CryptoPunks Drive NFT Resurgence as Market Cap Climbs to $6B

The NFT market is showing signs of renewed strength, with total capitalization soaring 66% over the past 30 days to reach $6 billion. Leading the charge is CryptoPunks, which now accounts for over 30% of the sector’s market share.

A single crypto whale made headlines after spending more than $2.9 million to acquire six rare CryptoPunks featuring the highly sought-after “hoodie” trait. The purchases, executed in quick succession on OpenSea, marked one of the largest concentrated bids in recent months and fueled optimism across the NFT landscape.

The broader upswing in top-tier collections coincided with the buying spree. According to CoinGecko, CryptoPunks’ floor price surged 29% to nearly 51 ETH (approximately $190,000). Other prominent collections followed suit, with Pudgy Penguins rising 66.7% and Bored Ape Yacht Club advancing 9.8% over the same period.

The buyer’s latest acquisition brings their CryptoPunks holdings to 12, solidifying their position among notable collectors.

While the sector’s rebound is notable, the NFT market remains well below its 2021–2022 peak, when market capitalization hit $16.6 billion. Several platforms, such as X2Y2, have since shuttered or pivoted to alternative crypto products, underscoring the space’s evolution amid shifting market dynamics.

Nonetheless, the recent rally—driven by blue-chip collections and large-scale investors—has rekindled momentum, prompting cautious optimism that a new NFT cycle may be underway.