Cardano founder questions Ethereum’s future over 10–15-year horizon

During an AMA session on April 23, Ethereum co-founder and Cardano creator Charles Hoskinson expressed doubts about the long-term viability of the Ethereum network. In his view, the project could cease to exist within 10–15 years unless structural changes are made.

Hoskinson cited three key constraints to the network’s sustainability: its choice of protocol and consensus model, its reliance on Layer 2 scaling solutions, and the absence of a built-in governance system. He described the current scaling model as “parasitic” on the core network and emphasized that the lack of on-chain governance hinders crucial decision-making.

As an alternative, he proposed transitioning to a Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) model and introducing decentralized governance to galvanize the community and enhance the network’s resilience.

Competing projects, including Cardano, Sui, and Solana, already offer technological solutions to these issues. According to Hoskinson, these platforms could erode Ethereum’s dominance in the smart contract ecosystem.