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The decline of hackathons: where have they gone?

Where Are the Hackathons? | Users Question Decline in Opportunities

By

Amin Abadi

Jul 11, 2025, 05:38 PM

Edited By

Sofia Petrov

2 minutes needed to read

A diverse group of people collaborating around laptops at a hackathon event, showing signs of boredom and low participation.
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A wave of annoyance is sweeping through online forums as people express frustration about the apparent scarcity of hackathons. Once a thriving space for innovation in the crypto world, many now wonder: are these collaborative events vanishing?

Boredom Driving Users to Search

Once a hub of nonstop activity, some builders report feeling stuck and bored. "It's hackathon time. I haven’t done one in a while," noted one participant expressing a desire to reconnect with the community. However, the search for opportunities has proven unsatisfying.

Hackathon Opportunities are Out There

Despite perceptions, plenty of hackathons are still happening. Recent comments highlight sources like ETHGlobal and Dorahack, which continue to host both online and in-person events.

"You’re looking in the wrong places. There have been multiple events like Solana Eternals and others," stated a community member.

While some feel stuck in a rut, others assure that the options remain plentiful. Several upcoming hackathons by platforms such as Chainlink and Aptos are drawing interest.

Yesteryear's Buzz Versus Today's Mood

The fervor for hackathons peaked during the NFT boom in 2021, prompting many to cash in on the excitement. One participant lamented that the best opportunities came and went back then: "The best time for making money in web3 hackathons was in 2021. Maybe they'll come back around in the next hype cycle."

Changing Landscape of Hackathons

While some believe hackathons are on a decline, others see a shift. It's not merely about the number of events; the focus now varies. The challenge to build modern tech solutions has evolved, offering new paths for engagementβ€”like the AIOZ AI Challenge focusing on AI developments.

Sentiment Analysis: The conversation reveals mixed feelings: some users remain optimistic, while others express concern over dwindling options. This split highlights a growing rift in participants’ experiences.

Key Highlights

  • β–³ ETHGlobal and other sources maintain a schedule of regular hackathons

  • β–½ Sentiment ranges from those who believe opportunities are diminishing to those who see exciting challenges ahead

  • ✨ "Some users argue you’re simply not looking hard enough," reveals a key insight from the forums.

The future of hackathons may depend on community involvement and adapting to shifts in interest. With several events planned, will the excitement return? Only time will tell.

Predicting the Future of Hackathons

There’s a strong chance that hackathons will evolve to reflect the changing landscape of technology and community engagement. Experts estimate around a 60% probability that we’ll see an increase in hybrid events combining both virtual and in-person elements as platforms refine their approaches to attract participants. As demand for collaboration and innovation rises, platforms like ETHGlobal and Dorahack may expand their offerings, attracting newcomers and seasoned builders alike. This pivot in format could breathe new life into hackathons, making them more accessible while addressing the needs of a diverse audience.

Unforeseen Echoes in History

The ebb and flow of hackathons mirror the shifts in the music scene during the digital downloading revolution of the early 2000s. Just as artists adapted to new technologies, leading to more intimate and diverse concerts, hackathons may similarly pivot to smaller, focused events that prioritize quality interactions over sheer numbers. This historical cycle of adaptation serves as a reminder that creativity can flourish in constraints, a scenario that may well play out as builders navigate the evolving tech landscape in search of collaboration and innovation.