WalletConnect designed WCT’s rollout as a multi-season community distribution with measurable levers: identify power users, reward early integrators, and then open staking to secure the Relay Network. The Season 1 airdrop and scoring mechanics were explicit about rewarding active wallets, dApp integrators, and node contributors not just random claimants which builds a utility-first user base rather than pure speculative holders. That methodical onboarding strengthens governance legitimacy and aligns incentives early.
Staking mechanics started late 2024, with rewards and distribution windows structured to encourage long-term participation and operational contribution. WalletConnect’s docs explain eligibility, lockups, and reward periods so node operators and hodlers can model expected yield and participation effects. This operational clarity reduces guesswork and helps integrators plan for custody and liquidity needs. For operators, it’s a commercial proposition: stake, run relays, earn rewards, and shape policy via governance.
Why traders should care: staking and staking-backed utility create real token sinks. When the network charges relay fees or requires operator deposits, $WCT moves from passive speculative inventory into active economic roles. Monitor staking totals, node growth, and airdrop claim rates; these are the leading signals that determine if $WCT demand is driven by network utility rather than short-term trading flows. Recent coverage also shows growing exchange support and multichain rollouts, which improves on/off-ramp liquidity an important piece of the adoption puzzle.
