The Standout Airdrops of 2024: HyperLiquid, Starknet, Pudgy Penguins, and More

In 2024, the airdrop scene was marked by some of the most valuable and high-profile token distributions in crypto history. From Solana-based DEX aggregators to high-speed DeFi networks, users have been rewarded with billions of tokens across various ecosystems. In this article, we take a closer look at the standout airdrops of the year, highlighting the projects that made waves in the crypto world and the enormous value they delivered to their communities.

1.) HyperLiquid [HYPE] – $10.84 Billion

Claiming the top spot by a significant margin, the Hyper Foundation’s distribution of HYPE tokens in November 2024 generously rewarded users of the Hyperliquid Network. Users of the high-speed DeFi layer-1 network received a total of 31 million $HYPE tokens, initially valued at $1.6 billion, making it one of the most valuable airdrops in history. Since then, the market capitalization commanded by these tokens has surged to $10.8 billion within just a few weeks.

2.) Starknet [STRK] – $3.09  billion

Starknet launched its mainnet in 2021 but waited three years to roll out its highly anticipated STRK airdrop. Beginning in February 2024, the project distributed 700 million $STRK tokens, targeting early adopters of the ecosystem’s decentralized applications (dApps), contributors to the network, and EIP developers.

AIRDROP | #Starknet Users and Contributors to Begin Receiving $STRK Airdrops on February 20 2024

Beginning on February 20 2024, approximately 1.297 million wallets will have the opportunity to claim the $STRK token, with a claim period extending until June 20 2024, spanning four…

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) February 17, 2024

Starknet operates as an Ethereum Layer-2 network, utilizing a ZK-Rollup solution to scale decentralized applications (dApps). According to Starknet, the token will play a crucial role in decentralizing and governing the network.

3.) Pudgy Penguins [PENGU] – $3.064 billion

Pudgy Penguins’ flagship NFT collection has established a strong foothold on Ethereum, boasting a market cap exceeding $500 million. The project’s commercial success has been further highlighted by its toys hitting the shelves of major retailers like Walmart and Target, making it a standout performer in an otherwise subdued NFT market. In December 2024, Pudgy Penguins expanded its presence to Solana with the introduction of $PENGU, designed to help fans deepen their connection to the brand.

[TECH] LISTING | Pudgy Penguins ($PENGU) Lists on Binance, Users Set for Airdrop Rewards: $PENGU, the token by Web3 project, Pudgy Penguins, was successfully listed on the Binance Exchange on December 17 202.. https://t.co/NALfEoYWS5 via @BitcoinKE

— Top Kenyan Blogs (@Blogs_Kenya) December 21, 2024

According to the project, approximately half of PENGU’s total supply of 88.88 billion tokens was allocated to members of the Pudgy Penguins community, other communities, and FTT holders.

4.) NotCoin [NOT] – $2.274 billion

The coin-tapping game, NotCoin, brought significant attention to The Open Network (TON) in 2024, captivating countless players within its Telegram-based mini-app. Although its highly anticipated airdrop experienced delays, it ultimately became the largest gaming token launch of 2024 by peak value. When Notcoin introduced its token in May 2024, approximately 80.2 billion $NOT tokens were made available, with major exchanges like Binance offering immediate support for the token.

Telegram-Based NotCoin Gains Over 300%, SurpasseS $2 Billion in MarketCap

Last month [April 2024], the project introduced ‘earnings missions’ that allow users to earn $NOT passively by completing specific tasks. Previously, #NotCoin users performed actions, primarily tapping,… pic.twitter.com/8HfTkTy8ZV

MILESTONE | Egyptian BNPL Fintech, Fawry, Disburses Over 1 Billion Egyptian Pounds and Crosses 10 Million Downloads One Year After Launch

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) June 4, 2024

5.) Jupiter [JUP] – $2 Billion

Solana-based DEX aggregator, Jupiter, distributed 1 billion JUP tokens during its initial wave of allocations earlier in 2024

Jupiter has committed to releasing an additional 3 billion $JUP tokens, with a second round recently approved and anticipated