- Ethereum is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a symbolic NFT called The Torch.
- The NFT is passed among key community members and will be burned on July 30, the mainnet’s launch date.
- A free public mint will open, allowing everyone to claim their own commemorative token.
Ethereum, the world’s second-largest blockchain network, is marking its 10th anniversary with a powerful gesture. On July 21, 2025, the platform introduced a unique NFT called “The Torch.” This symbolic digital token honors the people, values, and spirit that have shaped Ethereum over the past decade. It’s not just a collectible—it’s a living tribute that reflects the network’s decentralized and collaborative roots.
As Ethereum crosses this milestone, it’s taking the opportunity to look back on its journey and celebrate those who helped it become what it is today. The Torch NFT is central to this celebration, and it’s unlike any other token launch the crypto space has seen.
The Meaning Behind “The Torch”
At its core, The Torch is more than just a piece of digital art. It represents the passing of knowledge, responsibility, and community spirit within Ethereum. Much like the Olympic torch, it’s being passed from one person to another. The process began with Joseph Lubin, a co-founder of Ethereum and CEO of ConsenSys. Each holder keeps the NFT for 24 hours before passing it on to someone else in the community.
This relay will continue for 10 days, ending on July 30, the date Ethereum’s mainnet went live in 2015. On that day, the original Torch NFT will be burned—removed from circulation forever. In its place, a commemorative version will be made available for the public to mint for free. This gives everyone a chance to participate in the celebration and own a piece of Ethereum history.
A Community-Focused Celebration
What sets this initiative apart is its focus on the people who made Ethereum possible. Developers, creators, researchers, and supporters have all played a role in shaping the platform’s identity. The Torch is a symbolic thank-you to them. It shines a light on the values of transparency, inclusion, and decentralization that have always defined the Ethereum ecosystem.
The relay also reminds us that Ethereum’s success was never the work of just one person. It was a collective effort—a global movement powered by shared ideals and innovation. By passing the NFT from hand to hand, the community is re-emphasizing those roots and reinforcing the importance of collaboration.
Looking Back on a Decade of Ethereum
Ten years ago, Ethereum launched with the vision of creating a world computer—one where smart contracts and decentralized applications could run without interference. Since then, it has become a cornerstone of the blockchain world. Major developments like the Ethereum Merge, the rise of DeFi and NFTs, and countless decentralized tools have all come from this platform.
The Torch serves as a reminder of how far Ethereum has come. But it also highlights the values that made this progress possible: open-source development, transparency, and an active global community. By commemorating these values, the NFT isn’t just a look back—it’s a commitment to the future.
The Final Burn and Public Mint
The final step in The Torch’s journey is perhaps the most symbolic. On July 30, the original token will be burned in a public event. This act will mark the end of its 10-day relay and the beginning of a new chapter. At that point, the commemorative NFT will be opened to the public, allowing anyone to mint it freely and become part of Ethereum’s living memory.
This gesture reflects Ethereum’s belief in openness. Instead of keeping the celebration limited to insiders, the community is inviting everyone to join in. Whether you’ve been part of Ethereum since day one or you’re new to the space, you’ll have the chance to mint your own piece of this history.
Why This Matters for the Crypto World
Ethereum’s 10-year anniversary isn’t just important for the network itself. It marks a milestone for the entire crypto industry. The Torch is a testament to how far decentralized technology has come. It shows that success in this space depends not only on code but on people—on community, collaboration, and shared vision.
By launching The Torch, Ethereum isn’t just celebrating itself. It’s reminding the crypto world of what matters most: trust, transparency, and working together to build something bigger than ourselves.
