An Ethereum whale has not too long ago asserted a declare over the anticipated Starknet airdrop. This solo node operator, aiming to take part within the Starknet (STRK) reward program, has taken the monumental job of independently working a whopping 1000 validators.
The validators managed by the lone whale had been mistakenly recognized as a Centralized Trade (CEX), inflicting confusion about their eligibility for the airdrop as a result of sheer dimension of the operation.

Solo Operator Runs $90 Million Price Of Validators
In a latest X (previously Twitter) submit, a cryptocurrency neighborhood member disclosed {that a} Genesis solo staker, recognized as ‘Sullendef,’ on GitHub, single-handedly manages 1000 validators. The X neighborhood member revealed that these 1000 validators maintain a cumulative worth of round $100 million in Ethereum (ETH).
Usually, validators play a significant role in securing and sustaining blockchain networks. Though they contribute to the general consensus mechanism of a blockchain, they may also be thought of extremely tough to handle.
Operating a validator calls for excessive technical experience and requires buying advanced and infrequently expensive {hardware} specs. Consequently, it’s commonplace for a lot of builders to express astonishment on the prospect of a node operator efficiently working 1000 validators autonomously.
The solo operator has brazenly shared on GitHub that he has been working these validators utilizing his private laptop at dwelling, underscoring his excessive dedication and technical prowess when navigating blockchain know-how.
Whereas there’s no hard limit to the variety of validators one can handle on a single machine, the numerous sources and bills required to run 1000 stay substantial.
Lone Operator To Declare Huge STRK Airdrop
In a submit on GitHub, Sullendef revealed that his 1000 validators might have been mistakenly related to a distinguished cryptocurrency trade, Kraken. The solo Staker has expressed apprehensions about the potential for their earned STRK airdrop rewards being unintentionally redirected to Kraken because of misidentification.
Sullendef has disclosed his participation as one of many stakers eligible for the airdrops. He has remained actively concerned in the neighborhood, expressing frustration over a message acquired whereas trying to arrange a withdrawal deal with.
Presently, the Starknet Basis, a nonprofit start-up, plans to launch a provisions program, acknowledging contributions from Ethereum builders, stakers, and Starknet in the direction of advancing the community. The inspiration has introduced its intention to distribute over 700 million STRK to nearly 1.3 million addresses.
Rated, one of many organizations serving to Starknet within the airdrop course of is wanting into the case. The group’s CTO, Ari Koliopoulos, replied to the mysterious whale.
Starknet has acknowledged plans to reward Ethereum stakers who engaged in staking ETH earlier than the Proof of Stake (PoS) merge. The inspiration has acknowledged it might reward roughly 22% of the whole STRK provision allocation to those stakers.
“You might be eligible to obtain multiple million STRK, to be distributed additional to your stakers. The Starknet Basis will probably be in contact with somebody out of your group,” the message learn.
The lone node operator has acknowledged that he has by no means initiated communication with the Starknet Basis, urging a swift decision to forestall misdirection of his airdrop rewards. It stays to be seen if the whale will acquired compensation.
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