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An Ethereum whale has just lately asserted a declare over the anticipated Starknet airdrop. This solo node operator, aiming to take part within the Starknet (STRK) reward program, has taken the monumental activity of independently operating a whopping 1000 validators.

The validators managed by the lone whale had been mistakenly recognized as a Centralized Exchange (CEX), inflicting confusion about their eligibility for the airdrop because of the sheer dimension of the operation.

Solo Operator Runs $90 Million Worth Of Validators

In a current X (previously Twitter) publish, a cryptocurrency group member disclosed {that a} Genesis solo staker, recognized as ‘Sullendef,’ on GitHub, single-handedly manages 1000 validators. The X group member revealed that these 1000 validators maintain a cumulative worth of round $100 million in Ethereum (ETH).

Typically, validators play a significant role in securing and sustaining blockchain networks. Although they contribute to the general consensus mechanism of a blockchain, they can be thought-about extremely tough to handle. 

Running a validator calls for excessive technical experience and requires buying advanced and infrequently expensive {hardware} specs. Consequently, it’s commonplace for a lot of builders to express astonishment on the prospect of a node operator efficiently operating 1000 validators autonomously. 

The solo operator has overtly shared on GitHub that he has been operating these validators utilizing his private laptop at dwelling, underscoring his excessive dedication and technical prowess when navigating blockchain know-how.

While there may be no hard limit to the variety of validators one can handle on a single machine, the numerous assets and bills required to run 1000 stay substantial. 

Lone Operator To Claim Massive STRK Airdrop

In a publish on GitHub, Sullendef revealed that his 1000 validators might have been mistakenly related to a outstanding cryptocurrency change, Kraken. The solo Staker has expressed apprehensions about the potential for their earned STRK airdrop rewards being unintentionally redirected to Kraken as a consequence of misidentification. 

Sullendef has disclosed his participation as one of many stakers eligible for the airdrops. He has remained actively concerned locally, expressing frustration over a message acquired whereas making an attempt to arrange a withdrawal tackle. 

Presently, the Starknet Foundation, a nonprofit start-up, plans to launch a provisions program, acknowledging contributions from Ethereum builders, stakers, and Starknet in direction of advancing the community. The basis has introduced its intention to distribute over 700 million STRK to nearly 1.3 million addresses.

Rated, one of many organizations serving to Starknet within the airdrop course of is trying into the case. The group’s CTO, Ari Koliopoulos, replied to the mysterious whale. 

Starknet has said plans to reward Ethereum stakers who engaged in staking ETH earlier than the Proof of Stake (PoS) merge. The basis has said it could reward roughly 22% of the overall STRK provision allocation to those stakers. 

“You are eligible to receive more than one million STRK, to be distributed further to your stakers. The Starknet Foundation will be in touch with someone from your organization,” the message learn.

The lone node operator has said that he has by no means initiated communication with the Starknet Foundation, urging a swift decision to forestall misdirection of his airdrop rewards. It stays to be seen if the whale will acquired compensation. 

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