As the Meme coin sector heats up again, Pepe (PEPE) is being increasingly viewed by analysts as a direct challenger to Shiba Inu (SHIB). Cryptocurrency analyst Y00thereum recently stated that driven by a recent strong rally, Pepe’s market cap is expected to surpass Shiba Inu before April 20, 2026, attracting significant market attention.
Data shows that PEPE surged over 60% last week, while SHIB’s increase during the same period was about 22%. Y00thereum believes this clear performance gap reflects stronger current capital inflows and market momentum for Pepe. He pointed out that at the current pace, PEPE’s market cap could rapidly close the gap with SHIB in the coming months, potentially even overtaking it ahead of schedule.
Looking at market cap structure, the gap still exists. As of recent data, Shiba Inu’s market cap is approximately $5.1 billion, while Pepe’s is about $2.9 billion. To achieve parity, PEPE still needs to increase by about 1.8 times. Analysts estimate that if PEPE’s price rises to $0.00001266, its market cap would approach $5.3 billion, roughly comparable to SHIB. In the context of active meme coin trading, this goal is considered achievable.
However, Shiba Inu’s long-term advantages should not be overlooked. Since 2021, SHIB has consistently maintained its position as the second-largest meme coin, often holding its rank in competition. Even when briefly surpassed by other emerging meme coins in early 2025, SHIB quickly regained its leading position. Several analysts previously predicted that Pepe would replace SHIB, but none succeeded.
Currently, PEPE’s upward trend has reignited market expectations. Supporters believe that as community enthusiasm, trading volume, and social discussion levels rise simultaneously, Pepe is in a critical window. Y00thereum emphasizes that meme coin markets often exhibit phase-based explosive growth; once capital floods in, market cap rankings can change rapidly.
Overall, Shiba Inu remains a stable representative in the Meme coin sector, while Pepe is seen as a high-volatility, high-elasticity potential challenger. As the meme coin market continues to warm in 2026, whether PEPE can truly surpass SHIB’s market cap before April will be a key focus for investors.
Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to
Disclaimer.
Related Articles
PEPE Price Outlook: The Case for a Surprise ‘Disbelief Rally’ Ahead
PEPE shows weak sentiment with falling price, volume, and Open Interest.
Heavy short bias may trigger a surprise rally through liquidation clusters.
Range-bound price suggests a possible trap before continuation of bearish trend.
PepeCoin — PEPE, has taken another hit, and sentiment
CryptoNewsLand5h ago
PEPE Price Climbs as Bulls Test Key Resistance Breakout
Key Insights
Pepe’s price rises for three days as improving sentiment boosts retail demand, supported by stronger participation and steady gains in futures open interest.
Futures open interest climbs above $213 million, signaling growing trader confidence as rising positions align with
CryptoNewsLand15h ago
Whale Wallet Returns to PEPE After 8 Months, Buys 800B Tokens for $3.08M
Ai Yi notes wallet 0x2Dc...1AA2D bought 800B PEPE for $3.08M after an eight-month hiatus; it had sold 660B earlier. The avg cost basis is about $0.0000074, but the position remains roughly $5.094M underwater.
Abstract: This report summarizes a blockchain market update in which on-chain analyst Ai Yi reports that wallet 0x2Dc...1AA2D purchased 800 billion PEPE tokens for about $3.08 million following an eight-month absence. The wallet had previously sold 660 billion PEPE, lowering its average cost basis to roughly $0.0000074, yet the investment remains about $5.094 million underwater, indicating substantial unrealized losses despite reduced cost basis.
GateNews04-23 02:17
OG PEPE Whale Linked Wallet Buys 5.66M SPIKE, PEPE Investment Returns Reach 52,600x
Solana wallet fent.sol, linked to an OG PEPE whale, bought 5.66M SPIKE tokens; its PEPE stake peaked near $100M, sold 3.94T PEPE for $5.74M, now holding 1.97T PEPE worth $7.5M for about a 52,600x return.
Abstract: The piece reports Lookonchain's claim that the Solana wallet fent.sol, tied to a major PEPE holder, acquired 5.66 million SPIKE tokens and built a large PEPE position. The PEPE investment reportedly peaked at around $100 million, with most PEPE sold for $5.74 million; the remaining 1.97 trillion PEPE is valued at about $7.5 million, yielding an estimated 52,600x return on the initial investment. The article illustrates the extreme volatility of meme-token trading and the influence of wallet-linked whales.
GateNews04-22 00:39
PEPE Reclaims 0.00000400 — Is This 1.8% Move the Start of a Bigger Run?
PEPE rebounds from 0.00000385 support, forming higher lows and stronger bullish structure.
Technical indicators like MACD and RSI show momentum with room for further upside.
Key resistance at 0.00000410; support at 0.00000380 critical for trend continuation.
PepeCoin — PEPE, has
CryptoNewsLand04-19 05:36
PEPE Holds Key Range as $0.000005 Breakout Comes Into Focus
Key Insights:
PEPE trades in consolidation with neutral RSI and bearish MACD, signaling a potential buildup before a decisive directional move in coming sessions.
Analysts highlight a $0.000005 breakout level, representing nearly 50% upside if momentum shifts and buying volume strengthens
CryptoNewsLand04-18 17:35
