Starknet Makes History as the First Layer-2 Network to Launch Staking on Mainnet

Starknet Makes History as the First Layer-2 Network to Launch Staking on Mainnet

Starknet, the Ethereum-based scaling solution, has achieved a major milestone by becoming the first-ever Layer-2 network to introduce a staking framework on its mainnet. This development marks a significant leap forward in the evolution of decentralized networks, as Starknet rolls out Phase 1 of its STRK staking program, allowing users to participate as validators or delegators.


In an announcement made on November 26, 2024, via X (formerly Twitter), Starknet revealed that the Phase 1 launch of STRK staking is now live on its mainnet, paving the way for broader participation in the network’s growth and decentralization. The introduction of this staking feature is seen as a critical step in Starknet’s ongoing journey toward becoming a fully decentralized proof-of-stake (PoS) network.


STRK Staking Phase 1: Validator and Delegator Participation

The Phase 1 staking rollout provides two primary avenues for users to participate: Validators and Delegators.


  • Validators are required to run full nodes and stake a minimum of 20,000 STRK tokens. At the current market value of approximately $11,400, validators play a crucial role in securing the network and supporting its decentralization.


  • Delegators, on the other hand, can participate in staking without the need for technical expertise or the requirement to run a full node. Instead, delegators can choose to delegate their tokens to validators, enabling them to contribute to the network’s security and decentralization passively.


This model of staking is designed to be accessible to a wider range of users, with wallets such as Argent and Braavos offering support for the staking mechanism. Notably, prominent professional validators such as Luganodes, Validation Cloud, and Staking Rewards have already joined the Starknet staking initiative, providing further validation for the new framework.


Starknet Moves Closer to a Fully Decentralized Proof-of-Stake Network

The introduction of staking is a key milestone in Starknet’s long-term goal of achieving a fully decentralized proof-of-stake (PoS) network. By rolling out the staking framework in phases, Starknet is taking a gradual, methodical approach to ensure that its network can scale securely and effectively.

The phased approach will consist of several stages:


  • Phase 1: The initial rollout focuses on permissionless staking and delegation, allowing users to stake their tokens and help secure the network.


  • Phase 2: In this phase, validators will begin to attest to blocks, verifying the correctness and validity of the transactions on the network.


  • Phase 3: The network will introduce block voting and validation, with validators having more significant responsibilities in maintaining the network’s integrity.


  • Phase 4: The final phase will grant validators full control over block production and network security, marking the complete transition to a fully decentralized PoS model.


Although Starknet has not provided an exact timeline for when each phase will be implemented, the gradual rollout is designed to ensure a smooth and secure transition while providing opportunities for community feedback and system testing.


A Pioneering Move in Layer-2 Networks

Starknet’s staking launch represents a groundbreaking move in the Layer-2 space. Layer-2 solutions, which aim to scale Ethereum by handling transactions off the main Ethereum chain, have long been seen as the future of blockchain technology, as they offer lower fees and faster transaction speeds. By adding staking to the mix, Starknet is not only enhancing its security model but also providing users with more ways to engage with and benefit from its network.


This historic move places Starknet in a position to become a leader in the Layer-2 space and a key player in the broader Ethereum ecosystem. As the network continues to grow and evolve, its staking initiative may become a model for other Layer-2 projects to follow, further driving the decentralization of the blockchain space.


With the first phase of staking now live, Starknet is firmly on its way to achieving its vision of becoming a fully decentralized PoS network, offering both users and developers a more secure, scalable, and rewarding platform.


As Phase 1 continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Starknet as it charts its course toward full decentralization, with validators, delegators, and the broader community all playing a role in shaping the future of the network.

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