Top 7 Upcoming Crypto Airdrops in Early 2026: POLY, AZTEC, MEGA, and Others to Give Free Gifts to Crypto Communities

Source: CryptoNewsNet Original Title: Top 7 Upcoming Crypto Airdrops in Early 2026: POLY, AZTEC, MEGA, & Others to Give Free Gifts to Crypto Communities Original Link: As multiple blockchain startups prepare for 2026, the crypto market is expected to experience a flood of free token distributions through airdrop programs. According to recent data, several prominent projects are utilizing airdrop mechanisms as a strategy to distribute free tokens to specific holders and reward community participants.

Traditionally, such free token distributions aim to recognize the loyalty of current holders and improve awareness of crypto projects. In recent years, airdrops have evolved to mainly target rewarding significant contributors. Here are the top upcoming airdrop projects to watch in early 2026:

Polymarket (POLY)

Polymarket, a prediction market platform that allows users to profit from their knowledge by betting on future events, raised over $2.3 billion in October 2025. On-chain sources indicate that Polymarket plans to conduct a massive airdrop program worth $750 million in early 2026. The upcoming POLY token airdrop aims to bolster trading activity and user engagement on the decentralized prediction platform, with specific details about eligibility criteria expected soon.

Aztec (AZTEC)

Aztec, a Layer-2 ZK (zero-knowledge) rollup network focused on improving privacy and security on Ethereum, recently raised $17 million from various investors. With strong backing from recognized investors, Aztec is preparing to launch an AZTEC token airdrop to eligible users, with details on timing and eligibility criteria anticipated in the coming weeks.

MegaETH (MEGA)

MegaETH, an Ethereum Layer-2 network offering high speed and real-time performance for DApps, recently raised $107 million. The platform is preparing to debut its native MEGA token for public trading in early 2026, with a significant airdrop of tokens scheduled for early users before February 1, 2026. Exact dates for the airdrop will be announced soon.

Sentient (SENT)

Sentient, an open-source protocol platform designed to run a decentralized AI economy, recently secured $85 million in funding from multiple investors. The platform plans to conduct a major airdrop event in early 2026, with the Sentient airdrop expected to be one of the most-awaited events in the open-source AI sector.

Other Notable Airdrop Programs

Lighter (LIT): A decentralized order book exchange planning to airdrop coins worth 25% of total token supply in the coming weeks.

Espresso (ESP): A modular blockchain infrastructure project making Layer-2 transactions secure and seamless, planning to open an ESP token airdrop expected to cover millions of addresses.

EdgeX (EDGE): A perpetual decentralized exchange organizing a significant airdrop targeting its customers.