Ethereum Staking Entry Queue Overtakes Exit Line for First Time in Six Months

Ethereum’s staking entry queue has overtaken the exit line for the first time in six months, signaling renewed validator demand as significantly more ETH lines up to be staked than withdrawn.

Published by Ecem EFE

29 December 2025, 12:36 published Updated 29 December 2025, 12:36

Ethereum Staking Demand Surges as Exit Queue Shrinks

Ethereum’s staking dynamics have shifted decisively, with the network’s validator entry queue overtaking the exit line for the first time in six months. The change signals renewed confidence in Ether (ETH) staking, as significantly more ETH is now lining up to enter the network than to leave it.

Entry Queue Goes Vertical

According to data from Ethereum Validator Queue, roughly 745,619 ETH is currently waiting to be staked, with an estimated 13-day wait. In contrast, the exit queue sits at about 360,518 ETH, with an eight-day wait. The crossover occurred on Saturday, when both queues hovered around 460,000 ETH.

Since then, the entry queue has surged sharply, while some market observers argue the exit queue is steadily trending toward zero. The reversal marks a notable change after months of heavier unstaking activity.

Staking Seen as a Confidence Signal

Ethereum operates as a proof-of-stake network, requiring validators to lock up ETH to help secure the blockchain. Unstaking is often interpreted as an intent to free ETH for sale, while staking suggests confidence in holding assets long term.

Abdul, head of DeFi at layer-1 blockchain Monad, noted on X that the last time the queues flipped in June, Ether doubled in price shortly after. Ether crossed $2,800 that month and later reached a new all-time high of $4,946 by Aug. 24. As of Monday, ETH is trading near $3,018.

Ethereum Staking Entry Queue Overtakes Exit Line for First Time in Six Months — *Source:* *Ethereum Validator Queue*

Exit Queue Could Reach Zero

Abdul also described the exit queue as a leading indicator of supply pressure, noting it has faced selling pressure since July. He estimates around 5% of the Ether supply has changed hands during this period, including Kiln’s unstaking in September.

Kiln, a staking service provider, initiated an orderly exit of its validators as a precaution following the SwissBorg exploit. Abdul suggested that at the current pace, the exit queue could hit zero by Jan. 3, potentially easing sell pressure on ETH.

Treasuries and Upgrades Fueling Demand

Other observers pointed to digital asset treasury firms as a major driver. Blockchain analytics firm Lookonchain reported that BitMine staked 342,560 ETH, worth around $1 billion, over two days and now holds 3.4% of total ETH supply.

Meanwhile, DeFi Creator Studio co-founder Ignas suggested the upcoming Pectra upgrade, along with DeFi deleveraging tied to rising Aave borrow rates, may also be contributing to the shift in Ethereum’s staking landscape.