Ethereum’s chances of reaching the $20,000 level are fueling debate among investors and analysts. The success of the Ethereum network is dependent on real-world usage and rising activity on its platforms, making it a focal point in the cryptocurrency space.
Real-World Usage Is The Key
Ryan Berckmans, an investor in Ethereum, believes that the key to achieving a $20,000 ETH price lies in practical use. He argues that high fees, while typically perceived as a disadvantage, may actually indicate confidence in the altcoin’s value. If users are willing to pay more, it is a testament to their trust in the network’s potential.
Berckmans draws a comparison with Bitcoin, which has managed to retain value despite the majority of its usage being centralized. He stresses that for Ethereum to replicate this success, prioritizing real-world growth is essential.
For ETH, real world growth is the answer.
How do we get ETH to $20k?
Fee value accrual obviously isn’t necessary to drive the required public confidence for a high token price, otherwise BTC would be worthless because 99.999% of BTC activity is centralized and doesn’t accrue…
— Ryan Berckmans (@ryanberckmans) March 29, 2025
Importance Of High Fees
Restoring high total fees is critical for Ethereum’s price growth. Berckmans argues that even if a hypothetical scenario presents $1 trillion in stablecoins on Ethereum’s Layer 1, it still wouldn’t suffice without high fees to support it.
He emphasizes that the Ethereum network must focus on robust growth to rekindle investor confidence. Without this focus, reaching the ambitious target of $20,000 appears to be an unlikely prospect.
Scaling Through Layer 1 And Layer 2
Berckmans highlights the necessity for increased Layer 1 applications and better integration with Layer 2 solutions. This expansion is vital for sustainable growth. Ethereum must enhance the distribution of its Layer 1 assets to Layer 2s while diversifying the solutions available in Layer 2. Such scaling is crucial to accommodate increasing network activity and user demand.
Focusing On Utility-Driven Growth
As Ethereum approaches the 10-year anniversary of its mainnet, Berckmans insists that while the network has made significant strides, there is still considerable distance to cover.
As the most capitalized blockchain by application, Ethereum will need to scale dramatically to maintain its competitive edge. By fostering a culture centered on real-world applications and economic development, the crypto asset can pave the way toward its lofty price target.
The Ethereum network stands at a pivotal moment. To achieve the much-anticipated $20,000 price point, maximizing real-world usage and prioritizing growth should be at the forefront of its agenda. If successful, the goal may be within reach, at least according to Berckmans.
Featured image from Gemini Imagen, chart from TradingView
