providing context beyond mere price charts.
Additionally, he runs a private Telegram channel where he discusses cross-market strategies, reinforcing his status as a holistic investor rather than a pure crypto speculator.
6. Cryptobull – Humor Meets Market Insight
With a massive following of 173,000 Twitter users, Cryptobull (@Cryptobull) blends wit with sharp market observations. Known for his humorous tone, he maintains credibility through data-backed predictions—such as calling Bitcoin’s dip below its 200-week moving average in December 2018.
He conducted a poll asking whether followers believed prices had bottomed; out of 6,472 respondents, over 52% said no—indicating continued bearish sentiment. This kind of crowd-sourced intelligence complements his technical work.
Currently focused solely on Bitcoin, Cryptobull emphasizes historical patterns and cyclical behavior, reminding followers that sharp declines don’t necessarily signal permanent collapse.
7. Mr. Swing Trader – High-Frequency Tactical Trader
Eric Choe, better known as Mr. Swing Trader (@Cryptochoe), commands a following of 142,000 on Twitter. He promotes an aggressive swing trading strategy, claiming to execute 2–5 high-conviction trades weekly—and even planning up to 250 transactions in a single weekend.
Using alerts, retracement levels, and key support/resistance zones, he enters positions during pullbacks and exits at predefined targets. His Telegram channel serves as a live feed for these setups, offering real-time education for subscribers.
His portfolio centers on major assets: Bitcoin, Ethereum (ETH), EOS, and XRP—making his analysis accessible to those invested in large-cap cryptos.
8. Xuan Haimmoer – Rising Star from Vietnam
Hailing from Vietnam, Xuan Haimmoer emerged as a breakout talent on TradingView in late 2018. In just weeks, he published 571 technical analyses on Bitcoin, EOS, XRP, and others—earning over 6,000 platform followers.
Like Philakone, he applies Elliott Wave Theory to forecast short-term movements, predicting a drop to $2,800–$3,000 for Bitcoin based on wave structure breakdowns. His dedication is evident—he checks markets immediately upon waking and tracks post-analysis developments closely.
His rapid rise underscores how global talent is reshaping crypto discourse beyond Western-centric narratives.
Why These Traders Outperformed Traditional Investors
Unlike traditional Wall Street figures who often made overly optimistic forecasts (e.g., Bitcoin hitting $25K by year-end), these eight traders offered grounded, realistic outlooks rooted in technical evidence—not hype.
While some institutional investors quietly built crypto portfolios (like John Bollinger or Willy Woo), they rarely shared actionable insights publicly. In contrast, these traders combined transparency with tactical agility—key advantages in fast-moving digital markets.
However, blindly following any expert is risky. Even the best analysts can misjudge turns. Diversification and independent verification remain essential.
👉 See how modern traders combine technical analysis with real-time data tools for smarter decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I trust cryptocurrency traders on social media?
A: While many offer valuable insights, always verify claims independently. Look for consistency in analysis over time—not just bold predictions.
Q: What tools do professional crypto traders use?
A: Common tools include TradingView for charting, CoinGlass for funding rates and long/short ratios, and exchange-specific APIs for order book analysis.
Q: Is it possible to profit during a bear market?
A: Yes—through short-selling, options trading, or identifying strong altcoins that outperform BTC. Skilled traders exploit volatility regardless of market direction.
Q: How important is risk management in crypto trading?
A: Extremely. Given extreme volatility, setting stop-losses and position sizing correctly is crucial to long-term survival.
Q: Should I follow multiple traders instead of just one?
A: Absolutely. Different traders use varied strategies—combining perspectives improves decision-making and reduces bias.
Q: Do these traders still influence markets today?
A: Some continue to be active voices; others have reduced visibility. Their methodologies—especially Elliott Wave and swing trading—remain relevant in current market cycles.
Core Keywords: cryptocurrency traders, technical analysis, Elliott Wave Theory, bear market trading, Bitcoin price prediction, TradingView analysts, short-term crypto strategies