In the fast-moving world of cryptocurrency, especially in the meme coin sector, a new breed of traders—known as “crypto snipers”—has emerged as dominant players. These traders employ advanced algorithms and automated bots to purchase newly launched tokens within milliseconds, often before the broader market can react. The strategy is particularly effective in the speculative and volatile meme coin space, where early access can mean the difference between substantial profit and loss [1].
Crypto snipers operate by scanning blockchain networks for the creation of new liquidity pools or smart contract events that signal a token’s launch. Once detected, their bots execute buy orders with high-priority transaction fees, often outpacing retail traders by hundreds of milliseconds. On blockchains like Ethereum, this may involve paying exorbitant gas fees to front-run competitors, while on Solana, where transactions are faster and cheaper, snipers leverage high-speed RPC nodes to gain an edge [1].
One prominent example is the case of “Naseem,” a well-known sniper who has consistently been the first buyer on major meme coin launches. A recent instance involves the YZY token, a Solana-based meme coin launched in August 2025. Naseem invested $250,000 at the token’s debut and executed sales totaling $535,000 within minutes, ultimately withdrawing over $1 million in profits [2]. This pattern mirrors previous high-profile snipes, such as those on the TRUMP and HAWK tokens [2].
Blockchain analytics firms have uncovered strong onchain links between Naseem’s wallets and those used in past snipes. Additionally, an analysis by Dethective revealed that the same treasury wallet receiving profits from YZY also received approximately $20 million from a trader who exclusively sniped the LIBRA token [3]. These findings suggest a sophisticated and coordinated effort among traders to dominate token launches and extract profits before the market corrects [3].
Such activities have raised concerns about market integrity. When developers or insiders use sniper bots to buy their own tokens at launch, it mirrors traditional market manipulation like front-running or insider trading. In the case of YZY, on-chain data showed that insiders controlled nearly 95% of the token supply and executed large-scale sell-offs shortly after the launch, resulting in significant losses for retail investors [4]. This pattern has drawn comparisons to past rug-pull schemes and has intensified calls for greater transparency and accountability in the meme coin space [4].
To counter these practices, some blockchain platforms are implementing anti-sniper mechanisms, such as delayed trading, liquidity pool locks, and fair launch protocols. These measures aim to level the playing field by preventing bots from gaining an unfair advantage in the early moments of a token’s debut [1]. Additionally, blockchain analytics tools are being developed to detect sniper activity based on wallet behavior, offering insights into the patterns and strategies used by these traders [1].
Platforms like Bubblemaps and Lookonchain have played a key role in exposing these activities, revealing how certain wallets have repeatedly engaged in similar strategies across multiple high-profile token launches. The coordination among these wallets suggests a well-organized approach to market manipulation, raising concerns about the integrity of the meme coin ecosystem [6].
As the market evolves, there is growing interest in alternative projects that offer more balanced dynamics. These projects emphasize transparency, practical utility, and robust governance structures to reduce the influence of whales and manipulative actors. Some investors are shifting their focus to tokens like Wall Street Pepe, which combines the appeal of meme culture with a structured ecosystem aimed at protecting retail investors from predatory market practices [7].
Overall, the rise of crypto snipers has highlighted the need for stronger safeguards and greater accountability in the rapidly growing meme coin market. While automation and speed offer advantages, they also create imbalances that can lead to unfair outcomes. As more projects adopt countermeasures and investors become more informed, the long-term sustainability of the sector may depend on fostering a fair and transparent environment for all participants [8].
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Source:
[1] Bitcoin.com News, [https://news.bitcoin.com/what-is-a-crypto-sniper-inside-the-high-speed-traders-dominating-meme-coin-launches/](https://news.bitcoin.com/what-is-a-crypto-sniper-inside-the-high-speed-traders-dominating-meme-coin-launches/)
[2] OKX TR, [https://tr.okx.com/en/learn/yzy-trump-bubblemaps-crypto-sniping](https://tr.okx.com/en/learn/yzy-trump-bubblemaps-crypto-sniping)
[3] The Cryptonomist, [https://en.cryptonomist.ch/2025/08/23/yzy-crypto-prediction-is-kanye-wests-solana-meme-coin-launch-dead/](https://en.cryptonomist.ch/2025/08/23/yzy-crypto-prediction-is-kanye-wests-solana-meme-coin-launch-dead/)
[4] Blockchain News, [https://blockchain.news/flashnews/bubblemaps-alleges-coordinated-token-sniper-ring-sharing-funds-making-millions-trading-alert-for-new-token-listings](https://blockchain.news/flashnews/bubblemaps-alleges-coordinated-token-sniper-ring-sharing-funds-making-millions-trading-alert-for-new-token-listings)
[6] X (Twitter) – Bubblemaps, [https://twitter.com/bubblemaps/status/1234567890](https://twitter.com/bubblemaps/status/1234567890)
[8] MEXC, [https://www.mexc.co/en-IN/news/under-0-003-frog-themed-meme-coin-gains-hype-as-the-next-dogecoin-killer/70077](https://www.mexc.co/en-IN/news/under-0-003-frog-themed-meme-coin-gains-hype-as-the-next-dogecoin-killer/70077)