Was the EDGEN Airdrop Worth It? Looking at Its Tokenomics

The EDGEN airdrop, launched by LayerEdge, is one of the latest examples that has sparked interest across the blockchain community. 

With 10% of its total supply released at launch and a structured approach to distribution, many are asking: was the EDGEN airdrop really worth it?

To answer that, we need to examine not just the numbers, but also the purpose behind the token, how it's allocated, and what long-term value it may hold for participants.

What is EDGEN?

EDGEN is the native token of the Edgen Chain, developed by LayerEdge. It functions as the gas token for the network and plays a central role in powering the LayerEdge ecosystem. 

With a total supply of 1 billion tokens, EDGEN is built on the ERC-20 standard and primarily operates on the Ethereum network. Cross-chain access is made possible via bridges to the Binance Smart Chain and the Edgen Chain’s Alpha Mainnet.

LayerEdge envisions EDGEN as a foundational asset in the “people-backed internet,” allowing verification and coordination tasks to be conducted by individuals rather than centralized capital holders.

Read also: How to Access the LayerEdge Dashboard: A Complete Guide

EDGEN Token Utility

The utility of EDGEN extends across three main functions: gas, verification, and staking.

1. Gas Fees on Edgen Chain

EDGEN serves as the gas token for the Edgen Chain, facilitating smart contract execution, transaction processing, and task-related rewards. Like ETH on Ethereum, EDGEN is essential for operating within the LayerEdge environment.

2. Verification via edgenOS

edgenOS is a platform that allows users to turn regular devices—such as laptops and browsers—into lightweight zk-verifiers. Contributors who validate proofs using their device’s resources are rewarded in EDGEN. 

This system promotes a more decentralized approach to validation by distributing participation more evenly across users.

3. Staking and Incentive Alignment

Staking EDGEN tokens aligns user incentives with the network’s health. Holders can stake their tokens directly on the Edgen Chain through a non-custodial system. 

This process includes daily rewards, tracking features, and a brief cooldown period for withdrawals to ensure security.

Distribution Details

The EDGEN token distribution was carefully structured to support both immediate engagement and long-term network growth. Here’s how the 1 billion total supply is allocated:

• Initial Airdrop (10%)
  A total of 100 million EDGEN tokens were reserved for the airdrop, acknowledging the contributions of early testnet users, OG Pledge Pass holders, and new community members. This portion is fully unlocked and distributed at the Token Generation Event (TGE).

• Liquidity & Reserves (12%)
  About 120 million EDGEN tokens are set aside to maintain liquidity and provide reserves for future campaigns. Five percent was released at TGE, while the rest will be deployed strategically.

• Initial Staking Pool (2%)
  20 million EDGEN tokens fund the first staking pools, incentivizing users who help secure the network.

• Future Community Drops (17%)
  170 million EDGEN tokens are earmarked for future airdrops and rewards, vested over four years. This ensures consistent community incentives as the project grows.

• Community Round (5%)
  50 million tokens were sold at a discounted rate to early contributors. The entire allocation is unlocked at TGE, offering a low entry point for active community members.

• Early Backers (5%)
  Another 50 million tokens were allocated to strategic investors and early supporters, with a 12-month cliff and 15-month vesting period.

• Core Contributors (22%)
  The team behind LayerEdge receives 220 million tokens, locked for one year and vested over four years to maintain long-term commitment.

• Ecosystem & R&D (15%)
  150 million tokens support integration with other ecosystems, developer grants, and technological research. This allocation will vest over four years.

• Foundation (12%)
  The LayerEdge Foundation holds 120 million tokens to manage governance, legal compliance, and protocol development. These tokens are vested over three years following a 3-month cliff.

Read also: What Can You Do with Layeredge? Looking at the Use Cases on Bitcoin

About LayerEdge

LayerEdge is a decentralized infrastructure protocol designed to improve cross-chain data processing and simplify blockchain interactions. Its core focus is on modular scalability, seamless integration, and incentivizing participation through contribution-based systems. 

By merging technical flexibility with community-driven development, LayerEdge is positioning itself as a versatile layer in the Web3 space.

The LayerEdge vision is not limited to blockchain efficiency—it aims to redefine how verification and coordination occur across networks, putting individual users at the center of trust and computation.

How To Check Airdrop Eligibility

Users who participated in various phases of the LayerEdge testnet or held OG Pledge Passes may be eligible for the EDGEN airdrop. Here’s how to confirm eligibility:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Visit the Airdrop Checker
   Go to the official page at airdrop.layeredge.foundation.

2. Connect Your Wallet
   Use the wallet you previously interacted with on LayerEdge, preferably the OKX Wallet.

3. Review Points and Token Allocation
   Once connected, the dashboard will display your accumulated points and estimated token allocation. For instance, users with 2 million points may receive around 403 EDGEN tokens. Final distribution ratios may vary.

Eligible User Categories

• Testnet Phase I & II participants

• Verified referral users

• OG Pledge Pass holders

• Active community contributors

• Users with AlphaEdge roles

Claim Period

The claim window officially opens on June 2, 2025. Eligible users should complete their claim process promptly, as availability might be time-sensitive.

Read also: Proof of Aggregation Layer: Understanding the Consensus Mechanism of Layeredge

Conclusion

So, was the EDGEN airdrop worth it? For early adopters and contributors, the answer is likely yes. The token distribution prioritizes those who actively engaged with LayerEdge during its developmental phases. 

With meaningful token utility, a clear allocation strategy, and future incentives planned through staking and community drops, the EDGEN airdrop represents more than a short-term giveaway—it’s an invitation to be part of a growing ecosystem.

As LayerEdge develops, the value of EDGEN will ultimately depend on the project’s ability to deliver on its promises. However, for those who received tokens through this airdrop, they now hold a stake in the future of a people-backed internet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the EDGEN airdrop?

A: The EDGEN airdrop distributed 100 million EDGEN tokens (10% of total supply) to early LayerEdge contributors, including testnet users and OG Pledge Pass holders.

Q: What is airdrop in crypto and how does it work? 

A: A crypto airdrop is an activity often done by blockchain startups to help start a virtual currency project. Its goal is to spread awareness about the cryptocurrency and encourage more people to participate.

Q: What is layer edge airdrop? 

A: The LayerEdge Airdrop is an incentivized testnet program where participants can earn EDGE points by running light nodes and verifying proofs. It's split into two phases to engage and reward users for their contributions.

Q: Are crypto airdrops real? 

A: Yes, crypto airdrops are a real marketing strategy where blockchain and crypto companies give away tokens for free to users. This helps make new projects known and encourages people to join or participate in the ecosystem.

Q: What are airdrops in crypto games? 

A: In crypto games, an airdrop is when a cryptocurrency token or coin is distributed, usually for free and without being asked for, to many different wallet addresses.