The LayerZero Foundation has officially launched the claim process for its native token, ZRO, marking a pivotal milestone in the evolution of one of the most widely used cross-chain interoperability protocols. Starting today at 7:00 AM Eastern Time, eligible users can begin claiming their ZRO tokens — a moment that signifies LayerZero’s transition toward becoming publicly owned, decentralized infrastructure.
With a total supply of 1 billion ZRO tokens, the distribution is carefully structured to prioritize long-term alignment with the community, developers, and ecosystem contributors. Of this supply, 38.3% is allocated directly to users, builders, and community members, reinforcing LayerZero’s commitment to decentralized governance and fair distribution.
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Initial Airdrop Distribution and Eligibility
On the first day of distribution, 85 million ZRO tokens — equivalent to 8.5% of the total supply — will be made available for claim by eligible participants. This initial release forms part of the broader community allocation, with the remainder reserved for future incentive programs, ecosystem growth initiatives, and additional snapshots.
LayerZero has confirmed that 1.28 million wallets qualify for the airdrop, based on extensive interaction with the protocol. Notably, over 6 million unique wallet addresses have engaged with LayerZero across various chains, highlighting its widespread adoption in the multi-chain ecosystem.
To ensure fairness and prevent exploitation, the foundation implemented a robust eligibility framework built around three core pillars:
- Sybil resistance mechanisms
- Request for Proposal (RFP) contributions
- Transaction-based activity thresholds
Combating Sybil Attacks
One of the biggest challenges in large-scale airdrops is preventing bad actors from gaming the system through fake identities — known as Sybil attacks. To counter this, LayerZero employed multiple layers of verification, including:
- Self-reporting tools for users to verify genuine activity
- Bounty programs to identify fraudulent accounts
- Partnerships with leading on-chain security firms
These measures helped filter out illegitimate claims and ensured that rewards were directed toward authentic contributors who have meaningfully interacted with the protocol.
Token Allocation Breakdown
LayerZero’s tokenomics are designed to balance immediate community incentives with long-term sustainability. Here's how the total supply is allocated:
- 38.3% – Community & Ecosystem: Includes airdrops, future user distributions, developer grants, and community initiatives
- 32.2% – Strategic Partners: Reserved for key collaborators across DeFi, NFTs, and infrastructure; subject to a 3-year vesting schedule (1-year cliff + 24-month linear unlock)
- 25.5% – Core Contributors: Allocated to founding team members and early developers; also under 3-year vesting
- 3% – Request for Proposals (RFP): Distributed to 211 approved proposals that contributed innovative improvements to the protocol
Additionally, LayerZero has repurchased 40 million ZRO tokens to be used exclusively for community treasury purposes, further emphasizing its dedication to decentralized growth.
How Airdrop Claims Are Weighted
Eligible users who transacted on the LayerZero protocol prior to the snapshot date can claim tokens based on their usage intensity. Specifically, allocations are weighted by the amount of protocol fees paid, ensuring that the most active participants receive proportionally larger rewards.
Each qualifying user will receive a minimum of 25 ZRO, with a maximum cap of 5,000 ZRO per wallet. This tiered approach balances inclusivity with merit-based distribution.
Any unclaimed tokens at the end of the claim period will be redistributed among those who successfully claimed under the core allocation, maximizing utility and minimizing waste.
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Governance and the Future of LayerZero
Holding ZRO isn’t just about ownership — it’s about influence. Token holders will gain voting rights over critical protocol parameters, including the ability to vote on whether to activate or deactivate protocol fee collection.
This governance function is enforced through an immutable voting contract, which mandates public, on-chain referendums every six months. This ensures transparency, reduces centralization risks, and empowers the community to shape LayerZero’s future direction.
“The launch of ZRO represents a foundational step toward making LayerZero truly public infrastructure,” the foundation stated in its official announcement. “While the distribution may not be perfect, we believe it’s right — rewarding persistent users in a way that aligns them with the long-term success of the protocol.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does the ZRO airdrop claim start?
The claim portal opened on June 20, 2025, at 7:00 AM Eastern Time. Eligible users can now log in via the official LayerZero portal to check their status and claim tokens.
How do I know if I’m eligible for the ZRO airdrop?
You can use the LayerZero eligibility checker tool to verify if your wallet qualifies. Eligibility is based on transaction history, Sybil resistance filters, and participation in approved RFPs.
What can I do with ZRO tokens once claimed?
ZRO holders can participate in protocol governance, vote on fee switches, and potentially stake or delegate tokens in future upgrades. It also serves as a recognition of early contribution to the network.
Are there any fees to claim my ZRO tokens?
There are no fees charged by LayerZero for claiming your tokens. However, standard network gas fees apply when interacting with the blockchain during the claim process.
What happens to unclaimed ZRO tokens?
Unclaimed tokens will be reallocated to users who successfully claimed under the core distribution, ensuring they remain within the active community rather than being lost or hoarded.
Is ZRO available on exchanges yet?
As of launch, ZRO is not immediately listed on major exchanges. Trading availability will depend on market demand and exchange listing decisions following the initial distribution.
Final Thoughts: A New Chapter for Cross-Chain Interoperability
The rollout of ZRO marks more than just a token launch — it symbolizes a shift toward community-owned infrastructure in the decentralized web. By rewarding real usage and resisting short-term farming exploits, LayerZero sets a new standard for how protocols can fairly distribute value.
With strong governance mechanics, transparent allocation, and a focus on long-term alignment, ZRO is positioned to become a cornerstone asset in the multi-chain future.
Whether you're a developer building on LayerZero, a user bridging assets across chains, or an observer tracking Web3 innovation, this moment underscores the growing power of decentralized ecosystems shaped by their communities.
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