We propose optimizing Kusama's validator set from 1,000 to 500 validators while reducing total rewards by 25%. This strategic adjustment will increase individual validator compensation by 50%, attract higher-quality infrastructure providers, and reduce KSM inflation by 25% - creating a more sustainable and robust network for all stakeholders.
Kusama has always been about bold experimentation and pioneering change. Today, we have an opportunity to strengthen our network's foundation while addressing two critical challenges: validator sustainability and token economics.
📊 Calculation Basis (as of June 24th, 2025)
Currently, validators earning minimum commission receive only $205/month - barely covering costs in EU/USA and completely inadequate for quality infrastructure in Asia, Africa, or South America.
→ Solution: Our proposal increases validator rewards to $307.50/month - a 50% increase that makes running quality infrastructure profitable worldwide.
Continuous token emissions create downward price pressure, affecting all KSM holders.
→ Solution: Reducing total rewards by 25% directly cuts inflation, benefiting long-term holders while still improving validator economics.
Current State:
Proposed State:
Higher rewards mean validators can afford enterprise-grade hardware, redundant connections, and 24/7 monitoring. This improves network reliability for everyone.
With sustainable economics, we can achieve meaningful geographic distribution beyond just EU/USA datacenters. Validators in Singapore, São Paulo, Nairobi, and beyond become economically viable.
Less KSM minted means less sell pressure, while 500 professional validators provide more than enough security and redundancy for our network.
Validators must earn their position through quality service, not just by running minimal setups. This drives innovation and excellence.
We propose a phased approach to ensure smooth transition:
Phase 1 (Months 1-3): Reduce to 750 validators
Phase 2 (Months 4-6): Reduce to 500 validators
Safety Measures:
"Won't this centralize the network?"
500 professional validators running quality infrastructure provide better decentralization than 1,000 validators where many struggle to maintain uptime. Quality over quantity has always been Kusama's way.
"What about smaller validators?"
The increased rewards make it easier for dedicated smaller operators to compete. Those running validators as a hobby can still participate through nomination pools.
"Is 500 validators enough?"
Leading networks operate successfully with similar numbers. Polkadot has 600 validators, Cosmos has ~175, and they maintain excellent security and uptime.
This proposal represents a win-win-win scenario:
Kusama has always been about bold moves that strengthen our ecosystem. This optimization continues that tradition - making our network more attractive to professional operators while improving token economics for all holders.
Vote YES to:
The future of Kusama is in our hands. Let's make it stronger, more sustainable, and ready for the challenges ahead.
We propose optimizing Kusama's validator set from 1,000 to 500 validators while reducing total rewards by 25%. This strategic adjustment will increase individual validator compensation by 50%, attract higher-quality infrastructure providers, and reduce KSM inflation by 25% - creating a more sustainable and robust network for all stakeholders.
Kusama has always been about bold experimentation and pioneering change. Today, we have an opportunity to strengthen our network's foundation while addressing two critical challenges: validator sustainability and token economics.
📊 Calculation Basis (as of June 24th, 2025)
Currently, validators earning minimum commission receive only $205/month - barely covering costs in EU/USA and completely inadequate for quality infrastructure in Asia, Africa, or South America.
→ Solution: Our proposal increases validator rewards to $307.50/month - a 50% increase that makes running quality infrastructure profitable worldwide.
Continuous token emissions create downward price pressure, affecting all KSM holders.
→ Solution: Reducing total rewards by 25% directly cuts inflation, benefiting long-term holders while still improving validator economics.
Current State:
Proposed State:
Higher rewards mean validators can afford enterprise-grade hardware, redundant connections, and 24/7 monitoring. This improves network reliability for everyone.
With sustainable economics, we can achieve meaningful geographic distribution beyond just EU/USA datacenters. Validators in Singapore, São Paulo, Nairobi, and beyond become economically viable.
Less KSM minted means less sell pressure, while 500 professional validators provide more than enough security and redundancy for our network.
Validators must earn their position through quality service, not just by running minimal setups. This drives innovation and excellence.
We propose a phased approach to ensure smooth transition:
Phase 1 (Months 1-3): Reduce to 750 validators
Phase 2 (Months 4-6): Reduce to 500 validators
Safety Measures:
"Won't this centralize the network?"
500 professional validators running quality infrastructure provide better decentralization than 1,000 validators where many struggle to maintain uptime. Quality over quantity has always been Kusama's way.
"What about smaller validators?"
The increased rewards make it easier for dedicated smaller operators to compete. Those running validators as a hobby can still participate through nomination pools.
"Is 500 validators enough?"
Leading networks operate successfully with similar numbers. Polkadot has 600 validators, Cosmos has ~175, and they maintain excellent security and uptime.
This proposal represents a win-win-win scenario:
Kusama has always been about bold moves that strengthen our ecosystem. This optimization continues that tradition - making our network more attractive to professional operators while improving token economics for all holders.
Vote YES to:
The future of Kusama is in our hands. Let's make it stronger, more sustainable, and ready for the challenges ahead.
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