What is a Validator?

Validators are participants in proof-of-stake blockchain networks who secure the system by locking up (staking) cryptocurrency as collateral, using this economic stake rather than computational work to earn the right to verify transactions, produce new blocks, and maintain network consensus in exchange for rewards.

Unlike miners in proof-of-work systems who compete through computational power, validators are typically selected to create blocks based on a combination of factors including the amount of cryptocurrency they have staked, length of participation, and randomization, creating a more energy-efficient consensus mechanism.

Validators face a powerful incentive structure where honest participation and reliable operation are rewarded with transaction fees and newly minted cryptocurrency, while malicious behavior or operational failures can result in slashing penalties where portions of their staked assets are destroyed.

Running a validator node typically requires meeting minimum stake requirements, maintaining reliable technical infrastructure with high uptime, and following protocol upgrades and governance decisions, creating a significant responsibility that helps ensure the security and proper operation of the network.

As proof-of-stake networks continue to gain prominence, validator participation has become an increasingly important form of network contribution, with many systems also enabling delegation where token holders can assign their stake to professional validators while sharing in the rewards, allowing broader participation in network security.