By: Alex Rivera
Pepe (PEPE) has long been hailed as the contender most likely to challenge Shiba Inu (SHIB) for dominance, but recent trends suggest that its run toward flipping SHIB has stalled. While PEPE maintains a strong community and multi-billion-dollar market cap, its momentum is slowing just as a newer entrant, Little Pepe (LILPEPE), accelerates through a presale that has already raised over $21 million. This divergence is forcing investors to reconsider whether the subsequent explosive meme coin victory will belong to PEPE or the rising underdog, LILPEPE.
PEPE’s Strong Position but Slowing Growth
At present, PEPE trades at $0.00001122, with a market capitalization of over $4.7 billion. Its token supply of 420.68 trillion PEPE is almost entirely in circulation, which means the risk of inflation from new token releases is minimal. This has given PEPE a sense of long-term stability within the meme coin category, particularly when compared to some projects that struggle with dilution and poor tokenomics. Despite this strength, PEPE’s near-term performance is weakening. Over the past week, the token lost 5.98% and trading volume dropped to $397 million in 24 hours, compared to earlier increases. Meme coins depend on liquidity and excitement cycles; thus, dampening momentum is key. Trading at $0.00001316, Shiba Inu (SHIB) has a $7.75 billion market cap. Due to its strong holder base, ecosystem activities surrounding Shibarium, and retail market awareness, SHIB has held off PEPE. PEPE could overtake SHIB, but current conditions suggest it will take time and depend on market recovery.
Little Pepe (LILPEPE): The Faster-Rising Challenger
While PEPE is consolidating, Little Pepe (LILPEPE) is racing ahead. Currently in Stage 11 of its presale, LILPEPE has already raised more than $21.34 million in funding, selling over 13.7 billion tokens for $0.0020 each. With only a small portion of the presale allocation remaining before the price climbs to $0.0021, investor enthusiasm is intensifying.
LILPEPE stands out because it is not just another meme coin; it is building the first Layer-2 blockchain dedicated to memes. This Ethereum-compatible network leverages rollup technology to deliver ultra-low fees, lightning-fast transactions, sniper bot protection, and a dedicated memes launchpad. In a market where meme coins are often criticized for being purely speculative, LILPEPE offers a rare mix of meme branding and genuine infrastructure. The project’s tokenomics encourage long-term growth with 26.5% for presale, 30% for ecosystem development, and 13.5% for staking incentives. Investor-friendly features, including zero trading tax, several payment choices (ETH, USDT, and debit/credit cards), and a $777,000 giveaway campaign to boost community engagement, have further increased the presale.
Why PEPE’s Challenge to SHIB Is Slowing
The gap between PEPE and SHIB underscores why Little Pepe’s rapid progress has captured investor attention. While PEPE is already a giant with billions in market cap, its room for explosive growth is naturally more limited compared to a presale-stage token like LILPEPE. In essence, PEPE’s maturity makes it harder to deliver the outsized returns that draw meme coin investors in the first place. With a broader and more established environment, Shiba Inu persists. Utility from Shibarium Layer-2 development has kept the project relevant. PEPE will need community support and a primary narrative driver or ecosystem expansion to flip SHIB, which may take months or years. Little Pepe, however, is at the right age to learn quickly. Presale pricing doubled from $0.001 to $0.002, with a confirmed listing price of $0.003. This gives early backers profits before the cryptocurrency launches on centralized markets. LILPEPE’s trajectory is faster than PEPE’s due to confirmed exchange listings.
Outlook: Meme Market Competition Heats Up
Meme coins will face intense competition in the future. Given its excellent liquidity and rising holder base, PEPE could challenge SHIB’s dominance in the long run. It will likely take time to surpass SHIB. However, Little Pepe (LILPEPE) is rising faster. Its presale performance, innovative Layer-2 framework, and ambitious vision could attract short-term investors and long-term ecosystem growth. Investors considering the next big meme currency opportunity may choose between established strength and quick acceleration. Current excitement levels are shifting. PEPE is still fighting to flip SHIB, but Little Pepe’s momentum implies it could win 2025’s meme coin race.
For more information about Little Pepe (LILPEPE) visit the links below:
Website: https://littlepepe.com
Whitepaper: https://littlepepe.com/whitepaper.pdf
Telegram: https://t.me/littlepepetoken
Twitter/X: https://x.com/littlepepetoken
About the Author: Alex is a long-time journalist for NewsWatch, using his expertise to explain to readers how technology is reshaping society beyond mere gadgets and algorithms. His reporting cuts through industry hype to reveal the human stories behind technical innovations, offering readers a thoughtful perspective on where our digital future is heading.
Disclaimer:
The author’s views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of NewsWatchTV. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct independent research and consult with a financial expert before making any investment decisions. NewsWatchTV is not responsible for the accuracy of the information provided or any losses or damages arising from reliance on this content.
