The Ethereum network's transition to Ethereum 2.0—commonly referred to as The Merge—marked a pivotal shift from a Proof-of-Work (PoW) to a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. While this upgrade brought increased energy efficiency and scalability, it also left behind a community of miners who relied on PoW for income and ideological alignment. In response, a new blockchain emerged: EthereumPoW (ETHW), a hard fork preserving the original mining-based model.
But can ETHW survive long-term without support from Vitalik Buterin or Ethereum’s core development team? And how can users claim the associated airdrop? This article explores the viability of ETHW, its potential challenges, and practical steps for participation.
Understanding Ethereum’s Hard Fork and the Birth of ETHW
When Ethereum completed The Merge in September 2022, it abandoned energy-intensive mining in favor of staking. This move effectively ended the role of traditional miners on the Ethereum network. However, some miners and supporters of decentralized mining refused to accept this change.
As a result, ETHW (EthereumPoW) was created through a hard fork at block 15537393. This new chain continues using the PoW consensus mechanism, allowing miners to keep validating transactions via computational power. Unlike the upgraded Ethereum, ETHW does not plan to transition to PoS.
The Pros and Cons of Sticking with Proof-of-Work
Advantages of PoW in ETHW
- Decentralized Mining Access: PoW allows anyone with hardware to participate in securing the network, promoting decentralization.
- Censorship Resistance: Mining pools are more distributed than staking validators, reducing central control risks.
- Privacy Preservation: Transactions are processed without requiring identity verification, appealing to privacy-focused users.
Drawbacks Facing ETHW
- Lack of Developer Support: Without backing from Vitalik Buterin or core Ethereum developers, long-term innovation is uncertain.
- Limited Ecosystem Growth: Few decentralized applications (dApps), limited DeFi integrations, and minimal NFT activity hinder adoption.
- Energy Consumption Criticism: PoW remains under scrutiny for high electricity usage, conflicting with global sustainability goals.
While ETHW appeals to ideological purists and displaced miners, its lack of ecosystem momentum raises questions about longevity.
Can ETHW Succeed as a Standalone Blockchain?
Success in the blockchain space isn’t just about technology—it’s about community, utility, and economic incentives.
ETHW launched with an initial distribution mirroring Ethereum’s state before The Merge. Holders of ETH at the fork received an equivalent amount of ETHW. Miners who migrated found temporary profitability, especially during periods of high hash rate demand.
However, long-term success hinges on several factors:
- Application Development: Without active dApp creation or smart contract innovation, ETHW risks becoming obsolete.
- Exchange Listings: Continued availability on major exchanges like OKX helps maintain liquidity and visibility.
- Market Sentiment: Speculative trading may boost short-term price action, but sustainable value requires real-world use cases.
Currently, ETHW remains a niche player compared to Ethereum’s dominant post-merge ecosystem.
Market Making Strategies Around ETHW
After the fork, various market-making tactics emerged:
- Pre-fork Accumulation: Traders bought ETH before the fork to claim free ETHW tokens.
- Airdrop Farming: Some interacted with specific wallets or platforms to maximize eligibility.
- Short-Term Speculation: High volatility post-fork attracted day traders seeking quick gains.
Exchanges also played a role by offering early trading pairs and staking alternatives for displaced miners.
👉 Learn how market dynamics shift during blockchain forks and how to navigate them strategically.
How to Claim the ETHW Airdrop: Step-by-Step Guide
If you held ETH in a non-custodial wallet before the hard fork (block 15537393), you’re eligible to claim ETHW. Here’s how:
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
Ensure you controlled your private keys before the fork. If you held ETH on centralized exchanges like Binance or Coinbase, they typically handled airdrop distribution automatically—if at all.
Step 2: Use a Compatible Wallet
Transfer your pre-fork ETH wallet to a compatible interface like MetaMask or Trust Wallet that supports ETHW.
Step 3: Add ETHW Network Manually
Since ETHW isn’t automatically listed, add its custom RPC settings:
- Network Name: EthereumPoW
- RPC URL: https://mainnet.ethereumpow.org
- Chain ID: 10001
- Symbol: ETHW
- Block Explorer: https://www.oklink.com/en/ethw
Step 4: Claim Your Tokens
Use an open-source tool or wallet interface that allows private key import (with caution). Once connected, your ETHW balance should appear.
⚠️ Warning: Never share your private key online. Only use trusted tools and verify URLs carefully to avoid phishing scams.
Challenges Facing ETHW Moving Forward
Despite its launch momentum, ETHW faces significant hurdles:
- Developer Exodus: Most smart contract developers moved to Ethereum’s PoS chain or other EVM-compatible layer-1s like BNB Chain or Arbitrum.
- Security Risks: With lower hash rate than pre-Merge Ethereum, ETHW is more vulnerable to 51% attacks.
- Regulatory Pressure: PoW chains face increasing scrutiny over environmental impact, potentially limiting institutional adoption.
Without strong partnerships or technological differentiation, ETHW may struggle to escape being labeled a “zombie chain.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is ETHW officially supported by Ethereum’s core team?
A: No. ETHW is a community-driven fork with no endorsement from Vitalik Buterin or Ethereum Foundation developers.
Q: Did all ETH holders automatically receive ETHW?
A: Only those who self-custodied their ETH before the fork could claim ETHW. Exchange users depended on platform policies.
Q: Can I mine ETHW today?
A: Yes. ETHW remains a PoW chain and accepts mining contributions. You’ll need GPU or ASIC equipment compatible with its hashing algorithm.
Q: What is the total supply of ETHW?
A: There is no fixed cap. Supply grows based on block rewards, similar to pre-Merge Ethereum.
Q: Is investing in ETHW risky?
A: Yes. Like any altcoin with limited adoption, it carries high volatility and uncertainty regarding future development.
Q: Where can I trade ETHW?
A: Several exchanges list ETHW, including OKX, Bybit, and Bitrue. Always verify current listings due to potential delistings.
Final Thoughts: Is There a Future for PoW After Ethereum?
ETHW represents more than just a technical alternative—it embodies resistance to centralization and a belief in open mining access. Yet ideals alone won’t sustain a blockchain.
For ETHW to thrive, it must attract developers, build real utility, and foster organic user growth. While it currently serves as a haven for displaced miners and ideological supporters, its long-term survival depends on innovation beyond nostalgia.
Whether you're a miner looking for new opportunities or an investor assessing emerging forks, understanding projects like ETHW is essential in navigating the evolving crypto landscape.
👉 Stay ahead of blockchain forks and discover emerging opportunities in decentralized networks.
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Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always conduct independent research before engaging with any cryptocurrency.