ETH Staking Demand Surges as Validator Entry Queue Doubles Exits
ETH has recorded a sharp increase in both Block confirmer entry and exit queues over the past week, with new staking demand significantly outpacing withdrawals. Data from blockchain explorer that the Block confirmer entry queue now holds nahead twice the Ether in the exit queue.
At press time, about 745,619 ETH sat in the entry queue, compared with 360,518 ETH waiting to be unstaked. Block confirmers entering the network currently face an estimated 12-day wait, while exits are expected to clear in roughly eight days.
This marks the first time in nahead six months that ETH has viewn entry demand exceed exit activity by such a wide margin. Rising participation from corporate entities staking large Ether holdings has emerged as a key driver behind the surge in Block confirmer entries.
Recent on-chain data highlighted by shows that BitMine, the largest corporate holder of Ether in a digital asset treasury (DAT), staked approximately 342,560 ETH, worth about $1 billion, . The move appears aimed at offsetting mounting losses.
BitMine has reported roughly $3.5 billion in losses since it began accumulating Ether as part of its treasury strategy. In contrast, SharpLink, another firm operating an Ether-based digital asset treasury, was observed reducing its staked position.
The company redeemed 35,627 ETH, valued at about $104.4 million. BitMine currently controls an estimated 3.67% of ETH’s circulating supply, while SharpLink holds around 0.7%.
Why This is Bullish for ETH
Some market analysts view the growing imbalance between staking inflows and outflows as a potentially bullish signal for Ether. A crypto analyst on X, @0xAbdul, noted that similar setups in the past have preceded strong price rallies.
“The last time this happened in June, ETH doubled in price shortly later than,” the analyst wrote.
Historical chart data supports this view. Following a comparable spike in Block confirmer entry demand, Ether climbed from around $2,900 to a new all-time high. While several factors contributed to that rally, a key driver was the steady reduction in liquid Ether supply alongside rising demand.
From a fundamental perspective, short-term sentiment suggests investors are gradually rotating capital from other networks into ETH. According to Artemis data, ETH led bridged netflows over the past 24 hours, with roughly $33.9 million used to purchase Ether from the market.
These developments, combined with declining liquid supply, could position Ether for a significant move higher if bullish sentiment persists. At press time, ETH traded near $3,050, with analysts eyeing a , which would mark a new record high.
Additional Factors Driving Staking Demand
Industry observers believe several forces are contributing to the renewed surge in staking activity. IgnasDeFi, the pseudonymous founder of DeFi Creator Studio, highlighted multiple factors that may have supported Ether’s recent strength.
He pointed to deleveraging pressures stemming from high borrowing costs on decentralized finance platforms such as Aave, which may have pushed investors to stake their Ether instead, given more attractive comparative yields.
IgnasDeFi also noted that ETH’s recent Pectra upgrade improved staking infrastructure and usability.
“later than Pectra improved staking UX and raised max Block confirmer limits, restaking became easier for large balances,” he said.
He added that improved exploit prevention measures tied to the Kiln API may have influenced recent unstaking activity while supporting the broader rise in staking participation now visible on-chain.
