- Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson predicts Ethereum won’t last another 10–15 years, citing flawed consensus, reliance on layer 2s, and weak governance.
- He argues that networks like Cardano, Solana, and Sui are better positioned for long-term success.
In a bold prediction that has reignited debate within the crypto community, Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has claimed that Ethereum will not survive the next 10 to 15 years. Speaking during a live AMA on X (formerly Twitter) on April 23, Hoskinson pointed to fundamental flaws in Ethereum’s design and governance as reasons for its potential downfall.
Hoskinson, who was once part of the Ethereum founding team, didn’t hold back. He criticized Ethereum’s current protocol and consensus model, labeling them as outdated and unfit for long-term sustainability. Despite Ethereum’s status as the second-largest blockchain by market cap, he argued that its foundation is cracking under the weight of poor choices.
A key target of his critique was Ethereum’s reliance on Layer 2 scaling solutions. While these are touted as answers to Ethereum’s scalability issues, Hoskinson believes they function more like “parasitic” systems rather than enhancements to the mainnet. He also condemned Ethereum’s use of slashing economics under its Proof-of-Stake (PoS) mechanism, warning that it discourages participation and long-term commitment.
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Perhaps most damning was his take on Ethereum’s governance—or lack thereof. Unlike Cardano’s on-chain governance model, Ethereum relies heavily on off-chain discussions, which Hoskinson sees as vulnerable and inefficient. He insists that this loose framework will prove unsustainable as the ecosystem matures and competition intensifies.
Offering solutions, Hoskinson suggested Ethereum adopt Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS), similar to the model used by the Sui network, and implement on-chain governance to empower its community. However, he acknowledged that reducing dependency on Layer 2 networks would be nearly impossible, calling it a “hostile divorce.”
Hoskinson didn’t stop at criticism. He touted Cardano’s progress as a model for how to get things right—emphasizing its robust governance, innovative sidechains like Midnight, and a more sustainable consensus structure. He also predicted that future advancements from Cardano, Solana, and even DeFi on Bitcoin could eclipse Ethereum’s dominance entirely.
In Hoskinson’s view, Ethereum may have been a trailblazer—but its refusal to evolve could make it a relic of the past.
