The world of cryptocurrencies never stands still, and 2024 was no exception. It was a year marked by volatility, innovation and significant milestones that may set the stage for the future of digital assets. From regulatory crackdowns in major markets to the surprising embrace of cryptocurrencies by political leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump, the narrative around crypto has become more complex than ever before.

Major cryptos like bitcoin continued to dominate, bolstered by institutional investment and integration into traditional finance. At the same time, Ethereum’s transition to proof-of-stake matured, driving innovations in decentralized applications (dApps) and DeFi. Meanwhile, emerging sectors such as AI-driven tokens and meme coins captured the imagination of a new wave of investors, underscoring the diversity and dynamism of the cryptocurrency space.

Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile and involve significant risks. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice.

There are literally millions of cryptocurrencies in existence. Still, the cryptocurrencies below are some of the top cryptocurrencies to watch in 2025, showcasing tokens shaping the present and redefining what is possible in the future of finance and technology.

Methodology Used To Pick These Top Cryptocurrencies

To identify the top cryptocurrencies for 2025, I focused on a mix of market metrics, innovation and real-world utility. Key considerations included market capitalization, price performance, and trading volume, as well as each project’s ability to address challenges in the blockchain ecosystem.

Technological advancements, strong ecosystems and adaptability to macroeconomic trends were critical factors. We also considered cultural relevance and community support, which play a significant role in the success of tokens like Dogecoin. This balanced approach highlights cryptocurrencies that are not only impactful today but are well-positioned for the future.

Bitcoin (BTC)

Bitcoin Overview

• Current Price: $95,575
• Market Cap: $1.9 trillion
• Circulating Supply: ~20 million BTC

Why Bitcoin Is A Top Crypto To Watch

Bitcoin, the world’s first cryptocurrency, continues to dominate the market with the “digital gold” narrative. Its fixed supply of 21 million coins ensures scarcity, which has been one of the drivers of its price rise to over $100,000 in 2024. The coin’s strong resilience in the face of regulatory scrutiny and market volatility has cemented its status as the cornerstone of the crypto economy.

Companies like MicroStrategy remain steadfast in their commitment to Bitcoin. In 2024, MicroStrategy continued to expand its Bitcoin holdings, becoming one of, if not the largest, corporate crypto investors. The company’s strategy underscores the growing trend of enterprises viewing Bitcoin as a strategic asset, not just a speculative one.

Also, in 2024, Bitcoin made headlines during the U.S. presidential election when former President Donald Trump endorsed it as a hedge against inflation and the declining dollar. This unexpected support from a high-profile political figure brought Bitcoin to the mainstream spotlight, sparking renewed interest from retail and institutional investors. 2025 will be critical as the new seemingly crypto-friendly administration gets into place.

So far, national adoption of any Bitcoin standard has been limited to countries like El Salvador. If the United States moves to legitimize Bitcoin further, and institutional demand continues, it will drive the value of Bitcoin to new highs in 2025.

Ethereum (ETH)

Ethereum Overview

• Current Price: $3,189
• Market Cap: $383 billion
• Circulating Supply: 120.1 million ETH

Why Ethereum Is A Top Crypto To Watch

Ethereum entered 2025 after a somewhat underwhelming performance in 2024. While its transition to proof-of-stake and ongoing scalability upgrades have solidified its position as a leading blockchain for decentralized applications (dApps) and DeFi, Ethereum faced stiff competition from faster and more cost-efficient alternatives like Solana.

Compared to Bitcoin’s resurgence in 2024—buoyed by institutional adoption and political endorsements—Ethereum’s growth was more modest. While it remains a powerhouse in the blockchain ecosystem, its market share in key sectors like DeFi and NFTs has declined slightly due to the rise of these alternative platforms.

However, Ethereum’s continued relevance lies in its adaptability and vast developer ecosystem. The rollout of Layer 2 solutions like Arbitrum and Optimism has helped to address scalability issues, ensuring Ethereum remains a foundational layer for decentralized innovation. With the Ethereum ecosystem continuing to evolve, the platform is well-positioned to maintain its leadership role in the crypto space.

Solana (SOL)

Solana Overview

• Current Price: $187
• Market Cap: $90 billion
• Circulating Supply: 400 million SOL

Why Solana Is A Top Crypto To Watch

Solana is one of the newer blockchains, as compared to the O.G.s of Bitcoin and Ethereum but has nevertheless established itself as a leading alternative to Ethereum, gaining traction in 2024 with its unique combination of speed, scalability and low transaction costs. Solana’s infrastructure is capable of processing up to 65,000 transactions per second with near-zero fees, making it a prime choice for applications requiring high throughput, such as gaming, DeFi and NFTs.

While Ethereum struggled with scalability issues, Solana attracted developers and projects looking for faster and cheaper solutions. Major NFT marketplaces expanded their presence on Solana, and DeFi protocols leveraged the platform’s efficiency to offer competitive services. This led to a significant increase in adoption and a steady rise in Solana’s price and market cap throughout 2024.

However, Solana’s rapid ascent hasn’t been without challenges. The network experienced several outages in 2024, raising concerns about reliability. Despite this, the platform’s commitment to improving its infrastructure and expanding its ecosystem has reassured developers and investors alike.

Comparatively, Solana’s price performance in 2024 outpaced Ethereum’s growth percentage-wise, underscoring its increasing popularity and market confidence. With ongoing ecosystem developments and partnerships, Solana is poised to remain a major player in the cryptocurrency landscape in 2025, offering a viable alternative for projects seeking scalability and cost-efficiency.

Fetch.ai (FET)

Fetch.ai Overview

• Current Price: $1.25
• Market Cap: $3.28 billion
• Circulating Supply: 2.6 billion FET

Why Fetch.ai Is A Top Crypto To Watch

Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption has surged over the past few years, and it was only a matter of time before that spilled over to the crypto space. Although countless tokens focus on AI, Fetch.ai is among the most popular.

Fetch.ai enables the creation of decentralized autonomous agents that can perform tasks like data sharing, trading, and infrastructure optimization. As AI adoption surged in 2024, Fetch.ai gained attention for its practical applications, including smart city infrastructure and supply chain automation.

The platform’s modular architecture makes it highly adaptable for various industries, allowing businesses to build tailored solutions for complex problems. In 2024, Fetch.ai expanded its ecosystem with integrations into popular blockchain networks and partnerships with enterprises focusing on automation and efficiency. These developments increased the token’s utility and attracted a broader range of developers and investors, cementing Fetch.ai’s place as a pioneering force in decentralized AI technologies.

The FET token has benefited from the broader AI hype that resonated across traditional and decentralized markets. Its token saw substantial price growth as investors bet on the intersection of AI and blockchain as a transformative sector for the coming years. Focusing on real-world utility and cutting-edge technology, Fetch.ai remains a top contender for 2025.

Dogecoin (DOGE)

Dogecoin Overview

• Current Price: $0.35
• Market Cap: $50.1 billion
• Circulating Supply: ~148 billion DOGE

Why Dogecoin Is A Top Crypto To Watch

Crypto wouldn’t be crypto without meme coins. Dogecoin, the original meme coin, holds a unique position in the cryptocurrency market. What started as a joke has evolved into a major player, supported by an enthusiastic global community and high-profile endorsements from figures like Elon Musk. In 2024, Dogecoin experienced a resurgence in popularity, driven by a mix of humor, community-driven projects, and increasing real-world utility.

Unlike many speculative meme coins, Dogecoin has started to establish itself as a viable payment solution. Businesses, including major brands, began accepting Dogecoin for transactions, boosting its relevance beyond internet culture. In addition, Musk’s ongoing support on social media has consistently propelled the coin into the spotlight, making it a favorite among retail investors.

Dogecoin also benefits from its simplicity and accessibility, which resonate with new entrants to the crypto space. With its low transaction fees and a fast-growing network of supporters, Dogecoin has proven that it’s more than just a meme—it’s a cultural phenomenon with staying power. As 2025 unfolds, Musk’s focus on crypto, along with industry attention, will likely ensure that Doge remains a key Crypto for 2025.

Bottom Line

The cryptocurrency market in 2025 stands at a crossroads, brimming with potential but shadowed by significant uncertainties. While Bitcoin continues to enjoy institutional backing and cultural relevance, Ethereum faces intensifying competition from alternative platforms like Solana, and newer sectors such as AI-driven tokens and meme coins are still carving out their place in the ecosystem. The optimism around these innovations is tempered by questions about long-term utility, scalability and the sustainability of market momentum.

Beyond the crypto-specific challenges, the broader global economy casts a long shadow. Persistent inflation, rising interest rates and geopolitical tensions threaten to shake investor confidence across all asset classes, cryptocurrencies included. In 2024, these economic headwinds created ripple effects in the crypto space, as tighter monetary policies reduced the speculative capital that has historically fueled the market. If these trends continue, cryptocurrencies may struggle to replicate the explosive growth seen in their earlier years.

Additionally, regulatory scrutiny remains a looming concern, with governments worldwide grappling to establish clearer frameworks—or harsher crackdowns—for digital assets. High-profile bankruptcies, network outages, and concerns over security and decentralization have raised valid skepticism about whether the market can deliver on its lofty promises.

While the projects highlighted in this article showcase some of the most compelling opportunities in the crypto space, they are not without risks. Investors should approach 2025 with cautious optimism, staying informed and critically evaluating the market. Cryptocurrencies may still hold the potential to redefine finance and technology, but their trajectory will depend as much on the resilience of the global economy as on their ability to address internal challenges. The year ahead promises both excitement and volatility, a hallmark of the crypto ecosystem.

US President-elect Donald Trump announced his cryptocurrency “$TRUMP” on Saturday, January 18, ahead of his appointment as the 47th President of the United States of America on Monday, January 20. 

“My NEW Official Trump Meme is HERE! It’s time to celebrate everything we stand for: WINNING! Join my very special Trump Community. GET YOUR $TRUMP NOW. Go to http://gettrumpmemes.com — Have Fun!” said Donald Trump in his social media post on platform X.

This meme coin is a Solana-based cryptocurrency that made a stellar debut on the crypto market and skyrocketed over 300 per cent on the first day, crossing the market capitalisation of $6 billion, according to Mint’s earlier reports. 

$TRUMP coin’s track record

The Trump meme coin has gained more than 230 per cent in the last 24 hours, as the market capitalisation of the cryptocurrency crossed the $14.3 billion mark on Sunday, January 19, according to data collected from CoinMarketCap.

The trading volumes of the $TRUMP coin has gained over 330 per cent, currently at a little over $18 billion, as of 5:02 p.m. (IST). According to the official website, there are 200 million $TRUMP coins in circulation which is expected to grow to a total of 1 billion $TRUMP over the next three years.

The $TRUMP coin hit its record high again on January 19, at $72.70. The coin is currently trading at $72.71 as of 5:04 p.m. (IST). 

$TRUMP’s launch motive?

According to the official website, the $TRUMP meme coin marks the celebrations of Trump’s White House comeback as the leader eyes the inauguration ceremony on January 20.

The website also mentioned that the Trump meme coins aimed to symbolise as an expression of support for the upcoming Trump administration. People have raised their doubts about the legitimacy of the crypto coin, but the official website and Trump himself have backed the coin as the “Official Trump Meme, by President Donald J. Trump.”

“Trump Memes are intended to function as an expression of support for, and engagement with, the ideals and beliefs embodied by the symbol ‘$TRUMP’ and the associated artwork, and are not intended to be, or to be the subject of, an investment opportunity, investment contract, or security of any type. GetTrumpMemes.com is not political and has nothing to do with any political campaign or any political office or governmental agency,” according to the website data. 

These coins are tracked on the Solana blockchain, and the website officially claims that this cryptocurrency is not associated with any political campaign, office or government agency.

In the crypt market investors have always raised a primary concern of legitimacy and the authenticity of a digital asset or an NFT. This move from Trump comes as one of the first moves for an upcoming President to back a meme coin.

So far, the meme coin has given investors staggering returns, but given the general volatility of the crypto market, investments should be made after careful consideration, exercising caution, and sound financial advice.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

TORONTO, Jan. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rivalry Corp. (the “Company” or “Rivalry”) (TSXV: RVLY) (OTCQX: RVLCF) (FSE: 9VK), the leading sportsbook and iGaming operator for digital-first players, today announced it has added U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s official Solana cryptocurrency ‘$TRUMP’ as an accepted payment method.

Ahead of the U.S. Presidential Inauguration on January 20th, Rivalry users are now able to deposit and wager using $TRUMP, a cryptocurrency on the Solana blockchain which currently has a fully diluted value of over USD $30 billion. The addition of $TRUMP as a payment method on Rivalry comes less than 24 hours after the President-elect released the cryptocurrency on Friday evening.

”Meme coins are attention monetized, and the release of $TRUMP just days before an Inauguration is a quintessential internet and crypto culture-driven moment which enabled it to eclipse $30 billion in fully diluted value shortly after its debut” said Steven Salz, Co-Founder and CEO of Rivalry. “Rapidly deploying $TRUMP as a deposit method in less than 24 hours is a testament to our ability to identify and lean into these universal cultural moments, layer it into our core crypto gambling experience, and deliver first-of-its-kind experiences to our users.”

Additionally, Rivalry customers wagering on-site with $TRUMP will receive exclusive rewards through February 1, 2025 in recognition of the upcoming Presidential Inauguration, including multiplying the amount of NUTZ–the Company’s native token–players earn on every bet by 20x, a reflection of the inauguration on Monday, January 20, 2025.

With the acceptance of $TRUMP, along with a number of other major cryptocurrencies as part of Rivalry’s crypto-first approach, the Company has ongoing treasury holdings of various major cryptocurrencies and meme coins that it accepts as a deposit option. The Company will continue to add additional cryptocurrencies as needed to support its player base and continual expansion into the crypto gambling segment.

$TRUMP as a payment method will be available to Rivalry users in jurisdictions which apply to the Company’s Isle of Man license only.

About Rivalry

Rivalry Corp. wholly owns and operates Rivalry Limited, a leading sport betting and media company offering fully regulated online wagering on esports, traditional sports, and casino for the digital generation. Based in Toronto, Rivalry operates a global team in more than 20 countries and growing. Rivalry Limited has held an Isle of Man license since 2018, considered one of the premier online gambling jurisdictions, as well as an internet gaming registration in Ontario, and is currently in the process of obtaining additional country licenses. With world class creative execution and brand positioning in online culture, a native crypto token, and demonstrated market leadership among digital-first users Rivalry is shaping the future of online gambling for a generation born on the internet.

No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Company Contact:
Steven Salz, Co-founder & CEO
ss@rivalry.com

Investor Contact:
investors@rivalry.com

Media Contact:
Cody Luongo, Head of Communications
cody@rivalry.com
203-947-1936

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (“forward-looking statements”). All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “achieve”, “could”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “objective”, “continuous”, “ongoing”, “estimate”, “outlook”, “expect”, “project” and similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes or that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. These statements are only predictions.

Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management of the Company at the date the statements are made based on information then available to the Company. Various factors and assumptions are applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to and involve a number of known and unknown, variables, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause the Company’s actual performance and results to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations; the ability to obtain and maintain required licenses; the esports and sports betting industry being a heavily regulated industry; the complex and evolving regulatory environment for the online gaming and online gambling industry; the success of esports and other betting products are not guaranteed; changes in public perception of the esports and online gambling industry; failure to retain or add customers; the Company having a limited operating history; negative cash flow from operations; operational risks; cybersecurity risks; reliance on management; reliance on third parties and third-party networks; exchange rate risks; risks related to cryptocurrency transactions; risk of intellectual property infringement or invalid claims; the effect of capital market conditions and other factors on capital availability; competition, including from more established or better financed competitors; and general economic, market and business conditions. For additional risks, please see the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 under the heading “Risk Factors”, and other disclosure documents available on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

No assurance can be given that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Source: Rivalry Corp.