According to U.Today, an unexpected moment occurred at EDCON2024 in Tokyo when Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin took the stage. Dressed in a kimono and wearing a horse's head, Buterin responded to the question, 'Who are you?' with 'I'm a Dogecoin hodler.' This statement highlighted his long-standing interest in Dogecoin (DOGE), which dates back to 2015.

Buterin's fascination with DOGE is not new. In 2016, he mentioned that he had not sold any of his Dogecoins and was even considering purchasing more. By 2021, Buterin was discussing the potential for DOGE to switch to a proof-of-stake consensus using Ethereum's code. Despite his public interest, the exact amount of DOGE Buterin owns remains unclear. However, he revealed on Lex Frodman's podcast in 2016 that he invested around $25,000 in DOGE because he appreciated the ethos and community surrounding the coin. At the average price of DOGE in 2016, this investment could have netted him approximately 125 million DOGE, worth about $15.63 million today.

Whether Buterin has retained his Dogecoin holdings is uncertain, but his involvement underscores the potential of cryptocurrencies with strong community support and cultural significance. Whether it is Bitcoin or a meme coin like DOGE, a genuine vision and approach can yield long-term benefits for its holders.