Ethereum validator entry queue reaches record 3.11 million ETH with 54-day wait

As of January 24, 2026, data from Validator Queue shows Ethereum’s validator entry queue has climbed to 3,114,842 ETH, implying a 54-day and 2-hour delay before new validators can go live. Around 976,509 active validators are currently staking over 36.3 million ETH, close to 30% of the total supply, while institutional players such as BitMine, Grayscale, and SharpLink Gaming significantly expand their staking exposure.