January 2, 2026
Hey everyone, happy new year! As we kick off 2026, I wanted to share some random Friday thoughts that have been brewing for months — now feeling more relevant than ever. The crypto space has matured a ton, and my focus has shifted away from the chaos toward projects with real substance, utility, and longevity.
Done With Memecoins — Sorry, Not Sorry
I’ve been completely exhausted with random memecoins for over six months now. The endless hype cycles, rugs, and volatility? No thanks. I won’t even entertain buying or getting involved anymore. It’s just not worth the stress.
All In on Culture and Brand Coins
Instead, I’m laser-focused on the big culture coins — the ones building actual brands and ecosystems that feel built to last.
Take $REKT: This one’s evolved into a full-blown lifestyle brand with energy drinks hitting shelves (even expanding to more 7-Eleven spots this year), events, and art tied to their rektguy NFTs. It’s fun, community-driven, and bridging crypto with real-world consumer goods.
Then there’s $PENGU from Pudgy Penguins. These guys are everywhere — physical toys in Walmart, massive merch drops, and a community that’s become the friendly face of crypto. They’ve lit up the Las Vegas Sphere and keep pushing into games and metaverses. It’s mainstream adoption in action.
And $DOOD from Doodles: Hands down some of the best PFP art in the space, evolving into gamified experiences and storytelling worlds. Their vibrant, colorful style stands out, and they’re deepening the on-chain media franchise vibe.
These aren’t just hype; they’re creating lasting value through merch, events, and real engagement.
The Neobank Revolution in Crypto
I’m super excited about the shift toward crypto neobanks — finally making DeFi feel like everyday banking.
Etherfi has pivoted hard into a full DeFi bank, with payment cards, yields, and seamless spending. It’s non-custodial but user-friendly, bridging the gap to real-life use.
Tria is killing it with self-custodial wallets that let you spend across chains effortlessly, even topping up cards directly from Bitcoin holdings without giving up control.
Plus, SaaS tools blending Web2 polish with Web3 ownership are huge — earning, owning, and integrating without the usual headaches.
SportsFi: The Onboarding Machine
SportsFi has insane potential. With billions of fans globally, it’s an easier way to bring in hundreds of millions of new users than pure finance plays. Projects like @SIXR Cricket are tapping into that with play-to-own games, real icons (like Chris Gayle as an ambassador), and six-hitting challenges on TON. It’s fun, accessible, and perfect for normies.
Privacy: Non-Negotiable
Privacy is absolutely essential — if we don’t get solid shields, this whole space risks becoming a surveillance nightmare. No way I want the most tracked era in history.I’m pumped for the pragmatic privacy push in 2026: compliant zk tools, shielded transactions, and projects balancing secrecy with regs. Without this, crypto loses its edge.
BTCfi: Use Your Bitcoin Without Selling
Still hyped on BTCfi for proper lending and borrowing. True OGs never sell their Bitcoin, but now you can collateralize it natively for loans or yields — unlocking liquidity without tax hits or giving up exposure.
Blockchain Disrupting Real Estate
Hell yes to blockchain fixing outdated real estate workflows. Tokenization is exploding — fractional ownership, faster titles, global access. It’s overdue, and 2026 looks like the year it goes mainstream with trillions in potential.
Forever Bullish on Digital Art and Metaverses
As AI and digital lives deepen, humans will crave authentic connection and belonging. Owning pieces of brands and worlds you love? That’s the ultimate tech bond.Digital art, NFTs, and metaverses are here to stay — immersive spaces for creation, events, and community.
That’s my 2026 vibe: sustainable, fun, and human-centered crypto. What are you bullish on this year? Drop your thoughts below!
Disclaimer: This is not financial advice — just my personal takes. DYOR.
My Crypto Outlook for 2026: What I’m Bullish On (And What I’m Done With) was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.