In the crypto ecosystem, airdrops have become a unique strategy to obtain tokens for free, creating lucrative opportunities for those who participate early on. In this report, we will explore the 5 largest airdrops in cryptocurrency history, revealing the fortunes that have been amassed through these free token distributions.
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The 5 largest and most lucrative airdrops in the crypto ecosystem
Uniswap (UNI)
In 2020, Uniswap , the leading decentralized exchange, left an indelible mark on airdrop history by distributing its UNI token to early adopters. This unprecedented strategy led several participants to see the value of their free tokens skyrocket to nearly $6.43 billion at its peak. The UNI token reached its highest price, surpassing $85, and creating a wave of FOMO in the crypto community.
ApeCoin (APE)
In 2022, the airdrop of ApeCoin (APE) to holders of the Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT caused shockwaves in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. This exclusive distribution cemented APE’s position as one of the most profitable airdrops in the history of the industry, reaching its highest value of a staggering $3.54 billion.
dYdX (DYDX)
In the same year that Uniswap made history, dYdX , a margin trading platform, recognized early adopters with an airdrop of DYDX tokens. Despite an initial decline in price, these tokens eventually rose to over $850, generating a $2.00 billion windfall for those who held them at their most valued point.
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Arbitrum (ARB)
In 2023, the Layer 2 Arbitrum network was the scene of an ARB token airdrop that further validated the potential of this strategy. The generosity of this airdrop attracted attention to the Arbitrum ecosystem, reaching a total value of $1.97 billion at its average trading price of $1.2.
Ethereum Name Service (ENS)
Although the precise value of the Ethereum Name Service (ENS) airdrop is up for debate, there is no doubt that this airdrop that took place in 2017 left a significant influence. Distributing tokens on the Ethereum blockchain that reflect individual domain names was a unique strategy that has influenced the development and adoption of the Ethereum Name Service.