Is Bitcoin Still the King?

Crypto Race 2026 — Intermediate Checkpoint (March 7)

The race is on.

Since January 3rd, 2026 — 00:01, several crypto networks have been competing in a simple experiment:

Which networks can actually beat Bitcoin over time?

To explore this question, we launched a straightforward comparison.
Each asset starts with the same capital:

$1,000.

From that moment, we track how each portfolio evolves over time.

Unlike many superficial comparisons in crypto, our model also integrates staking rewards whenever they exist, allowing a more realistic representation of long-term holding performance.

Bitcoin itself is not treated as a purely passive asset in this framework. In our model, BTC benefits from an estimated 0.95% APR via non-custodial Bitcoin staking through Babylon, allowing a fairer comparison with Proof-of-Stake networks.

If you want to understand the full methodology behind this experiment:

🇬🇧 Full methodology
https://www.snow-fall.io/bitcoin-is-still-the-king-but-which-networks-can-actually-beat-the-king/

Intermediate Checkpoint — March 7, 2026

After a little more than two months of racing, a first ranking is starting to emerge.

Here is the current value of each portfolio:

🥇 AKT — $931.70
🥈 ATOM — $862.97
🥉 BTC — $758.26

The rest of the pack follows:

4 — TAO : $716.55
5 — ALGO : $671.68
6 — AVAX : $660.75
7 — ETH : $636.71
8 — OSMO : $634.20

None of the portfolios have yet returned to their initial $1,000 starting point, indicating that the period observed so far has been relatively challenging for the broader market.

The data reveals a generalized correction phase since late January, but some networks are clearly proving more resilient than others. AKT stands out as the most resilient asset so far, while ATOM maintains a solid second position ahead of Bitcoin.

At this stage of the race, a leading trio is clearly emerging from the pack.

AKT — The Quiet Outsider

Currently leading the race is Akash (AKT).

This result may surprise some observers, as AKT tends to receive less mainstream attention than many larger crypto networks.

Yet in this simulation, the decentralized cloud network is showing remarkable resilience.

Without generating excessive hype, AKT currently holds first place in the intermediate ranking.

It’s a reminder that in crypto markets, strong performers are not always the most talked about assets.

ATOM — Not So Dead After All

Second place goes to Cosmos Hub (ATOM).

In recent months, some commentators have repeatedly declared ATOM “dead” or strategically lost.

The numbers tell a slightly different story.

Within this simulation, ATOM maintains a strong second position, ahead of several major crypto assets.

Despite ongoing debates around governance and long-term direction, the Cosmos ecosystem is clearly still in the race.

Bitcoin Remains on the Podium

Of course, no discussion about this race would be complete without Bitcoin.

Despite recent market volatility, BTC remains on the podium, holding third place.

This highlights one of Bitcoin’s long-standing characteristics:

Bitcoin is not always the most explosive asset…

but it remains remarkably difficult to beat over time.

Its global liquidity, institutional adoption, and role as a digital reserve asset continue to give it exceptional staying power.

The Race Is Far From Over

This is only an intermediate snapshot.

The 2026 race is still long, and rankings can change quickly.

Market cycles, capital flows, technological developments, or new narratives could easily reshape the leaderboard in the coming months.

Crypto history has shown repeatedly that momentum can shift rapidly.

Next Step — Expanding the Divisions

For now, this ranking only includes Category 1 assets from our ecosystem classification.

In the coming weeks we will gradually introduce:

• projects from Category 2,
• or potentially a dedicated ranking for that division.

The goal is to eventually build a complete view of all divisions within the Snow-Fall ecosystem, allowing performance comparisons across different categories of networks.

Much like a sports championship, each division will have its own ranking — before potentially building a final global leaderboard.