Today, Phoenix Group listed some of the top upcoming cryptocurrency airdrops in 2026, an indicator that the new year is likely to experience a flood of free crypto token distributions to dedicated community participants through airdrop programs.

According to the data shared today by the crypto market analyst, multiple blockchain startups are making preparations to use airdrop mechanisms as a strategy to distribute (give out) free tokens to specific holders of their respective cryptocurrencies.

Traditionally, such free token distributions aim to recognize the loyalty of current holders and improve awareness of their crypto projects. In recent years, airdrops have evolved, mainly targeting to reward significant contributors. As 2026 approaches, the analyst identified prominent airdrop projects that crypto investors can target to boost their digital asset portfolios.

Top Crypto Airdrop Projects for 2026

Polymarket (POLY)

As highlighted in the data above, Polymarket, a prediction market that allows people to stay informed and make profits from their knowledge through betting on future events across various areas of interest, raised over $2.3 billion in October 2025. On-chain sources show that Polymarket plans to utilize some of these fresh funds to conduct a massive airdrop program worth $750 million in early 2026. Specific details about the date and eligibility criteria for the upcoming airdrop of POLY tokens are expected soon, a move that aims to bolster trading activity and user engagement on the decentralized prediction platform.

Aztec (AZTEC)

Another major upcoming airdrop initiative in early next year is from Aztec, a Layer-2 ZK (zero-knowledge) rollup network that focuses on improving privacy and security on Ethereum. As reported in the data, Aztec recently raised $17 million from various investors. With significant funding and backing from recognized investors, Aztec is preparing to launch an upcoming AZTEC token airdrop to eligible target users, with a specific date and eligibility criteria anticipated in the next few days or weeks.  

MegaETH (MEGA)

MegaETH, an Ethereum Layer-2 network seeking to offer high speed and real-time performance for DApps, is preparing to debut its native token for public trading activities in early 2026. As per the data, MegaETH recently raised $107 million, with part of the funds scheduled to airdrop massive amounts of undisclosed tokens to early users before 1 February 2026. Exact dates for the aidrop set for announcement soon.

Sentient (SENT)

Fourth on the list is Sentient (SENT), an open-source protocol platform designed to run a decentralized AI economy, also scheduled to conduct a huge airdrop event early next year. The decentralized AI network recently secured $85 million in a funding round participated in by multiple investors. The platform plans to utilize some of the funds for its upcoming Sentient airdrop, slated to be one of the most-awaited events in the open-source AI sector.  

Other Top Airdrop Programs to Watch

Other prominent airdrop projects scheduled to take place in early 2026 include Lighter (LIT), Espresso (ESP), and EdgeX (EDGE).  

According to online sources, Lighter (LIT), a decentralized order book exchange, plans to airdrop coins worth 25% of the total token supply in the coming weeks.

Espresso (ESP), a modular blockchain infrastructure project that makes Layer-2 transactions secure, rapid, and seamless for users, plans to open an upcoming ESP token airdrop, expected to cover millions of addresses soon. 

Lastly, EdgeX (EDGE), a perpetual decentralized exchange, is also organizing an underway, significant airdrop targeting EdgeX customers.