Meme coins quietly making a comeback in 2026, pepe leading early gains
January 3, 2026
Meme coins are making a subtle comeback as the new year kicks off, with pepe leading the pack in terms of gains. The meme-based pepe cryptocurrency has surged by 34% in the past 24 hours, making it the fastest runner in the crypto race at the start of 2026. This price spike has resulted in the liquidation of almost $9.9 million worth of pepe short positions within the same time frame, according to data from CoinGlass.
Pepe’s rise to the top is not an isolated incident, as other meme coins are also outperforming the broader crypto market. In the past 24 hours, Dogecoin, shiba inu, and PUMP have all seen gains ranging from 8.4% to 10.9%, joining pepe as the top performers. This resurgence in meme tokens marks a promising development for the category, which experienced a significant loss of value last year.
The trading volume for pepe has reached nearly $1.6 billion in just 24 hours, showcasing the renewed interest in meme coins among investors. The sudden surge in value and trading activity highlights the unpredictable nature of the crypto market and the potential for rapid gains within this sector.
Despite their status as meme coins, these cryptocurrencies have garnered attention and support from traders, leading to their impressive performance in the early days of 2026. The meme coin market, once dismissed by some as a fleeting trend, is proving its resilience and potential for significant gains.
As meme coins continue to capture the interest of investors, their volatility and rapid price movements remain a key characteristic to watch. The meme coin market is known for its speculative nature and unpredictable swings, making it both exciting and risky for those involved.
Overall, the recent uptick in meme coins such as pepe, Dogecoin, shiba inu, and PUMP signals a renewed enthusiasm for these unconventional digital assets. As the crypto market evolves and adapts to changing trends, meme coins are proving that they have the potential to deliver substantial returns and capture the imagination of traders worldwide.
