Web3🌗Wednesday Buzz: BlackRock's Dominance, Ronaldo's NFTs, Ripple's Generosity, and Aptos's Cat Craze!

Step into the realm of Web3 as we unveil the latest groundbreaking developments this Wednesday. Join us as we delve deeper into Ripple's philanthropic endeavors and the fascinating surge in Aptos transactions sparked by a whimsical 'Tickle-to-Earn' cat game. Explore the forefront of innovation and discovery in the cryptocurrency realm with us.

1. BlackRock's IBIT becomes the world's largest Bitcoin ETF with $20B.

BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has overtaken Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) as the world’s largest Bitcoin ETF, holding over $20 billion in assets with 288,670 Bitcoin. This surpasses GBTC’s $19.7 billion and 287,450 Bitcoin. The shift comes months after both ETFs launched amid a wave of SEC-approved Bitcoin ETFs. Investors are pivoting to BlackRock’s ETF due to its lower fees, with IBIT seeing steady inflows and GBTC experiencing outflows. BlackRock’s rise signals growing institutional demand and mainstream acceptance of Bitcoin, as legacy finance firms offer clients access to digital assets.

BlackRock Takes the Crown for the Largest Spot Bitcoin ETF From Grayscale

Inflows to IBIT have picked up recently after a dismal few weeks at the end of April. BlackRock now holds the ETF in one of its major funds.

CoinDeskShaurya Malwa

2. Cristiano Ronaldo's NFT series on Binance showcases career highlights.

Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo is launching a new NFT collection with Binance, "Forever Worldwide: The Road to Saudi Arabia," commemorating his career from Madeira to Al-Nassr FC. This collection, featuring unique designs from artists in Madeira, Lisbon, Manchester, Madrid, Turin, and Saudi Arabia, offers exclusive digital artworks and fan experiences, including in-person moments with Ronaldo in Riyadh. The first phase launched on May 29, with a second drop on June 6. Seven rare NFTs will be auctioned later in June, including exclusive rewards like vintage jerseys and personalized videos.

Cristiano Ronaldo unveils NFT series with Binance capturing career highlights

Cristiano Ronaldo teams up with Binance to launch a commemorative NFT collection celebrating his football journey from Madeira to Saudi Arabia, offering fans exclusive digital artworks and real-world rewards.

CointelegraphGareth Jenkinson

3. Ripple generously donates $25M to Fairshake crypto PAC.

Ripple has donated another $25 million to the pro-crypto political action committee, Fairshake, totaling $50 million this year. This donation aims to support crypto-friendly Congressional candidates in the 2024 elections. Ripple's contributions make up about half of Fairshake's over $100 million in fundraising, which includes support from Coinbase, Gemini, Andreessen Horowitz, and ARK Invest. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse emphasized the need to foster innovation and counter anti-crypto policies. This effort comes amid ongoing legal battles with the SEC over alleged securities law violations by Ripple.

Ripple Donates Another $25M to Crypto Super PAC Fairshake

Ripple’s new contribution to Fairshake is on top of another $25 million donation to the pro-crypto PAC in 2023.

CoinDeskCheyenne Ligon

4. 'Tickle-to-Earn' Cat Game drives huge surge in Aptos transactions.

The Aptos blockchain experienced a transaction boom, with over 115 million transactions in a day, driven by a "tickle-to-earn" cat game called Tapos. Each tickle generates a transaction, leading to a staggering increase in activity. Despite the surge, there's skepticism about the meaningfulness of these transactions, with concerns raised about gaming metrics versus building real user demand. Tapos follows the footsteps of Notcoin, a Telegram-based game that garnered millions of players earlier. As the campaign ends, users await the next steps, highlighting the evolving landscape of blockchain-based gaming and its impact on transaction volumes.

‘Tickle-to-Earn’ Cat Game Prompts Massive Spike in Aptos Transactions - Decrypt

Every time you tickle a cat, a transaction is made. This concept led to Aptos recording over 115 million transactions on Saturday alone.

DecryptRyan S. Gladwin

As we wrap up our dive into today's Web3 headlines, we're witnessing the dynamic essence of digital evolution. From BlackRock's monumental Bitcoin ETF dominance to Cristiano Ronaldo's artistic NFT saga, and Ripple's significant backing of crypto advocacy, the narrative is rich with innovation and impact. The playful surge in Aptos transactions through the "Tickle-to-Earn" phenomenon adds a delightful twist to the day's revelations. As we bid adieu to this chapter, let's remain vigilant, for in the realm of Web3, every moment unveils new possibilities. Stay tuned for further updates as we navigate the ever-unfolding saga of decentralized wonders and technological marvels.

WEB3 AI ML