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- Nailwal criticizes Ethereum leadership for ignoring Polygon’s contributions.
- Buterin acknowledges Polygon’s impact but cites missing layer 2 proof system.
- Industry figures suggest Polygon explore alternative networks like Solana.
Polygon co-founder and CEO Sandeep Nailwal has publicly criticized Ethereum’s leadership for failing to recognize Polygon as a legitimate Ethereum layer 2. Nailwal highlighted Polygon’s contributions to Ethereum’s ecosystem, stating that despite supporting Ethereum, Polygon has received little support in return.
“In fact, the reverse,” Nailwal said in a recent post on X, claiming that his loyalty to Ethereum may have cost Polygon billions in potential valuation by not branding itself as a layer 1 blockchain. He added that the Ethereum community “needs to take a hard look at itself,” describing the environment as a “shit show for quite some time.”
Read this from Peter and realized that it's time for me to also speak up.
— Sandeep | CEO, Polygon Foundation (※,※) (@sandeepnailwal) October 20, 2025
NGL, I’ve started questioning my loyalty toward Ethereum. I did not come into crypto because of Bitcoin but because of Ethereum. I also have a lot of gratitude toward @VitalikButerin — someone I looked up… https://t.co/yrcrGEwXs8
Vitalik Buterin Acknowledges Polygon’s Impact
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin responded by acknowledging Polygon’s achievements. He highlighted the network’s hosting of Polymarket, the largest prediction market platform, and its advancements in zk-EVM technology. Buterin also praised Nailwal for his philanthropic efforts with CryptoRelief, which funds biomedical research and infrastructure in India.
However, Buterin emphasized that Polygon still lacks the full proof system required for Ethereum layer 2s, pointing out that the technology exists and could be implemented at low cost. Despite this, the acknowledgment signals a partial recognition of Polygon’s role in Ethereum’s ecosystem.
Industry Reactions and Future Possibilities
Nailwal’s critique reflects broader dissatisfaction within Ethereum’s community. Former Ethereum developers, including Péter Szilágyi and Eric Conner, have raised concerns about leadership decisions and organizational culture. Nailwal also received support from Solana co-founders, who suggested that Polygon consider collaboration with Solana or adopting its network as an alternative layer 2.
Also Read: AMINA Bank Launches Regulated Polygon (POL) Staking With 15% Yields
While the debate continues, it highlights growing tensions between Ethereum’s centralized leadership perception and the decentralized networks contributing to its growth. Polygon’s future relationship with Ethereum may hinge on adopting full layer 2 capabilities or exploring alternative partnerships.
The public debate between Nailwal and Ethereum’s leadership underscores challenges in recognizing contributions within large crypto ecosystems. As Ethereum evolves, Polygon’s position will remain a focal point in discussions about fairness, recognition, and strategic alignment in blockchain networks.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
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