Pi Network’s Mainnet Launch Triggers 65% Plunge in Pi Coin Value

The highly anticipated launch of Pi Network’s open mainnet on 20 February 2025 led to a dramatic 65% decline in the value of its native cryptocurrency, Pi Coin , within 24 hours. Initially trading at $1.97 upon its debut, Pi Coin’s price plummeted to $0.64 by the following day, raising concerns among investors and market analysts.

Pi Network, a blockchain project that enables users to mine Pi Coins via mobile devices, transitioned from its enclosed mainnet phase—active since December 2021—to an open mainnet on 20 February. This shift allowed users to transfer and trade their Pi Coins on various cryptocurrency exchanges. Major platforms such as OKX, Bitget, and MEXC promptly listed the token, facilitating its entry into the broader crypto market.

Despite the initial enthusiasm, the market response was swift and severe. The coin’s value experienced a sharp decline, dropping from a peak of $1.97 to $0.64 within a day. Analysts attribute this rapid depreciation to several factors, including mass sell-offs by early adopters, limited initial liquidity, and broader market uncertainties.

Mass sell-offs by early adopters significantly contributed to the downward pressure on Pi Coin’s price. Many users, having accumulated Pi during the network’s development phase, opted to liquidate their holdings upon gaining the ability to trade, leading to an oversupply in the market. This influx of sell orders overwhelmed the available buy orders, exacerbating the price decline.

The limited initial liquidity on exchanges further intensified the situation. As Pi Coin became tradable, the market struggled to absorb the high volume of sell orders due to insufficient liquidity. This imbalance between supply and demand accelerated the price drop, as buyers were unable to match the selling pressure.

Broader market uncertainties also played a role in the coin’s performance. The cryptocurrency market is known for its volatility, and new entrants often face skepticism from investors. Concerns regarding the project’s legitimacy emerged, particularly after Bybit CEO Ben Zhou publicly questioned Pi Network’s credibility. Citing a 2023 warning from Chinese authorities that labeled the project a “scam” targeting the elderly, Zhou challenged the Pi Network team to address these allegations. He stated that Bybit had no plans to list Pi Coin, further influencing market sentiment.

The Pi Network community expressed mixed reactions to the coin’s market debut. While some members remained optimistic about the project’s long-term potential, others voiced concerns over the immediate price volatility and the project’s overall transparency. The sudden price drop prompted discussions about the need for clear communication from the Pi Network team regarding their roadmap and measures to ensure investor confidence.