Vitalik Buterin: A Continued Legacy
This year, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin climbed the ranks to secure the No. 2 spot on Cointelegraph’s 2023 Top 100 list. It’s a significant achievement for someone who played a pivotal role in shaping the crypto landscape in 2022 and shows no signs of slowing down in 2023.
Ethereum: More Than Just a Coin
At the heart of this celebration is Ethereum—a blockchain powerhouse that has positioned itself as a dominant player in the cryptocurrency realm. Alongside Buterin, we see other notable names like Gavin Wood, who claimed the No. 5 spot, and Joseph Lubin, sitting at No. 15. It’s like a crypto family reunion!
The Merge: A Game-Changing Event
One of the most talked-about milestones of this past year was the Merge that took place in September 2022. Under the guidance of Buterin and his fellow co-founders, Ethereum transitioned from a proof-of-work (PoW) to a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. What does this mean? Well, let’s just say Ethereum is now operating with less energy than a house cat snoozing through the afternoon.
- **PoW**: Power-hungry and requires a digital army of miners.
- **PoS**: Scales down energy consumption like a professional dieter at a buffet.
Reflecting on Past Rankings
Buterin’s trajectory on the Top 100 list is like an engaging plot twist in a blockbuster film. He first appeared at No. 5 in 2020, dipped to No. 12 in 2021, and then sunk to No. 21 in 2022. But now, he’s back in the limelight at No. 2—might we call this the Buterin comeback special?
What’s Next for Cointelegraph’s Top 100?
Cointelegraph began releasing its Top 100 list in 2020, showcasing a variety of players from influential entities to groundbreaking concepts. As the anticipation builds, audiences are left wondering: who will retain the top spot? The suspense is palpable—think of it like waiting for your next pizza delivery, but with more intrigue and significantly less grease.
