Whale-Driven BlockDAG Surges as Pi Crumbles and Algorand Builds Payroll Power

Pi Coin has experienced a dramatic price decline, plummeting nearly 90% from its peak in February to an all-time low of $0.33. The token has lost more than 3% of its value in the past week, trading below $0.35 and only 5% above its historic low [4]. This sharp decline is exacerbated by upcoming token unlock events, which will release significant amounts of supply into the market. For instance, on September 6 and 11, 12.3 million and 9.9 million coins, respectively, will be unlocked, adding pressure to an already weak demand environment [1]. Over the next month, an estimated 268 million Pi Coins—valued at nearly $480 million—will be released, which could further depress the price [2]. The token’s current unlock schedule suggests that the initial waves of supply will subside in the coming weeks, potentially easing selling pressure [1].

Amid the downward trend, Pi Network is preparing for a major protocol upgrade from Version 19 to 23, which is designed to improve functionality and decentralize KYC verification processes [1]. This upgrade, based on Stellar v23 but customized for Pi Network, aims to enhance user control and security. The move is intended to streamline identity verification while allowing third-party services to handle parts of the KYC process. The team has emphasized the importance of KYC for network integrity and compliance [1]. However, despite these developments, Pi Coin has yet to show sustained price recovery. A brief rebound in late August did not last, and the token remains in a bearish trend, with its price below the 50-day simple moving average [3].

While Pi Coin faces a significant challenge, Algorand (ALGO) is making inroads in the practical application of blockchain technology, particularly in the payroll integration space. ALGO’s low fees and high throughput make it an attractive option for businesses looking to streamline salary payments using blockchain [4]. Analysts have outlined three potential price scenarios for ALGO based on adoption rates and infrastructure growth. A conservative estimate places the price at around $3, while a mid-range forecast suggests $4, and an optimistic view anticipates $5 if adoption accelerates [4]. This focus on real-world utility and compliance is helping ALGO gain traction in regulated environments, reinforcing its position as a long-term infrastructure play [7].

In contrast, BlockDAG has emerged as a standout performer in the crypto space, driven by strong whale activity and tangible progress in its ecosystem. The project has raised over $395 million in its presale, with more than 25.9 billion BDAG tokens sold. Recently, the network recorded two significant whale entries of $4.4 million and $4.3 million, pushing the presale’s total capital to a new high [4]. These transactions reflect confidence in BlockDAG’s underlying infrastructure and adoption potential. Additionally, the project has launched several key products, including TRADEBDAG, an integrated trading feature, and Dashboard V4, which enhances user transparency and analytics [5]. The X1 Miner App has also surpassed 3 million users, further demonstrating the project’s growing user base and active community.

BlockDAG is set to host a Deployment Event in Singapore, marking a significant milestone in its roadmap. This event will focus on technological development and community growth, with a special presale price of $0.0013 per BDAG active until October 1. This discounted rate represents a potential 38x return at launch, offering investors a compelling entry point [6]. The combination of whale support, live product rollouts, and strong user growth positions BlockDAG as a project with real momentum, distinguishing it from speculative plays and underperforming coins like Pi.

In summary, the crypto market is currently witnessing divergent narratives. Pi Coin is struggling with a severe price decline and looming supply pressures, while Algorand is building a case through practical adoption in payroll and payments. BlockDAG, on the other hand, is gaining attention for its robust presale performance, whale participation, and tangible ecosystem progress. These developments highlight the importance of fundamentals and real-world adoption in sustaining long-term growth in the crypto space.

Source:

[1] Massive Pi Network Update Drops: What Every PI User ... (https://cryptopotato.com/massive-pi-network-update-drops-what-every-pi-user-needs-to-know/)

[2] Pi Network Faces Pressure as Major Token Unlock ... (https://cryptodnes.bg/en/pi-network-faces-pressure-as-major-token-unlock-approaches/)

[3] What to Expect From Pi Coin in September 2025? (https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/d9cfc-what-to-expect-from-pi-coin-in-september-2025)

[4] Pi Coin Drops 90%, Algorand Gains Payroll Adoption ... (https://www.livebitcoinnews.com/pi-coin-drops-90-algorand-gains-payroll-adoption-while-blockdag-lands-a-4-4m-whale-entry/)

[5] BlockDAG Whales Fuel $395M Presale Surge as UNI ... (https://crypto-economy.com/blockdag-whales-fuel-395m-presale-surge-as-uni-faces-pressure-and-link-eyes-30-breakout/)

[6] Ethereum & Pepe Rise, BlockDAG Leads as 2025's Top ... (https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/news/indnewswire/ethereum-pepe-rise-blockdag-1640148908.html)

[7] BlockDAG vs Pi Coin & Algorand: Whale Buys, ALGO ... (https://coindoo.com/pi-coin-sinks-90-algorand-expands-into-payroll-as-blockdags-4-4m-whale-entry-takes-center-stage/)