Whale Nets $19.8 Million Profit from Shorting CZ’s Aster Token Hype in 2025

• How Did Whales Profit from CZ’s Aster Token Endorsement?
• Is Aster’s Price Surge Built to Last?
• What’s Next for Aster Token in 2025-2026?
• FAQ: Your Aster Token Questions Answered

The Aster token became a crypto sensation overnight after Binance founder Changpeng "CZ" Zhao publicly endorsed it, triggering a 20% price surge. However, savvy traders capitalized on the volatility, with one "Anti-CZ Hyperliquid Whale" pocketing nearly $19.9 million in unrealized gains from short positions. While CoinCodex predicts Aster could hit $1.95 by 2026, analysts warn of extreme speculation fueled by social media hype. This article dives into the whale maneuvers, market reactions, and whether Aster’s pump is sustainable.

How Did Whales Profit from CZ’s Aster Token Endorsement?

When CZ tweeted about personally buying Aster tokens on November 2, 2025, retail FOMO sent prices skyrocketing to $1. But blockchain sleuths at LookOnChain spotted two high-stakes plays: Whale 0x9eec opened $52.8 million in short positions (liquidation at $2.09), while the so-called "Anti-CZ Hyperliquid Whale" racked up $19.9 million in paper profits across two wallets. Another trader, 0xbadb, doubled down with a $19.1 million short at a $2.1109 liquidation price. "This is classic whale warfare," noted a BTCC analyst. "CZ’s influence moves markets, but big players know how to game the volatility."

Is Aster’s Price Surge Built to Last?

CoinCodex data shows Aster’s 20% pump coincided with a Fear & Greed Index of 21 ("Extreme Fear"), while the token had just 11 green days in 30. "The math doesn’t add up," said a TradingView chartist. "25.4% volatility on thin volume suggests this was a social media-driven pump, not organic growth." Indeed, BTCC order books revealed most buys came after CZ’s tweet, with whales immediately shorting the rally. Historical parallels abound – remember when Elon Musk tanked dogecoin with a Saturday Night Live appearance? This feels eerily similar.

What’s Next for Aster Token in 2025-2026?

Despite the turbulence, some see long-term potential. CoinCodex projects a 121% rise to $1.95 by late 2026, though their algorithm flags current technicals as "overheated." For context, Aster’s all-time high before CZ’s tweet was just $0.82. "I’ve seen this movie before," quipped a veteran trader. "Whales let retail push prices up, then bleed them dry with shorts. Rinse and repeat." Pro tip: Watch that $2.11 liquidation level – if hits, we could see a cascade.

FAQ: Your Aster Token Questions Answered

How did whales profit from Aster’s price movement?

Large traders used CZ’s endorsement as an opportunity to short the token, with one wallet gaining $19.9 million as prices fluctuated wildly post-announcement.

Is Aster a good investment for 2025?

With extreme volatility (25.4%) and only 37% green days, Aster carries high risk. Always DYOR – this article does not constitute investment advice.

What’s the liquidation price for major Aster short positions?

Two key levels to watch: $2.09 (for the $52.8M short) and $2.1109 (for the $19.1M position). Breaching these could trigger massive buybacks.