The world of decentralized finance continues to evolve, and one of the most talked-about forks in recent blockchain history—EthereumPoW (ETHW)—has taken a significant step forward with major support from OKX. On September 15, 2025, OKX executed the distribution of EthereumPoW (ETHW) tokens to eligible Ethereum (ETH) holders on its platform, marking a pivotal moment for users invested in Proof-of-Work blockchains.
This move not only reinforces OKX’s commitment to supporting innovative blockchain ecosystems but also opens new opportunities for traders and long-term holders alike. Whether you're a seasoned crypto investor or just beginning to explore alternative blockchain networks, understanding ETHW and its availability on a leading exchange like OKX is essential.
What Is EthereumPoW (ETHW)?
EthereumPoW (ETHW) is a Layer 1 blockchain that emerged from a hard fork of the original Ethereum network on September 15, 2022. Unlike the main Ethereum chain, which transitioned to a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism during "The Merge," ETHW preserves the pre-Merge Proof-of-Work (PoW) model. This means mining remains a core component of the network, appealing to users who value decentralization, miner participation, and resistance to centralization pressures.
By maintaining PoW, ETHW aims to uphold the original vision of Ethereum as a decentralized, miner-driven ecosystem. The token symbol for this blockchain is ETHW, and it operates independently of the current Ethereum (ETH) chain.
Key Details About ETHW
- Name: EthereumPoW
- Ticker: ETHW
- Consensus Mechanism: Proof-of-Work (PoW)
- Total Supply: Unlimited (mining continues indefinitely)
- Blockchain Type: Layer 1
- Origin: Hard fork of Ethereum on September 15, 2022
This makes ETHW particularly attractive to communities that oppose the shift away from energy-based validation models and prefer networks where computational power secures the chain.
How OKX Is Supporting ETHW Adoption
OKX has positioned itself at the forefront of digital asset innovation by integrating ETHW into its comprehensive trading and custody infrastructure. Here's how:
Airdrop Distribution to ETH Holders
On September 15, 2025, OKX automatically distributed ETHW tokens to users who held ETH in their accounts at the time of the snapshot. This process was seamless for most users:
- Navigate to Assets > My Assets > Funding Account to view your ETHW balance.
- If you held ETH in sub-accounts, those balances were aggregated under your main (parent) account for airdrop calculation.
- It may take several hours after the snapshot for ETHW tokens to appear in your wallet due to backend processing.
No action was required from users—eligibility was determined entirely by on-chain holdings at the time of the fork.
Spot Trading Now Live
In addition to distributing the airdrop, OKX has officially listed ETHW on its spot trading markets, enabling users to trade ETHW/USDT pairs with high liquidity and low fees.
Trading Schedule
- September 15, 04:00 PM UTC – ETHW deposits opened
- September 15, 04:30 PM UTC – ETHW/USDT spot trading launched
- September 16, 10:00 AM UTC – Withdrawals enabled
This structured rollout ensures system stability while giving users timely access to deposit, trade, and withdraw their assets.
Why ETHW Matters in Today’s Crypto Landscape
While many networks have moved toward energy-efficient consensus models, there remains a dedicated community supporting Proof-of-Work blockchains. ETHW fills a unique niche by offering:
- Miner Sustainability: Continued support for GPU miners affected by Ethereum’s shift to PoS.
- Decentralization Advocacy: Resistance to centralization risks associated with staking pools.
- Community Ownership: Governance driven by miners and node operators rather than institutional validators.
For investors, ETHW presents an opportunity to diversify exposure across different consensus mechanisms within the broader Ethereum ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need to take any action to receive my ETHW airdrop?
No. If you held ETH on OKX at the time of the snapshot on September 15, 2025, your ETHW tokens were automatically credited to your funding account. Just check your Assets section.
Q: Can I withdraw ETHW now?
Yes. ETHW withdrawals opened on September 16 at 10:00 AM UTC. You can transfer your tokens to external wallets that support ETHW.
Q: Why does ETHW have an unlimited supply?
Because it uses Proof-of-Work, new ETHW tokens are minted as block rewards for miners. Unlike capped-supply cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, there is no hard limit on total issuance, similar to how pre-Merge Ethereum operated.
Q: Is ETHW the same as Ethereum Classic (ETC)?
No. While both are PoW chains derived from Ethereum, they have different histories. Ethereum Classic resulted from a 2016 fork after The DAO hack, whereas ETHW originated in 2022 following Ethereum’s Merge.
Q: Can I stake ETHW?
Currently, ETHW does not support staking because it relies on mining rather than validation through stake deposits. Participation in network security is achieved via mining rigs.
Q: What are the risks of trading ETHW?
Like all cryptocurrencies, ETHW is subject to high volatility and market risk. Regulatory uncertainty and lower adoption compared to mainstream coins may affect liquidity and price stability.
Final Thoughts: Staying Ahead in a Forking Ecosystem
Blockchain forks are more than technical events—they represent ideological splits and new financial frontiers. The emergence of EthereumPoW highlights ongoing debates about decentralization, energy use, and network governance. With OKX’s support through airdrop distribution and spot trading enablement, users now have direct access to participate in this evolving ecosystem.
Whether you're interested in mining incentives, decentralization principles, or speculative trading opportunities, ETHW offers a compelling case study in post-fork blockchain survival and growth.
As always, conduct thorough research and assess your risk tolerance before engaging with any digital asset.
Risk Warning: Trading digital assets involves significant risk and may result in the loss of your invested capital. You should ensure that you fully understand the risks involved and take into consideration your level of experience, investment objectives, and seek independent financial advice if necessary.