CoinMarketCap analyzes the top 10 cryptocurrencies with the highest gains as Q3 concludes. The 2021 bull run was fueled by Ethereum 2.0, institutional Bitcoin adoption, and the rise of DeFi and NFTs. Despite a May downturn, the market rebounded strongly by July, with NFTs dominating headlines—OpenSea alone recorded over $3 billion in August trades.
Investors should research trends to identify why certain projects outperformed the market. Early investments in these top performers could have yielded life-changing returns. Below are the biggest winners (data as of September 2021), but remember: always conduct your own research (DYOR) before investing.
1. Ecomi (OMI) +15,034.09%
Ecomi operates a marketplace for licensed digital collectibles on the GoChain blockchain via its VeVe app. Partners include Marvel, DC, and Star Trek.
Key Features:
- AR-enabled virtual showrooms
- Life-sized digital collectibles
👉 Discover how Ecomi compares to other NFT platforms
$1,000 invested in January 2021 = $150,340 by September.
2. Gala (GALA) +10,891.26%
Gala Games focuses on player-owned blockchain games like Town Star and NFT series VOX.
Highlights:
- Founder’s Nodes let players vote on game development
- 1.3M monthly active users
$1,000 invested = $108,912 profit.
3. Axie Infinity (AXS) +10,598.52%
A Pokémon-inspired NFT game driving the Play-to-Earn (P2E) trend.
Why It Surged:
- Governance token (AXS) used for staking and in-game purchases
- Viral adoption in the Philippines
$1,000 invested = $105,985 profit.
4. Telcoin (TEL) +9,597.44%
A cross-border remittance platform partnering with telecom providers like GCash.
Expansion:
- Services in 15+ markets (El Salvador, Uganda, etc.)
$1,000 invested = $95,974 profit.
5. Solana (SOL) +7,998.67%
Ethereum alternative with 50K TPS speed.
Innovation:
- Proof-of-History (PoH) consensus
- SOL used for staking and payments
$1,000 invested = $79,987 profit.
6. Fantom (FTM) +7,155.14%
Scalable Layer 1 platform blending blockchain and DAG tech.
Use Case:
- FTM token for staking and governance
$1,000 invested = $71,551 profit.
7. Polygon (MATIC) +6,805.13%
Ethereum’s "Internet of Blockchains" for low-cost transactions.
Growth Drivers:
- Layer-2 scaling solutions
- Interoperability focus
$1,000 invested = $68,051 profit.
8. Rari Governance Token (RGT) +5,491.43%
Governance token for Rari Capital’s DeFi robo-advisor.
Utility:
- Voting rights and yield opportunities
$1,000 invested = $54,914 profit.
9. BAO Token (BAO) +5,279.38%
Synthetic assets protocol with community-driven governance.
Fair Distribution:
- Tokens only via farming
$1,000 invested = $52,794 profit.
10. Verasity (VRA) +5,200.33%
Decentralized video platform rewarding creators/viewers.
Features:
- Ad fraud prevention
- Integrated wallet
$1,000 invested = $52,003 profit.
Honorable Mentions
- Terra (LUNA): Algorithmic stablecoins (+5,071%).
- Dogecoin (DOGE): Meme coin with merchant adoption (+3,855%).
- PancakeSwap (CAKE): BSC-based DEX (+2,963%).
👉 Explore more high-potential altcoins
FAQ
What drives crypto price surges?
Bull markets, utility, and community support. Projects like Axie Infinity and Solana solved real problems (scalability, P2E gaming).
How to identify early winners?
- Track social media (Twitter, Discord).
- Analyze whitepapers and partnerships.
- Look for low-cap gems with active development.
Are meme coins worth investing in?
While DOGE/SHIB gained traction, utility-focused projects typically offer steadier long-term growth.
Key Takeaways
- NFTs and Gaming dominated 2021 (Ecomi, Axie).
- Layer-1/Layer-2 solutions (Solana, Polygon) addressed Ethereum’s limitations.
- DYOR is critical—verify claims and avoid hype.
Disclaimer: Not financial advice. Prices are volatile; invest responsibly.
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👉 [Discover how Ecomi compares to other NFT platforms](https://www.okx.com/join/BLOCKSTAR)