This fall, multiple sources of Ethereum staking demand are expected to collide, potentially creating one of the largest validator entry queues since Ethereum transitioned to proof-of-stake in 2022. Analysts warn that holders may face long waiting times if they want to stake ETH in the coming weeks.

As of mid-September, the validator entry queue stood at 422,143 ETH, valued at $1.94 billion. While this is lower than the peak of nearly one million ETH in August, it remains historically elevated. Waiting times, which recently dropped from 16 days to 8 days, are forecast to climb again as new institutional participants enter the system.

One major source of pressure comes from large custodial staking providers temporarily moving funds in and out of the queue for security reasons. When these assets return, they will coincide with demand from three other powerful drivers, leading to a surge in queue length and waiting periods.

Digital Asset Treasuries Fuel Demand
Crypto treasury firms have become dominant ETH holders in 2025. Collectively, they control close to 5 million ETH, rivaling spot ETH exchange-traded funds. Many of these companies, such as Bitmine Immersion and Sharplink Gaming, allocate most of their reserves directly into staking contracts to earn annual yields near the Composite Ether Staking Rate benchmark of 2.9%.

Platforms like HashStaking and GeekStake have been critical for making these strategies accessible. By offering simplified staking models with transparent reward rates, they allow corporate treasuries and individual investors alike to quickly deploy capital. With large firms such as Sharplink already committing nearly all their ETH holdings to staking, demand is set to intensify once Bitmine and others complete their allocations.

ETF Approvals Expected Soon
Another catalyst could come from U.S.-based Ethereum ETFs. Analysts anticipate the SEC granting approval for staking within these funds in the coming months. If ETFs begin staking their holdings, inflows could be significant. Industry experts expect this to be one of the most material drivers of new validator entries, adding further congestion to the queue.

Seasonal Bullishness Could Amplify Pressure
Ethereum’s market history shows that Q4 is often a bullish season, with sharp price increases recorded in both 2017 and 2021. If prices surge again, retail and institutional demand for staking will likely grow, extending waiting times.

Platforms Positioned to Benefit
Amid longer queues, many investors are expected to turn to liquid staking and restaking solutions for efficiency. While native Ethereum staking yields around 2.8–2.9%, platforms such as HashStaking and GeekStake have become attractive alternatives. Both are designed to streamline staking access while offering flexible withdrawal options and competitive yields. Their ability to integrate restaking strategies and optimize rewards positions them well to absorb demand when direct staking faces bottlenecks.

Increased on-chain activity, rising treasury allocations, and new ETF participation all suggest Ethereum’s staking ecosystem is entering another period of rapid growth. For investors, the choice may not be whether to stake, but rather whether to use direct staking queues or opt for more accessible platforms like HashStaking and GeekStake.