Arthur Hayes, former CEO of BitMEX and a prominent figure in cryptocurrency investing, has made a bold prediction about the future of digital currencies. In an interview with Coin Bureau, Hayes forecast that Aptos (APT) may surpass Solana (SOL) as the second most prominent Layer-1 Blockchain network within the next one to three years. This prediction suggests a possible reshuffling of the hierarchy among Layer-1 networks, with Aptos potentially emerging as a major player.

Hayes highlighted Aptos's potential to drive widespread Web3 technology adoption and support a suite of decentralized applications (dApps) aimed at addressing real-world issues. This aligns closely with Solana's objectives, setting the stage for a competitive rivalry between the two Blockchain networks.

In the same interview, Hayes also commented on the enduring presence of memecoins in the cryptocurrency market. He characterized them as the "luxury brand" of the crypto world, attributing their allure to novelty and cultural relevance. Hayes sees memecoins like Dogecoin as culturally significant but notes that most lack enduring value.

Hayes also raised concerns about a critical issue in the cryptocurrency sector: the escalating threat of hacking. He warned that a major hack involving a cryptocurrency custodian could be a significant risk in the coming years, potentially resulting in losses ranging from $50 billion to $100 billion in cryptocurrencies. Such an event could also mark the end of the current market cycle, highlighting the need for robust security measures to protect digital assets.

Hayes's forecast adds a new layer to the discussions about Solana's potential to outpace Ethereum (ETH). The competition among top Layer-1 Blockchains remains dynamic and unresolved, with Aptos potentially emerging as a major player in the future.