Vitalik Buterin knows just how to make an entrance. And he does it his own, unpredictable – and yet amusing – way.
He arrived in Tokyo on July 30 for EDCON 2024, making an indelible impression. He wore a black, loose-fitting kimono with large sleeves as he entered the stage, cloaked in mystery and whimsy, in contrast to his usual basic manner. The centerpiece of this look was an eye-catching black-and-white horse-head mask that both delighted and perplexed the spectators.
The guests laughed at the pretense and went along with the ruse despite his distinctive appearance and manner. A voice said, “Who are you?” from the throng. Buterin announced himself as a “Dogecoin hodler” with a flourish, which made people laugh and wonder at the same time. The short show, however, created a lighthearted atmosphere for what would develop into a serious discussion on Ethereum’s future.
Everyone: Who are you?
V: I’m a Dogecoin hodler.#EDCON2024 @dogecoin @VitalikButerin pic.twitter.com/Uyj9A0U8k3
— EDCON (@EDCON2024) July 30, 2024
Buterin’s Dogecoin Connection
Although it startled some, Vitalik Buterin’s self-identification as a Dogecoin hodler was a hint to his lengthy, albeit unusual, association with the meme coin for many who knew him in the past. In an interview with Lex Friedman from 2021, Buterin talked back on his initial efforts with Dogecoin, which he started in 2016 with a little $25,000 investment. This original investment had ballooned to an amazing $4.3 million by June 2021.
Charity has been among the Ethereum founder’s priorities as he believes in the power of giving and helping people. This move showed his readiness to blend idealism with realism and his belief that cryptocurrencies may transform the world.
A Tale Of Two Memes: Shiba Inu Vs. Dogecoin
Buterin’s bias in favor of Dogecoin stands in sharp contrast to his opinions of Shiba Inu, another well-known joke coin. Even if Shiba Inu is based on the Ethereum network, Buterin has expressed his doubts openly.
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He said that SHIB will turn into just another overhyped meme coin that would eventually fall. In a rare admission from the frequently foresighted inventor of Ethereum, he did concede that Shiba Inu’s tenacity and development had exceeded his expectations.
Not only a bit of theatre, Buterin’s spectacular disclosure at EDCON 2024 confirmed his quirky but deliberate attitude to the crypto market. As he shapes Ethereum’s path, his playful backing of Dogecoin reminds us of the varied and often unexpected nature of the digital currency market.
Featured image from Tokyo Cheapo, chart from TradingView