From investment banking to Web3? Entering the crypto space in 2017, Feng Mi (@KuiGas) stumbled upon the airdrop niche during the 2020 "DeFi Summer" and has since earned multiple seven-figure rewards. How did this "Airdrop Master" achieve such success? If you're an airdrop hunter, this must-read guide reveals his core strategies.
Key Insight: Feng Mi believes the secret to successful airdrop hunting lies in "burning gas wisely"—focusing on where Gas is spent to enhance wallet weight and on-chain activity.
This is part of the OKX Friends Series, where we interview industry experts to share insights for newcomers. Hosted by Mercy梅西 (@Mercy_okx). Let’s dive in!
Chapter 1: Journey into Airdrops – Becoming an Expert
1. How did you discover airdrops? Why are they a "goldmine"?
With a finance background in securities and investment banking, Feng Mi entered crypto in 2017. During the 2020 DeFi boom, he combined yield farming with airdrop hunting, unlocking compounding gains. His first major success came from ENS and Paraswap airdrops, where single addresses earned over $10K–$15K, proving the model’s viability.
2. What inspired you to co-found 33DAO?
33DAO is a collaborative DAO with 35 global members, holding 200+ weekly meetings over four years. Its mission:
- Connect high-caliber individuals to share knowledge and drive Web3 adoption.
- Foster accountability through consistent research and output.
- Build networks with top projects and ecosystems.
Impact: Members have leveraged collective insights to capitalize on opportunities (e.g., Trump token’s 100x surge) and long-term plays like ARB and STRK.
Chapter 2: Core Airdrop Strategies – Selecting High-Quality Projects
1. How do you evaluate airdrop projects?
Focus on:
- Niche: Prioritize high-growth sectors (L1/L2, ZK, Restaking, BTCFi).
- Innovation: Protocol uniqueness (e.g., Maverick’s high APR on zkSync).
- Backing: VC-funded projects (e.g., Hack VC) signal credibility.
- ROI: Calculate gas costs vs. potential rewards.
"Treat projects like a相亲 (blind date)—ask: What’s their purpose? Why should I invest time/Gas?"
2. Avoiding Sybil Detection
Sybil attacks =批量 (batch) fake accounts. Countermeasures:
- "Premium Accounts": Unique on-chain behavior, varied asset holdings, and multi-chain activity.
- Natural Interactions: Randomize transaction timing/amounts; avoid scripted actions.
- Gas Optimization: Use DeFi strategies (e.g., arbitrage) to offset costs while boosting wallet weight.
3. Selling Airdropped Tokens
Feng Mi admits: "I’m terrible at selling—I held OP/ARB for over a year!" His revised approach:
- Sell ⅓ at launch, then assess market conditions.
- Watch VC unlock schedules and tokenomics.
Chapter 3: The Future of Airdrops
1. Meme Platforms (e.g., Pump.fun) vs. Traditional Airdrops
- Shift: Memes offer instant gratification (100x in minutes) but erode long-term value focus.
- Impact: Airdrop hunters now balance patience with memecoins’ allure.
2. Innovations in Airdrop Design
Future models should:
- Reward long-term engagement (e.g., OP’s multi-round drops).
- Combine on-chain/off-chain contributions.
- Ensure transparency (no insider allocations).
Chapter 4: Advice for Beginners
1. Getting Started with Airdrops
- Learn: Study ecosystems via OKX Web3 Wallet (@OKXWeb3_CN) or RootData (@RootDataCrypto).
- Execute: Master basics (swapping, bridging) and build "premium accounts."
- Avoid: FOMO and盲目 (blindly) copying tutorials.
2. Common Pitfalls
"Experience is the best teacher—some lessons必须 (must) be learned firsthand."
Chapter 5: Suggestions for OKX
- Enhance Wallet Utility: Add an "airdrop scanner" to detect unclaimed rewards.
- Deepen Ecosystem Partnerships: Collaborate on user-growth initiatives (e.g., loyalty programs).
Final Thoughts
Feng Mi: "Success hinges on execution—connect the dots, adapt, and act decisively."
Mercy: "Three takeaways: 1) Quality > quantity, 2) Accountability, 3) Relentless execution."
Risk Disclosure: Crypto investments are volatile. Conduct your own research and consult professionals.
FAQs
Q: How much gas should I burn for airdrops?
A: Aim for strategic burns—e.g., interacting with high-weight protocols or DeFi pools.
Q: Can small budgets (<$500) profit from airdrops?
A: Yes! Focus on low-gas chains (e.g., Arbitrum) and high-potential niche projects.
Q: What’s the #1 mistake new hunters make?
A: Over-allocating to low-quality projects. Prioritize quality interactions.