Remember that viral lightning talk from Jesse Pollak back in April 2024? The one where he dove deep into "based memes" and how they'd help bring the world onchain? Well, fast-forward 18 months to October 2025, and a tweet from crypto enthusiast Jack (@Jack55750) is bringing it all back into the spotlight.

In his tweet, Jack highlights Pollak's video, noting how it predicted memes would onboard millions to the blockchain. And boy, was that spot on. The thread sparked discussions, with replies touching on nostalgia markets, specific meme tokens like $BOMI and $NUB, and even calls for more cross-chain action.

Unpacking Jesse Pollak's Lightning Talk

For those who haven't seen it, Pollak's talk—delivered at the Variant 420 Meme Hackathon in NYC—lays out Base as an open, neutral global economy. Base, Coinbase's Layer 2 solution on Ethereum, isn't just a blockchain; it's a full-fledged economy with three key components:

• Platform: EVM-compatible block space that's accessible to anyone with an internet connection, unlike locked-down systems like Apple's iOS.
• Ecosystem: Apps where people and businesses interact to achieve goals, from trading to borrowing.
• Market: A mix of financial and non-financial liquidity, fostering a free market with decentralized governance.

Pollak contrasts this with traditional economies like the U.S. or Apple's app store, emphasizing Base's advantages: openness, global access, and lower barriers. His mission? Build a global onchain economy that boosts innovation, creativity, and freedom, aiming for 1 million builders and 1 billion users.

But the real gem is how memes fit in. Pollak saw a "vibrant meme economy" emerging on Base, with hundreds of teams creating subcultures. These aren't just speculative plays; they're onboarding tools driven by creativity—tutorials, contests, brands, and collaborative art that draw people in.

He predicted memes would onboard millions more, encouraging builders to "stay based": do the right thing, work hard, be optimistic, prioritize the team, and push creative boundaries.

How the Prediction Played Out in 2025

Eighteen months later, and Pollak's vision is reality. The Base meme scene has exploded, with top tokens boasting billion-dollar market caps and active communities. According to recent data, meme coins on Base are leading the charge in user growth, with daily DEX users skyrocketing.

Here are some standout Base meme coins making waves in 2025:

• Brett (BRETT)​: Often called the "king of Base memes," BRETT has surpassed $1 billion in market cap, thanks to its fun branding and community-driven initiatives.
• Toshi (TOSHI)​: Inspired by cats and crypto culture, TOSHI is eyeing a billion-dollar valuation with strong exchange listings and viral marketing.
• Degen (DEGEN)​: A favorite for its edgy vibe, DEGEN emphasizes creativity and has seen massive adoption through social media challenges.
• Doginme and Mochi: These animal-themed tokens are building loyal followings with contests and art drops, echoing Pollak's call for creative onboarding.
• Others like TROLL and REKT: Poised for growth, these could hit big milestones with community support and brand expansions.

This surge aligns perfectly with Pollak's talk. Memes aren't just hype; they're experiments in onboarding, from video tutorials to shrine-building adventures (yes, that happened with Base God memes). The result? Thousands of new users daily, proving memes as a gateway to the onchain world.

Why This Matters for Blockchain Practitioners

If you're in blockchain, this thread is a reminder: Memes are more than jokes—they're economic drivers. On Base, they've fostered a Cambrian explosion of ideas, lowering entry barriers and sparking innovation. As Pollak urged, staying "based" means ethical building, hard work, and collaboration.

Looking ahead, with Coinbase expanding and Base integrating more tools, expect even more growth. Whether you're a builder or investor, dive into these communities. Who knows? The next big meme could be your ticket to onboarding the masses.

For more on meme tokens and blockchain trends, check out our knowledge base at Meme Insider. Stay based, folks!