Layer 1 Blockchain Tokens Surge in 2024: Mantra (OM) Leads with 7,035% Growth

Layer 1 (L1) blockchains have witnessed remarkable growth in 2024, with some tokens experiencing unprecedented price increases. Among these, Mantra (OM) has emerged as a standout performer, boasting a 7,035% surge in value, according to CoinGecko. This extraordinary rise is partly due to Mantra's strategic partnership with UAE-based digital bank Zand, facilitating the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) under Dubai's Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority.

Market Overview

The cryptocurrency market in 2024 has been buoyed by Donald Trump's Presidential Election victory, leading to increased demand for L1 solutions. These platforms provide essential infrastructure for decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. However, L1 blockchains face stiff competition from Layer 2 solutions, which offer enhanced transaction speeds and reduced costs compared to established blockchains like Ethereum.

Top Performing Layer 1 Coins

Besides Mantra, AIOZ Network (AIOZ) and Sui (SUI) have also demonstrated significant gains, with YTD increases of 427.6% and 388.2%, respectively. AIOZ has benefited from the growing adoption of its decentralized content delivery network, while Sui has gained traction through innovative dApp launches that leverage its scalability.

Other notable gainers include Bellscoin (BELLS) with a 252.2% increase, Zano (ZANO) with 159%, and Toncoin (TON) with 136.2%, the latter leveraging its integration with Telegram to host dApps and tap-to-earn games.

Top Layer 1 Coins by Market Cap

Despite the stellar performance of mid- and small-cap L1s, larger market cap coins such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) have also shown positive returns. Bitcoin saw a 112.9% YTD increase, while Ethereum rose by 34.9%, outperforming the S&P 500 index, which increased by 24.8% in 2024. Solana (SOL) experienced a 134.3% rise, rebounding from the aftermath of FTX's bankruptcy in 2022.

Biggest Declines

Conversely, some Layer 1 coins have suffered significant declines. Entangle (NGL) plummeted by 95.3% YTD, followed by Kujira (KUJI) and Trias Lab (TRIAS) with declines of 86.7% and 83.4%, respectively. These declines highlight the volatility and challenges faced by newer entrants in the competitive L1 space.

Performance of 2024 Launched Layer 1 Coins

Several Layer 1 coins launched in 2024 have experienced mixed outcomes. Aleo (ALEO) and Saga (SAGA) have seen declines of 58.1% and 69.9%, respectively, while Omni Network (OMNI) and Zeta Chain (ZETA) have also faced downturns. Kaia (KAIA), launched in late October, showed modest positive growth of 5.2%.

The performance of these tokens underscores the competitive nature of the blockchain market, where sustained innovation and adoption are crucial for success.