Vitalik Buterin's Net Worth Surpasses $1B as Ethereum Eyes Critical Resistance Zone

The crypto community is buzzing as Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin’s portfolio has crossed the $1 billion milestone, signaling renewed confidence in the second-largest digital asset. Buterin’s holdings, primarily consisting of 240,042 ETH valued at approximately $1 billion, alongside other token positions including KNC, WETH, and TRUE, underscore the market’s bullish momentum heading into 2026.

Market Momentum Building Around ETH

Ethereum itself is trading near pivotal technical levels, sitting just 14% below its November 2021 all-time high of $4,891. The recent daily close at $4,259 marks the strongest finish in over three years, capturing the attention of both retail traders and institutional players. With a 24-hour gain of approximately 0.92%, ETH’s current market structure continues to reflect steady accumulation rather than speculative excess.

The asset’s market capitalization now stands at $378.24 billion, having already surpassed traditional financial giants like Mastercard. This milestone underscores Ethereum’s increasing relevance beyond the crypto sphere, competing for capital allocation against established corporate valuations globally.

Technical Setup: Breaking $4,288 Could Unlock Further Upside

From a technical perspective, the charts present a compelling scenario. ETH is approaching the $4,288 resistance level—a zone that has historically served as a key decision point. A sustained break above this threshold could catalyze a drive toward the $5,000 region, potentially rekindling retail interest and triggering algorithmic buy orders.

Arkham data reveals a tightening market structure, with Ethereum consistently printing higher lows since the 2022 bottom. The RSI remains positioned in bullish territory, while volume metrics continue to support sustained buying pressure. Equally important, whale wallets have maintained their positions without triggering major liquidation cascades, suggesting conviction among large stakeholders.

Spot Demand Remains the Story

Unlike previous cycles dominated by leverage and derivatives, the current rally appears underpinned by genuine spot demand. This organic accumulation—evident in Vitalik Buterin’s maintained holdings and stable whale positioning—provides a more durable foundation for price appreciation.

The convergence of positive on-chain metrics, technical setup alignment, and strong stakeholder conviction positions Ethereum at an inflection point. Whether the asset breaks through the $4,288 level decisively will likely define the near-term narrative for the entire altcoin complex.