Author: Messari, Source: Messari crypto thesis 2025; Compiled by 0xjs@Golden Finance
To celebrate a remarkable year in the cryptocurrency space, we are launching the inaugural annual Messari Awards. In this section, we highlight some of the best protocols and individuals in their respective categories based on their contributions to cryptocurrency in 2024. All results are voted on by the Messari team.
Best Newcomer of the Year
Our Best Newcomer award is given to the most groundbreaking crypto protocol of the year.
pump.fun launched in January 2024 and quickly made waves in the cryptocurrency world. This launchpad is now the highest-grossing launchpad on Solana, with trading volumes continuing to grow. Without pump.fun, we wouldn't have GOAT, PNUT, FART, ZEREBRO, MOODENG, and many other favorite tokens this year. It is safe to say that this app has forever changed the token issuance game, and we are excited to see what pump has in store for us as it enters its second year. Pump.fun is Messari's Best Newcomer of 2024.
Layer 1 of the Year
L1 of the Year awarded to the best-performing L1 of 2024.
2024 is the year of Solana. Powered by a vibrant ecosystem of users and applications, the Solana network delivered lightning-fast performance and low transaction costs under high activity loads in 2024. The emergence of memecoin culture on Solana has sparked a thriving new crypto space, showcasing the network's inherent advantages. As Solana's metrics continue to grow exponentially, it sets the standard for the look and feel of modern L1 blockchains. Congratulations to Solana for winning Messari's L1 of the Year award.
DeFi Protocol of the Year
The DeFi Protocol of the Year award is given to the best-performing DeFi application of 2024.
Hyperliquid's order book redefines the boundaries of on-chain possibilities. With sustained growth in trading volume, open interest, and user adoption, this protocol is becoming one of the key leaders in DeFi's battle for centralized exchange market share. Looking forward to 2025, we are eager to see the continued evolution of the L1 ecosystem.
DePIN Protocol of the Year
The DePIN Protocol of the Year award is given to the best-performing DePIN protocol of 2024.
Helium has redefined the DePIN landscape, proving that cryptocurrency can drive real-world value and utility. Since its launch in December 2023, Helium Mobile's user base has surged to over 120,000, offering the most affordable unlimited data plans on the market for just $20 per month. Furthermore, Helium's groundbreaking operator program averages 250,000-300,000 users supported daily by some of the largest mobile carriers in the U.S., demonstrating its capability to revolutionize connectivity infrastructure. With its innovation, impact, and ability to link cryptocurrency with the 'real world,' Helium has been named DePIN of the Year for 2024.
Best Consumer Application of the Year
Best Consumer Application of the Year award is given to the best-performing consumer application of 2024.
Polymarket has proven that on-chain prediction markets will thrive long-term, registering nearly 1 million new accounts in this election year. In terms of demand, users have poured billions into the election markets, catching up with off-chain prediction markets. Meanwhile, the real-time election result probabilities derived from Polymarket are widely cited by mainstream media and have become a primary source of objective news. For anyone looking to bet on elections or just stay informed, Polymarket is the go-to destination.
Memecoin of the Year
The Memecoin of the Year award is given to the best-performing memecoin of 2024.
While GOAT may not be the largest memecoin this year, it is likely the most influential. Its incredible lore, integration with AI, and impact on one of the most exciting new metadata in cryptocurrency have captured everyone's attention. If AI agents and their respective memecoins continue to command attention in 2025, GOAT will forever be cemented as the pioneer of it all.
Best Account of the Year
Our X Account of the Year award is given to the best-performing member of Crypto Twitter (CT) in 2024.
This is a highly competitive award, but ultimately, only AI agents could stand out. @aixbt_agent increased their account's follower count to over 100,000 in less than a month, consistently ranking high in Kaito's influence ranking. This agent's tireless analysis, continuous replies, and growing alpha pool are rapidly becoming a must-follow for anyone on CT.
Most Active Fund of the Year
The Most Active Fund award is given to the venture capital fund that completes the most transactions in 2024.
Animoca Brands led the way this year with 107 deals. Although Animoca typically focuses on consumers and gaming, its portfolio has diversified over time, investing in various categories including DePIN and AI.
Token of the Year
The Token of the Year award is given to the token that experiences the most surprising price reversal in 2024.
After facing relentless FUD in previous years, SOL has made an astonishing turnaround in 2024, with its token price experiencing one of the most dramatic reversals in market history. The token reached an all-time high by the end of this year and currently ranks among the top 5 most valuable tokens in the cryptocurrency space.
Investment Fund Blog of the Year
The Investment Fund Blog of the Year award is given to the liquidity fund or VC blog that publishes the best content in 2024.
Syncracy Capital's content this year has been outstanding, providing extensive knowledge on a variety of topics. We particularly appreciate their blog's contrarian and forward-looking perspectives, challenging existing views and proposing new frameworks. From pushing the market to reduce focus on infrastructure to placing more emphasis on applications, to continuously defining the narrative of Solana, Syncracy Capital has driven key conversations throughout the industry.
Independent Analyst of the Year
The Independent Analyst of the Year award is given to the independent analyst who publishes the best content in 2024.
In 2024, Kel shone with profound insights as an independent analyst. His posts on the memecoin supercycle and recent substack articles are among the best free content in the field.
Person of the Year
The Person of the Year award is given to the most influential individual in the cryptocurrency space in 2024.
Michael Saylor needs no introduction. From doubling down on Bitcoin investments with MicroStrategy to articulating the quips we will practice in the coming years, Michael Saylor makes sure everyone knows his stance. His unwavering belief in Bitcoin and relentless advocacy have made him a polarizing yet undeniable force in the space. This year may well be his best yet, and he rightly celebrates his victories. There is no second-best protagonist.
