Ethereum, the pioneer of decentralised finance (DeFi), is igniting excitement across the cryptosphere as it celebrates its 10th anniversary with a groundbreaking initiative: the Ethereum Torch NFT.
Launched on July 21, 2025, this symbolic non-fungible token (NFT) honours a decade of innovation, community, and decentralisation.
Consequently, Ethereum’s NFT market is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, with July sales soaring to $188 million, a four-month high that outpaces March ($125M), April ($101M), May ($138M), and June ($100M).
Moreover, with Ethereum’s cumulative NFT sales already surpassing $46 billion, speculation is rife about whether the Torch NFT will propel the platform past the $50 billion milestone by year’s end.
Simultaneously, ETH, Ethereum’s native cryptocurrency, has surged over 100% since April 1, 2025, further fuelling optimism.
In this article, CryptoGuide GH explores how the Torch NFT initiative, coupled with Ethereum’s robust market performance, is reshaping the blockchain-based economy.
Ethereum’s journey and transformation in the crypto world
In 2015, Ethereum emerged as a pioneering force, introducing smart contracts and decentralised applications (dApps) that redefined blockchain technology. Now, a decade later, the Ethereum Foundation is commemorating this milestone with the Torch NFT. This is a digital emblem of the platform’s ethos.
Starting with co-founder Joseph Lubin, the Torch is passed wallet-to-wallet daily among prominent community figures, symbolising shared stewardship.
By July 30, 2025, the Torch will be ceremonially burnt, marking the end of Ethereum’s first chapter. Subsequently, a commemorative NFT will be available for public minting, inviting thousands to claim a piece of this historic moment.
This initiative, announced via Ethereum’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, underscores the platform’s commitment to inclusivity and transparency.
As a result, the crypto community is buzzing with enthusiasm, with social media platforms like Discord and X amplifying discussions about the Torch’s symbolism.
Ethereum NFT sales are rebounding strongly
Meanwhile, Ethereum’s NFT market is thriving. July’s $188 million in sales reflects a 300% surge from two weeks prior, when trading volumes languished at $18.3 million.
This rally signals renewed confidence in Ethereum-based NFTs, driven by high-profile purchases such as a whale’s $8.5 million acquisition of 48 CryptoPunks.
Pudgy Penguins and Moonbirds gain traction, with Moonbirds’ floor price surging 51% in June, boosting Ethereum’s NFT market.
Unlike 2024, when NFT trading volumes fell 18% year-over-year (YoY), 2025 is witnessing a robust recovery. Ethereum-based projects accounted for $75 million of last week’s $140 million total NFT trading volume across all blockchains, reinforcing Ethereum’s market dominance.
Analysts predict Torch NFT’s cultural impact may drive Ethereum’s NFT sales past $50 billion by 2026, especially with July 30 minting surge.
Ether (ETH) price seeing substantial spike
In addition, Ether’s price performance is bolstering this momentum. Since April 1, 2025, ETH has skyrocketed over 100%, climbing from $1,823 to $3,793 by July’s end.
During Q2 2025 alone, ETH rose 36%, closing at $2,486. This surge, coupled with a market cap exceeding $458 billion, reflects growing adoption of Ethereum’s Layer 2 solutions and institutional interest via ETH-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
For instance, Cboe BZX’s recent filing for a Canary Capital ETF tied to Pudgy Penguins underscores Ethereum’s appeal to traditional finance.
Technical indicators, with an RSI of 87.80 and bullish MACD crossover, signal strong upward momentum for Ethereum.
As a result, analysts like those at Changelly believe ETH could reach or surpass its all-time high (ATH) peak of $4,891 in 2021.
ETH may average $6,124, with a minimum of $5,907 and a potential high of $7,194 by 2025’s end.
Ethereum faces challenges
Challenges loom for all projects operating within the highly volatile world of digital currencies. Competition from blockchains like Solana, with its low fees and high transaction speeds, threatens Ethereum’s NFT dominance.
Solana briefly outperformed Ethereum in January 2024, and its Firedancer upgrade, targeting 100,000 transactions per second, could intensify this rivalry. Nevertheless, Ethereum’s upcoming Fusaka upgrade in November 2025 aims to enhance scalability and efficiency, potentially countering these threats.
Regulatory uncertainties may also affect market sentiment, especially those arising from the recent U.S. administration. Despite these risks, Ethereum’s robust ecosystem, bolstered by DeFi and dApps, positions it to maintain its edge.
Will NFT Sales Surpass $50 Billion?
In conclusion, Ethereum’s Torch NFT launch is a brilliant move that seamlessly integrates cultural symbolism with market momentum.
By celebrating a decade of innovation, Ethereum is not only honouring its past but also igniting its future.
Ethereum’s NFT sales hit a four-month high, with ETH soaring over 100% in 100 days, signaling a landmark year.
Ethereum’s Torch NFT launch ignites community excitement, potentially driving NFT sales beyond $50 billion, illuminating the blockchain’s next chapter.
Thus, Ethereum continues to be a dominant force in the blockchain-based economy, demonstrating its unwavering fire.
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