OKX to Distribute STRK Airdrop Tokens to Users Who Staked ETH Before the Ethereum Merge

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The cryptocurrency exchange OKX has announced a significant airdrop initiative targeting users who participated in Ethereum (ETH) staking prior to the historic Ethereum Merge. These users will receive Starknet’s native token, STRK, as part of a broader effort to reward early contributors to Ethereum's transition to proof-of-stake and support ecosystem growth.

This move underscores the increasing importance of user engagement and loyalty within blockchain ecosystems, particularly around major network upgrades. The STRK airdrop is not just a reward—it's a strategic step toward decentralization and long-term platform sustainability.

Understanding the STRK Airdrop Eligibility

To qualify for the STRK airdrop, users must have staked ETH on the OKX platform before the Ethereum Merge was completed. The Merge, which occurred in September 2022, marked Ethereum’s shift from a proof-of-work to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. This pivotal upgrade drastically reduced energy consumption and laid the foundation for future scalability improvements.

Only those who used OKX’s ETH staking service before this transition are eligible. No additional registration or claim action is required—the tokens will be automatically credited to users’ funding accounts.

👉 Discover how early participation in ETH staking can lead to unexpected rewards like this STRK airdrop.

Distribution Timeline and Process

OKX confirms that the STRK token distribution will occur within 15 business days following the official token release by the Starknet Foundation on February 20, 2025, at 20:00 UTC. Once processed, users can view their received STRK tokens directly in their OKX funding accounts.

This seamless delivery method eliminates friction often associated with airdrops, such as manual claims, wallet connections, or missed deadlines. By automating the process, OKX ensures that eligible users receive their rewards without complications.

While full allocation details and calculation methods will be shared in a follow-up announcement, the current focus remains on transparency and timely execution.

What Is Starknet and Why Does STRK Matter?

Starknet is a Layer 2 scaling solution built on Ethereum, leveraging zero-knowledge rollup (zk-rollup) technology to enable high-throughput, low-cost transactions while maintaining Ethereum’s security guarantees. As Ethereum continues to grow, Layer 2 networks like Starknet play a crucial role in addressing congestion and high gas fees.

The STRK token serves multiple functions within the Starknet ecosystem:

This utility-driven design positions STRK as more than just a speculative asset—it’s a foundational component of Starknet’s decentralized future.

Why Early ETH Stakers Are Being Rewarded

The decision to reward pre-Merge ETH stakers reflects a growing trend in blockchain: acknowledging early adopters and contributors. These users took on technical and financial risks during Ethereum’s most uncertain phase, helping secure the network when participation was low and outcomes were unclear.

By targeting this specific group, both Starknet and OKX are reinforcing community trust and encouraging continued involvement in next-generation blockchain platforms. It also sets a precedent for future ecosystem incentives—proving that long-term engagement can yield tangible benefits beyond simple staking returns.

👉 Learn how platforms like OKX are shaping the future of user rewards in Web3.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who qualifies for the STRK airdrop on OKX?

Users who staked ETH via OKX before the Ethereum Merge in September 2022 are eligible. Participation must have been completed through the OKX platform; external staking does not qualify.

Do I need to claim the STRK tokens manually?

No. The STRK tokens will be automatically distributed to your OKX funding account within 15 business days after February 20, 2025. There is no need to perform any action.

When will I receive my STRK tokens?

Distribution begins after February 20, 2025, at 20:00 UTC, and all eligible users should receive their tokens within 15 business days of that date.

Can I sell or trade the STRK tokens once received?

Yes. Once credited to your funding account, STRK tokens can be traded, withdrawn, or held according to your investment strategy, subject to market availability and exchange support.

Is there a minimum staking amount required to qualify?

The official minimum threshold has not yet been disclosed. OKX will release detailed eligibility criteria in a follow-up announcement.

What should I do if I don’t see my airdrop?

If you believe you qualify but do not receive the airdrop within the stated timeframe, contact OKX customer support with proof of your pre-Merge ETH staking activity for verification.

Strategic Implications for the Broader Crypto Ecosystem

This airdrop highlights a maturing approach to user incentives in decentralized networks. Rather than distributing tokens randomly or solely based on recent activity, projects like Starknet are recognizing historical contributions that helped stabilize and grow foundational blockchains like Ethereum.

It also strengthens the relationship between centralized platforms (like OKX) and decentralized protocols (like Starknet). By acting as intermediaries that track and verify user behavior, exchanges enable fair and accurate reward distribution—bridging two worlds often seen as opposing forces.

Moreover, such initiatives promote financial inclusivity, allowing everyday users—not just developers or whales—to benefit from ecosystem growth.

👉 See how OKX continues to integrate with emerging blockchain ecosystems to deliver real value to users.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Airdrops and User Incentives

The STRK airdrop for pre-Merge ETH stakers sets a powerful precedent. It signals that meaningful participation—especially during critical network transitions—can lead to long-term rewards. As more Layer 2 solutions and ZK-based protocols emerge, expect similar recognition programs that honor early support and technical commitment.

For users, this reinforces the importance of staying informed and engaged. Simple actions today—like staking ETH or interacting with new dApps—could unlock unexpected opportunities tomorrow.

As the crypto landscape evolves, platforms like OKX are playing an increasingly vital role in connecting users with these opportunities—automating access, ensuring fairness, and expanding access to next-generation digital assets.

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