ECX Hard Fork: Bitcoin Holders to Receive Free Tokens

ECX hard fork announced — a snapshot-based airdrop for BTC holders

LayerTwo Labs has unveiled ECX, a new independent blockchain that will launch as a hard fork-like snapshot airdrop for Bitcoin holders. Led by Paul Sztorc, the Drivechains developer behind BIP300 and BIP301, the project plans a one-to-one distribution of ECX tokens to BTC addresses that control their own private keys at the snapshot moment.

How Bitcoin holders qualify for ECX

If an individual controls the private keys to a wallet containing 1 BTC at the snapshot block, they will be eligible to claim 1 ECX on the new network. Importantly, Bitcoin (BTC) is neither moved nor converted — the main Bitcoin ledger remains unchanged. Custodial balances on exchanges or custodial wallets will only receive ECX if the exchange or custodian chooses to support the airdrop and perform the distribution.

Three-phase rollout schedule

The ECX launch is planned in three stages. An alpha phase will begin around block 963,648 with temporary pECX tokens for testing. A beta phase is targeted near block 967,680 (around September 20), and the ECX mainnet is scheduled for October 31 — coinciding with the 18th anniversary of Bitcoin's whitepaper — when the permanent ECX supply will be created.

Network design and planned sidechains

ECX is being built as an independent blockchain with its own nodes, mining difficulty, and economic activity. It does not aim to change Bitcoin's protocol. Instead, the project plans seven specialized sidechains to add features that many in the crypto space demand: faster payments, enhanced transaction privacy, decentralized identity, and cross-chain trading. These sidechains will determine much of ECX's practical utility and potential adoption.

Adoption, price and ecosystem dependencies

No market price is set for ECX ahead of launch. The token's success will depend on miner support, exchange listings, wallet integrations, and the real-world performance of its sidechains after mainnet. Users should understand the snapshot mechanics, private-key requirements, and custodial risks before assuming eligibility.

Note: ECX is not related to XEC, the cryptocurrency also known as eCash.