Event Timeline
About ZKsync
ZKsync is an Ethereum Layer 2 network built by Matter Labs that uses zero-knowledge proofs to enable fast, cheap transactions while inheriting Ethereum's security. It was one of the most anticipated airdrop projects in crypto from 2021 to 2024, with millions of users bridging to the network in anticipation of a token launch.
ZKsync Era, the EVM-compatible version, launched in March 2023. The ZK token launched in June 2024, distributing to 695,232 wallets, a far smaller number than many users expected after years of activity on the network, which generated significant controversy. The launch was also notable for being fully liquid on day one with no vesting for airdrop recipients.
ZKsync allocated 67% of total supply to the community across three buckets. The largest at 29.27% is the Token Assembly, governed by ZK Nation and deployed through community proposals rather than a direct airdrop. Ecosystem Initiatives at 19.90% funds protocol growth, developer grants, and network expansion over time. The one-time airdrop at 17.5% was fully liquid from day one with no lockup, which was unusual and created immediate sell pressure on launch. Investors at 17.19% and the Matter Labs team at 16.14% carry a one-year cliff from June 2024 followed by three-year monthly vesting. The community-facing majority is genuine on paper, but the single-round airdrop model with no Season 2 means ongoing distribution depends entirely on governance decisions rather than guaranteed community rewards.
How It Worked to Get the ZKsync Airdrop
Bridge to ZKsync
Meet Points Criteria
Hold Assets on ZKsync
Minimum and Maximum
Was the ZKsync airdrop worth it?
Complicated. The ZKsync airdrop became one of the most controversial in crypto history.
- After years of activity on what was perceived as a highly anticipated airdrop, only 695,232 wallets qualified, a fraction of the millions who had interacted with the network. Many long-term users were excluded because their activity didn't meet the specific criteria combinations required, or because their bridged asset values were too low. The backlash was significant.
- For those who did qualify, the minimum allocation of 917 ZK was worth $257 at $0.28. The average allocation was approximately 5,291 ZK, worth $1,481 at launch. At the ATH of $0.32, the average was worth $1,693. These were modest returns for what was a heavily farmed network.
- The airdrop was one-time. There is no Jupuary equivalent, no Season 2. The community allocation going forward is distributed via governance, not retroactive drops.
ZKsync Official Links
Official channels, documentation and community for this airdrop:
This airdrop has concluded. It is kept for research rather than participation.
