Posted: December 20, 2024

• A $100 billion market cap – two crypto giants have reached it, only to fall short of holding on. 
• Does this open the door for their rivals to seize the moment and take the lead?

In the crypto market, diversification is a go-to strategy for investors managing risk, where top tokens often become the ‘next big thing’ when Bitcoin [BTC] peaks.

Since November, the landscape has shifted dramatically – some high-cap tokens soared as ‘Trump pump’ winners, climbing the ranks, while others tumbled, losing their footing.

But the story is far from over. With 2025 bringing more uncertainty, investors are likely reshuffling their portfolios as the year comes to an end. So, which high-cap token will be the next to reach a $100 billion market cap? And is now the time to seize the ‘dip’?

Breaking down the competition

Interestingly, out of the vast sea of crypto tokens, only three currently boast a market cap over $100 billion. The competition is intense, and with the market defying mainstream projections, it’s anyone’s guess whether more tokens will make the cut – or if the list will shrink even further.

Yet, a few names stand a strong chance of breaking through. With Solana [SOL] at a market cap of $93 billion and Binance Coin [BNB] just ahead at $96 billion, these two are poised to take a shot at the $100 billion mark. The real question now is: who will get there first?

But here’s the kicker. After hitting an all-time high of $264 in mid-November, Solana’s market cap soared to $125 billion. Since then, however, the market has taken a bearish turn, and SOL has been struggling to break through the $220 mark.

On the flip side, BNB had its best December yet, reaching an all-time high of $793 and pushing its market cap to $112 billion. But here’s the catch: sustaining this level has proven tough, and BNB finds itself at a crucial crossroads.

With SOL and BNB still leading the pack – and no other high-cap tokens even close to their positions – the path to $100 billion seems clear. 

But don’t get too comfortable – the November to December cycle has been anything but predictable, keeping even the most seasoned investors on their toes.

So, what comes next? Should you take the plunge and go ‘long’ on these contenders, or is the market about to surprise us all once again in 2025?

Rivals lurk, eyeing the $100 billion market cap

The crypto market is a mix of ‘winners’ and ‘underdogs.’ In November, one underdog, Ripple (XRP), made a surprising leap, breaking through two resistance levels and reaching a market cap of $130 billion.

XRP has clearly shaken up Solana’s dominance, attracting capital in ways no one expected. But the race for supremacy is far from over.

Solana, dubbed the “Ethereum Killer,” still has a strong edge with its high-speed blockchain and real-world use cases. So, calling its current downturn just a ‘blip’ might not be too far off.

Even futures traders seem to agree. Solana’s Open Interest (OI) has remained steady between $5 – $6 billion, with every price peak sparking a surge in “long” positions. 

So, if you’re betting on SOL, get ready for a test of patience. Its fundamentals are rock solid, and with years of resilience behind it, it’s still in the running to break the $100 billion market cap. 

Is your portfolio green? Check out the SOL Profit Calculator

BNB, with its near $800 breakout, is also looking strong. As for XRP, its future is uncertain. Is its recent surge a flash in the pan or the start of something bigger? We’ll find out in 2025.

Looking ahead, SOL and BNB are the front-runners to hit the $100 billion mark. With solid fundamentals backing them, now could be the perfect time to buy the “dip” — just be sure you’re in it for the long haul, not chasing short-term gains.