26-8-2025 – Ethereum’s Proof-of-Stake network is facing unprecedented congestion, with 914,690 ETH, worth $4.03 billion, queued for exit, causing withdrawal delays of nearly 16 days, according to validator queue data. Simultaneously, 623,750 ETH, valued at $2.75 billion, awaits entry, with new validators facing a 10-day, 20-hour wait.
The exit queue surge reflects profit-taking after Ethereum’s price rallied 160% since April, prompting some stakers to cash out. Major staking platforms like Lido and Coinbase are driving much of the outflow, with Lido alone accounting for roughly 40% of the queued ETH.
However, the robust entry queue signals strong institutional interest, fueled by regulatory clarity and firms like SharpLink Gaming and BitMine Immersion aggressively accumulating and staking ETH. This dual dynamic underscores Ethereum’s evolving staking ecosystem, balancing profit-driven exits with fresh capital inflows.
Despite the backlog, Ethereum’s network remains robust, with 35.6 million ETH staked, representing nearly 30% of the total supply. Analysts suggest the exit queue may not trigger significant sell pressure, as institutional buying and anticipated spot ETH staking ETFs could absorb liquidity. However, prolonged delays could strain DeFi platforms and liquid staking tokens like stETH if congestion persists. Monitor the validator queue dynamics and ETF developments, as they will shape Ethereum’s price stability and staking trends in the coming weeks.
