Vitalik Buterin knows how to attract attention. And he does it in his own, unpredictable – but entertaining – way.
Arrived in Tokyo on July 30 for Edcon 2024His appearance was extremely attractive, leaving an indelible impression. He wore a loose black kimono with large sleeves as he entered the stage, and he looked mysterious and playful, unlike his usual basic style. The centerpiece of this appearance was a black and white horse head mask, which delighted and confused the audience at the same time.
The guests laughed at the pretense and agreed to the ploy despite his distinctive appearance and demeanor. “Who are you?” a voice in the crowd said. Buterin announced himself as a “Dogecoin holder” with a clever twist, making people laugh and wonder at the same time. However, the short presentation created a light-hearted atmosphere for what would develop into a serious discussion about the future of Ethereum.
Everyone: Who are you?
V: I am a Dogecoin user.#Higher_Education_Conference2024 @Dogecoin @Vitalik Buterin pic.twitter.com/Uyj9A0U8k3
– Edcon (@EDCON2024) July 30, 2024
Buterin’s Relationship with Dogecoin
Although this may have surprised some, Vitalik Buterin’s self-definition as Dogecoin Hodler was a nod to his long, if unusual, association with meme currency for many who knew him in the past. Interview with Lex Friedman Since 2021, Buterin has spoken about his initial efforts with Dogecoin, which he began in 2016 with a modest investment of $25,000. That original investment had ballooned to $4.3 million by June 2021.
Philanthropy has been a priority for the Ethereum founder, who believes in the power of giving and helping people. This move shows his willingness to combine idealism with realism and his belief that cryptocurrencies can change the world.
A Tale of Two Memes: Shiba Inu vs. Dogecoin
Buterin’s bias toward Dogecoin contrasts sharply with his views on Shiba Inu, another popular joke coin. Even if Shiba Inu is based on the Ethereum network, Buterin has publicly expressed his doubts.
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He said SHIB would become just another overvalued currency that would eventually fall. In a rare admission from the Ethereum inventor, he admitted that Shiba Inu’s persistence and development had exceeded his expectations.
Buterin’s stunning reveal at EDCON 2024 was not just a show, but rather a confirmation of his wacky and intentional stance toward the cryptocurrency market. While he is shaping the trajectory of Ethereum, his playful support for Dogecoin is a reminder of the diverse and often unpredictable nature of the cryptocurrency market.
Featured image from Tokyo Cheapo, chart from TradingView