The year 2024 was a landmark for the cryptocurrency market. Bitcoin reached a new all-time high, driven by the approval of spot ETFs in the U.S. and a surge in investor interest following Donald Trump’s election. However, some assets delivered even more impressive returns. Here’s an overview of the year’s top-performing crypto assets according to Decrypt.

Pepe (PEPE): The Meme Token’s Surge

The meme token Pepe, based on the internet meme “Pepe the Frog,” soared by 1,492% this year. Its market capitalization grew from $590.8 million in January to $9.4 billion in December. This growth made Pepe the 28th largest token by market cap. Its success is attributed to its popularity among traders and the characteristic volatility of meme tokens.

Sui (SUI): The Altcoin King

Launched in 2023, Sui (SUI) demonstrated a 1,193% increase, reaching a market cap of nearly $12 billion. Developed by former Meta engineers, this blockchain has established a strong presence in the decentralized finance (DeFi) community. SUI now ranks 18th among cryptocurrencies by market cap.

MicroStrategy (MSTR): The Bitcoin Stock

MicroStrategy, heavily investing in Bitcoin since 2020, achieved record results. Its stock value increased by 464%, outperforming even giants like Nvidia. This transformation has positioned MicroStrategy as a symbol of a “Bitcoin treasury company.”

Dogecoin (DOGE): Back to Its Roots

Initially created as a joke, Dogecoin has become the seventh-largest cryptocurrency by market cap. Its value grew by 342%, reaching $45.9 billion. Much of DOGE’s success can be attributed to Elon Musk, who frequently referenced the token in connection with his platform X (formerly Twitter).

XRP: Regulatory Victory

XRP climbed to fourth place by market cap, increasing it by 286% — from $34 billion to $131.2 billion. A court ruling in Ripple’s favor in its dispute with the SEC boosted confidence in the token, setting a significant precedent for the industry.

BlackRock iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT): ETF Leader

BlackRock launched one of the most successful Bitcoin ETFs, attracting $50 billion in assets in just 228 days. This achievement set a historic benchmark for the market, providing traditional investors with an easy way to gain cryptocurrency exposure.

Conclusion

The year 2024 showcased the continued evolution of the cryptocurrency market, offering not only Bitcoin’s growth but also remarkable performances from other assets. Innovations, strategic decisions by companies, and institutional support played crucial roles in these successes. What will 2025 bring? Only time will tell.