Espresso network launches ESP token with 10% airdrop amid Ethereum layer-2 debate. The network transitioned to proof-of-stake and coincides with the rollout of the ESP token, which is used for staking, securing the network and protocol participation. Updated Feb 12, 2026, 7:56 a.m. Published Feb 12, 2026, 4:00 a.m. * The Espresso Network will transition to a permissionless proof-of-stake blockchain with the launch of its ESP token, opening participation in securing the network and distributing a community airdrop representing 10% of total supply. * The transition coincides with the rollout of the ESP token, which is used for staking, securing the network and protocol participation. The Espresso Foundation said the total supply is 3.59 billion ESP, with 10% allocated to a fully unlocked community airdrop aimed at early ecosystem participants and users of Espresso-integrated rollups. The Espresso Network has launched its ESP token, opening participation in securing the network and distributing a community airdrop representing 10% of total supply. STORY CONTINUES BELOW The network will eventually transition to a permissionless proof-of-stake model in a few weeks, which follows the rollout of the ESP token, used for staking, securing the network and protocol participation. The Espresso Foundation said the total supply is 3.59 billion ESP, with 10% allocated to a fully unlocked community airdrop aimed at early ecosystem participants and users of Espresso-integrated rollups. "There were various ways of determining who was eligible," Espresso Systems CEO and co-founder Ben Fisch told CoinDesk in an interview. "The idea here is to get the token circulating among members of our extended community, but also to reward early participation and adoption of the Espresso network." The foundation said additional token supply has been allocated to contributors, investors, future ecosystem incentives and long-term network sustainability, with most allocations subject to vesting. Espresso acts as a coordination and finality layer for rollups, which operate as independent execution environments. Fisch said the network is designed specifically to serve layer-2 blockchains rather than compete with them at the execution layer. "Layer-2s need only one thing from a layer-1, which is finality," Fisch said. "How well a layer-1 provides services to a layer-2 is measured in two things, how secure that blockchain and how fast it can provide finality." "Unlike Ethereum, or any other existing layer-1s, it is designed for layer-2s," he added. "It doesn't compete with L2s. It's designed for L2s." Espresso currently finalizes rollup blocks in about six seconds on average, compared with Ethereum's 12-minute-plus finality window (finalizing blocks means that they become immutable). That gap, Fisch argued, has become a structural bottleneck as applications and liquidity spread across multiple rollups rather than remaining concentrated on a single chain. "Fast finality isn't a nice-to-have for rollups," Fisch said. "It's the missing piece that transforms isolated chains into a unified, composable ecosystem." The launch comes as the Ethereum ecosystem debates the future role of layer-2 networks, following recent comments from Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin suggesting the network may eventually pivot away from an L2-centric roadmap as improvements to Ethereum's base layer reduce the need for rollups as a scaling solution. That debate has raised broader questions about whether layer-2 networks are extensions of Ethereum or independent blockchains in their own right, and whether infrastructure designed primarily to scale Ethereum will remain relevant as the base layer becomes faster and cheaper. As Ethereum's long-term scaling strategy comes under renewed scrutiny, Espresso is betting that demand for application-specific rollups, particularly from institutions and consumer platforms, will continue to grow regardless of Ethereum's roadmap. CORRECTION (Feb 12 2026, 15:55 UTC): Updates story to say the network will transition to a proof-of-stake blockchain in the next few weeks. More For You Accelerating Convergence Between Traditional and On-Chain Finance in 2026? Jan 30, 2026 Sharplink's Lubin and Chalom make their case for ether DATs as prices plunge 3 hours ago At a panel discussion at Consensus Hong Kong 2026 featuring Sharplink Gaming Chairman Joe Lubin and CEO Joseph Chalom, the two executives outlined how digital asset treasuries are evolving into a distinct institutional strategy. What to know: * As institutional adoption of digital assets matures, a new corporate playbook is emerging: treat ether not just as an investment, but as productive financial infrastructure. * At a panel discussion at Consensus Hong Kong 2026 featuring Sharplink Gaming (SBET) Chairman Joe Lubin and CEO Joseph Chalom, the two executives outlined how DATs are evolving into a distinct institutional strategy.

Espresso is the 6th Pre-TGE event on Binance - Prime Sale Edition: participation guide. * Espresso is the 6th project offered via Binance Wallet's Pre-TGE prime sale edition. * Traders who hold Binance Alpha Points can lock BNB to participate and receive $ESP tokens at its TGE. * Eligible traders who want to participate in the TGE event can subscribe between 08:00 and 10:00 (UTC) on February 10, 2026. Binance has officially announced Espresso (ESP) as its 6th Pre-TGE (Token Generation Event) Prime Sale Edition. Espresso arrives on Binance as a high-profile infrastructure project that is building the base layer for rollups. The Espresso Pre-TGE Prime Sale Edition event offers Binance users a unique opportunity to acquire tokens before their official launch. Eligible traders holding Binance Alpha Points will be able to subscribe for this event between 08:00 and 10:00 (UTC) on January 29. If you are interested in opportunities like these, Binance also offers other exciting reward programs. If you are creating a new account, you can receive $100 worth of USDT and 10% trading fee rebates if you sign up with the Binance Referral Code: O0BTS35. What is Espresso? Before putting your capital behind a project, it's important to understand what it is about. Espresso Systems, or simply Espresso, is building the base layer for Rollups. The Espresso Sequencer, which is being built, acts as a decentralized shared sequencing layer designed to solve the fragmentation and centralization in the Ethereum rollup ecosystem. * The Problem: Fragmented Rollups: Currently, most Layer 2s (like Arbitrum, Optimism, and Base) use "centralized sequencers." This means a single entity decides the order of transactions. The centralization also makes it slow and cumbersome to move assets between chains. * The Solution: The Espresso Sequencer: Espresso acts as a "common coordinator." By providing a shared sequencing marketplace, it allows different rollups to coordinate their transaction ordering. The interoperability of Espresso means it enables faster, more seamless cross-chain interactions. It also removes the reliance on a single sequencer, enhancing security. Espresso is positioned as the "glue" for the modular future of Ethereum. As a result, the project has received backing from the likes of Electric Capital and Sequoia and also partnered with Polygon Labs and Offchain Labs. Tokenomics: how Espresso is structured. The $ESP token is the native token of Espresso Systems. It is used for protocol fees and staking. There are a total of 3.59 billion $ESP tokens. * TGE supply: 14.5% - 520M * TGE Airdrop 10% - 359M * Binance sale 1.5% - 53.85M This means that Binance users who participate in the Espresso Pre-TGE will share in a pool of 53.85 million $ESP tokens. How to participate in the Espresso Pre-TGE. The subscription window for the 6th Pre-TGE announced by Binance, Espresso, is between 08:00 and 10:00 (UTC) on February 10. You need to hold a minimum amount of Binance Alpha Points (APs) to qualify for this event. Binance will announce how many APs you need to hold before the event. If you meet the minimum requirement, do the following to participate in the $Espresso Pre-TGE: Step 1: prepare your Binance Web3 Wallet. The Prime Sale does not happen on the main Binance exchange interface. It happens inside the Binance Web3 Wallet. * Ensure your wallet is "Backed Up" (either via Cloud or Keyless). * Navigate to the [Web3] tab -> [Discover] -> [Alpha Events]. Step 2: The BNB requirement. While points grant eligibility, BNB is the currency used for the subscription. * Most Prime Sales cap individual participation at 3 to 6 BNB. * The BNB must be in your Binance Web3 Wallet on the BNB Smart Chain (BSC). * If your BNB is on the exchange, use the "Transfer" function within the Web3 wallet to move it from "Spot" to "Web3" instantly. Step 3: the subscription window. The Espresso event is scheduled for February 10, 2026, from 12:00 to 14:00 (UTC). * This is a narrow 2-hour window. Set an alarm. * Open the Event Portal, click "Commit BNB," and enter the maximum amount allowed for your account. Step 4: claiming your "Key" Once the window closes at 14:00 UTC, the system calculates the allocation. * Return to the portal after the calculation is complete (usually 1-2 hours later). * You will see your allocated $ESP amount and your BNB refund. * Action Required: You must click "Claim" to receive an on-chain Key on the BNB Smart Chain. This Key is non-tradable; it is your "receipt" for the airdrop. This system aims to balance fair access with protection against whale dominance and bot participation. You will not be able to trade the ESP tokens after the Pre-TGE. The Espresso Foundation determines when the lock-up will end. When it is lifted, you can trade the $ESP tokens on Binance. Conclusion. Espresso is not just another DeFi protocol. It is building core infrastructure. By securing a spot in the 6th Pre-TGE Prime Sale, you are positioning yourself at the ground floor of the "Shared Sequencer" narrative. The Espresso is launching in a sector many experts believe will be a top performer in the 2026 modular cycle. However, as always, do your own research before jumping in. Omorogie Prince Alele is a tech enthusiast and crypto savant dedicated to making the decentralized revolution accessible to everyone. He guides newcomers through blockchain, gaming, DeFi, and Web3 with clear and concise writing, removing complexity and noise to show how decentralized technology is transforming lives today.