Two blockchain snipers profited over $1.3 million from the Base JESSE token launch by exploiting flashblocks, acquiring 261.7 million tokens in the same on-chain block and selling for massive gains amid high priority fees.
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Flashblocks enable same-block sniping: Base’s micro-blocks allow bots to detect and buy tokens instantly within one full block.
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Top snipers earned $707,700 and $619,600 by purchasing 7.6% of the 500 million token supply seeded into liquidity.
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JESSE token has declined 40% in 24 hours, trading at $177,000 FDV with $69,000 volume, highlighting memecoin volatility.
Discover how Base flashblocks sniping led to $1.3M profits in JESSE token launch. Learn risks, mechanics, and regulatory responses in crypto. Stay informed on blockchain exploits—read now for expert insights.
What is Base Flashblocks Sniping in the JESSE Token Launch?
Base flashblocks sniping refers to a trading strategy where automated bots exploit Base’s micro-block system to buy newly launched tokens like JESSE at launch prices before others. During the Thursday rollout of Base founder Jesse Pollak’s creator coin, two snipers used this method to secure 261.7 million of the 500 million JESSE tokens added to liquidity pools. According to Arkham Intelligence data, they achieved this in the same on-chain block, tipping high priority fees to outpace competitors and later selling for substantial profits.
How Do Flashblocks Facilitate Instant Token Sniping on Base?
Base’s flashblocks, introduced in July, divide the network’s two-second blocks into 200-millisecond micro-blocks, enhancing transaction visibility and speed. This setup allows snipers to monitor the blockchain for token deployments in the initial flashblock and submit buy orders with elevated fees in the subsequent one, all within a single full block. Analysts note that this eliminates the need for private mempool access, relying instead on public micro-block data and fee prioritization. In the JESSE case, one sniper invested about 67 ETH—worth $191,000—to claim 7.6% of the supply, paying over $44,000 in fees to the Base sequencer. They converted their holdings back to 303 ETH in under 15 minutes, netting more than $600,000 in profit. The second sniper followed a similar path, securing gains of $707,700. As Lookonchain reported in plain text analysis, the trader spent 67 ETH to snipe 76.15 million JESSE tokens, added 15.54 ETH in gas fees, and dumped the position for 303.53 ETH, profiting 221 ETH or $626,000 rapidly.
Such sniping has become prevalent amid the 2025 memecoin surge, where automated tools capitalize on launch vulnerabilities. Base’s design aims to improve efficiency but inadvertently boosts these high-frequency tactics. Experts from blockchain analytics firms emphasize that while flashblocks reduce latency, they amplify risks for retail traders facing sophisticated bots. Trading data shows JESSE’s value dropped 40% in the ensuing 24 hours, reaching a fully diluted valuation of $177,000, with $69,000 in volume and a $179,000 market cap, underscoring the short-lived nature of many creator coins.
The mechanics trace back to Base’s evolution as an Ethereum layer-2 solution, prioritizing speed for DeFi and NFT applications. By breaking blocks into finer segments, flashblocks enable near-instant reactions, but this benefits well-resourced snipers most. According to reports from on-chain intelligence platforms, the JESSE launch exemplified how 500 million tokens—half the total supply—were instantly targeted, leaving little for organic buyers. Community discussions on platforms like X highlight concerns over fairness, with users questioning if launch protocols favor insiders through API restrictions or contract-level tweaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Risks of Flashblocks Sniping for Regular Crypto Traders?
Flashblocks sniping disadvantages retail participants by allowing bots to front-run launches, often leading to immediate price dumps that erode token value. In the JESSE case, snipers’ rapid sells contributed to a 40% drop, exposing investors to high volatility and potential losses. Traders should monitor on-chain activity and avoid hyped launches without due diligence, as per guidance from financial regulators.
How Is the Crypto Industry Addressing Insider Trading Like JESSE Token Sniping?
The crypto sector is ramping up oversight, with Japan revising rules to classify digital assets as financial products under insider trading laws, prohibiting trades on undisclosed events like listings. In the US, prosecutors charged eight individuals in a global network profiting from corporate inside info, signaling broader enforcement. For creator coins like JESSE, Base founder Jesse Pollak distinguishes short-term “content coins” from value-tied “creator coins,” but community backlash calls for transparent launches to prevent perceived insider advantages.
Key Takeaways
- Flashblocks Boost Efficiency but Enable Sniping: Base’s micro-blocks allow same-block buys, as seen in the $1.3 million JESSE profits, but heighten competition for new tokens.
- High Fees Drive Sniper Success: Snipers paid $44,000+ in priority fees to secure 7.6% of supply, turning 67 ETH into 303 ETH quickly, per Arkham Intelligence.
- Regulatory Scrutiny Increases: Nations like Japan and US actions target crypto insider trading, urging projects to enhance launch fairness and transparency.
Conclusion
The JESSE token launch on Base via flashblocks sniping highlights both innovation and vulnerabilities in blockchain trading, where two snipers netted over $1.3 million amid rapid token acquisition and sales. As regulatory bodies in Japan and the US intensify efforts against insider trading in crypto, projects must prioritize equitable mechanisms to build trust. Looking ahead, advancements in layer-2 tech like Base could foster more secure ecosystems, but traders should remain vigilant—explore on-chain tools and stay updated for smarter investments.
