Other top players from the previous four seasons have gone all out on hot investment themes, from gold miners to supermarkets and technology stocks. Some traded every day in a bid to outwit other players, while others adopted a rigid “buy-and-hold” approach, keeping their portfolios intact.

But simply copying the portfolios of past winners will not cut it in the new game. Markets are always changing and there will be plenty of surprises during the eight weeks of the competition.

One place to look for inspiration is in the views of professional stock analysts. TipRanks, an investment data firm, collates analysts’ ratings and targets prices on shares. It found that analysts were more bullish on shares in RHI Magnesita, which manufactures heatproof building materials, than any other stock on London’s FTSE 350 index. 

On average, their target prices on the stock are 52pc higher than the shares’ current level. RHI Magnesita shares have fallen 28pc over the past six months but the company said in its latest half-year report that profits would pick up in the second half of the year.

Another stock tipped for big gains is Associated British Foods, owner of retailer Primark. Analysts are targeting a 50pc rise in its shares, according to TipRanks. Ioannis Pontikis, of investment analyst Morningstar, said Primark was the crown jewel in Associated British Foods’ portfolio, which also includes food and drink brands Twinings and Ryvita.

“Primark more than quadrupled its sales over the past decade as it grew across Europe, while diligently maintaining 10pc business profit margins. We expect the retailer to return to healthy growth rates and increase profitability as reopening resumes and more people return to the high street,” Mr Pontikis said.

The energy crisis could also be a profitable theme for players, with companies supplying gas and oil set to benefit from rising prices.