TLDR:
- Technical analyst Gert Van Lagen identified a cup-and-handle pattern suggesting altseason is ready to launch
- Van Lagen predicts altcoin market could reach $5.4 trillion valuation before 2026 (564% growth)
- Analyst Cas Abbé expects altcoin ETF approvals in Q3/Q4 2025 to trigger institutional investment
- Coinbureau’s Nic Puckrin says altseason requires Bitcoin dominance below 54%, Bitcoin breaking ATH, and Fed ending quantitative tightening
- Current altcoin season index remains at 21, far below the 75 threshold that historically indicates altseason
Experts Predict Coming Altseason But Differ on Timing and Conditions
Several crypto analysts have shared their predictions about an upcoming altseason, though they differ on timing and necessary market conditions. Technical indicators and economic factors suggest altcoins may soon experience major growth, but specific prerequisites must be met first.
Prominent crypto analyst Gert Van Lagen has identified a bullish cup-and-handle pattern on the altcoin market bi-weekly chart. This pattern typically signals continued upward price movement after consolidation.
Altcoin Marketcap [2W]
🟨 Accumulation
🟧 Breakout + Retest
🟩 Altseason
🔁 pic.twitter.com/KubpPKSewF— Gert van Lagen (@GertvanLagen) May 3, 2025
The cup portion formed between 2022 and mid-2024, showing a gradual decline followed by recovery. The handle, appearing in early 2025, represents a small descending channel that often precedes a breakout.
Van Lagen explains that for altseason to begin, the altcoin market cap must break above the pattern’s neckline at $813.18 billion. If this happens, he projects the total altcoin valuation could reach approximately $5.4 trillion before 2026.
This would represent a 564% market growth from current levels. Such an increase would create huge opportunities for investors in lower-cap cryptocurrencies.
Key Factors Driving the Coming Altseason
Crypto analyst and Web3 growth manager Cas Abbé believes altseason has been delayed due to insufficient liquidity. He attributes this to large token unlocks and the effects of the memecoin craze driven by Pumpfun.
Despite delays, Abbé remains optimistic about altseason prospects. He cites potential altcoin ETF approvals in Q3/Q4 of 2025 as a major catalyst.
Wen Altseason?
This has been the most asked question since 2024.
If you are looking for an honest and data-based response, this is the only thread you need to read: 🧵 👇
— Cas Abbé (@cas_abbe) May 3, 2025
These ETF approvals could trigger institutional investment similar to what happened with Bitcoin ETFs in 2024. The resulting capital inflow would boost altcoin prices across the market.
Abbé also points to expected Federal Reserve rate cuts beginning in June. The Fed is likely to end quantitative tightening measures, creating a risk-on environment favorable for altcoin growth.
Regulatory clarity expected by late 2025 will allow banks to engage with the crypto market more confidently. This would bring massive liquidity to altcoins, further supporting price increases.
Currently, the total crypto market is valued at approximately $3 trillion. Altcoins account for 36.1% of all crypto investments, showing room for growth.
Three Required Conditions for Altseason Launch
Nic Puckrin, CEO and co-founder of crypto education media firm Coinbureau, offers what he calls a “realistic” take on altseason. He identifies three critical conditions that must be met before altseason can truly begin.
First, Bitcoin dominance must fall below 54%. This metric measures BTC’s share of the total crypto market cap and indicates where investor capital is flowing.
Alt Season – a REALISTIC take.
Here’s my one-post rundown so you can stop doom-scrolling and start watching the right signals👇
🗓 Timing:
Altseasons usually begin ~320 days after a Bitcoin halving. Target hit 🎯
📉 Macro:
The Fed hasn’t pivoted—QT is still draining, rates…
— Nic (@nicrypto) May 2, 2025
When Bitcoin dominance declines, it signals investors are moving their money into altcoins. This rotation of capital is essential for altseason to gain momentum.
Second, Bitcoin must break above its current all-time high without absorbing all market liquidity. In previous cycles, altcoin rallies followed Bitcoin establishing market dominance and then consolidating.
This pattern allows investors to shift their focus and funds to smaller-cap, more speculative assets. The timing of this shift is crucial for altseason development.
Third, the Federal Reserve must end all Quantitative Tightening measures and confirm upcoming rate cuts. This would counter current interest rates above 4% and increase market liquidity.
Greater liquidity in the financial system tends to flow into higher-risk assets, including altcoins. This economic condition would provide fuel for altseason growth.
At present, the altcoin season index sits at 21, well below the 75 threshold that historically indicates an altseason. This suggests Bitcoin still outperforms most altcoins, and a true altseason remains on the horizon.
The current crypto market has recently reclaimed the $3 trillion mark following a bullish trend. However, trading volume has decreased by 16.82%, valued at $68.83 billion, indicating cautious market sentiment.
