- Altcoin dominance nears 17,000 with momentum echoing 2017 and 2021 cycles, signaling a possible major rally into 2026.
- Market capitalization surges to $1.7 trillion, pressing 2021 resistance as investors fuel renewed strength in alternative tokens.
- Rising dominance and capitalization together indicate altcoins may be entering a powerful breakout cycle led by 2026 momentum.
The altcoin market is heating up again as analysts highlight strong breakout patterns similar to the explosive 2017 season. Momentum appears to be building fast, with many pointing to the next major altcoin surge being closer than most expect.
Analyst JAVONMARKS noted, “Alts are looking much like they did in 2017, just before a MONSTROUS ALT-SEASON took place.” His chart tracks Total Value Debt excluding top ten dominance from 2016 to 2026.
The data shows altcoins are regaining strength after years of weakness. Moreover, the steep angle of the current rise mirrors early 2021, when altcoins reached record highs.
A Market Cycle Taking Shape
From 2016 to 2020, altcoins moved in a quiet range with little activity. However, in 2021, dominance levels surged to nearly 20,000. That marked the most intense wave of altcoin adoption in the cycle. Consequently, a sharp correction followed, pushing dominance back toward 10,000 in 2022 and 2023.
As attention returned to larger coins, altcoins stayed weak between 2023 and the middle of 2025. But new data indicates a robust recovery. With dominance currently close to 17,000, there appears to be renewed interest in tokens other than Bitcoin and Ethereum. The market cycle so seems to be resetting for a new big wave.
Altcoin Market Cap Nears Resistance
Michaël van de Poppe also highlighted a crucial technical moment. “The fun on Altcoins is about to begin,” he said. His chart tracks altcoin capitalization excluding Bitcoin from 2021 to 2026.
During the 2022 slump, values fell to $450 billion from their peak of $1.2 trillion in 2021. But in 2023, stability reappeared with a solid foundation close to $500 billion. Support increased to $826 billion by 2024, opening the door for significant growth.
The value of altcoins has increased to $1.7 trillion as of late 2025. Resistance not seen since the highs of 2021 is being pushed against by this level. Furthermore, trading volumes continue to be high, indicating robust investor involvement.
