200K Transactions Per Second? Sei Giga Upgrade Could Push Token to $1.14 by Year-End

The blockchain industry is racing to solve one of its biggest challenges, speed and efficiency. In July 2025, Sei Network rolled out its Giga Upgrade, a major update that promises game-changing performance. With the ability to process 200,000 transactions per second (TPS), near-instant confirmations of under 400 milliseconds, and advanced scalability features, Sei is now being called one of the fastest Layer-1 blockchains in the market.

The impact has already been felt in its token price. Following the launch, the Sei coin jumped to $0.28, sparking predictions that it could reach $1.14 by the end of 2025 if adoption continues. The big question is, Will this technical achievement bring long-term success, or will market volatility hold it back?

What Makes the Giga Upgrade Special?

The Giga Upgrade isn’t just about raw speed, it introduces innovations that make Sei stand out among other blockchains. According to a whitepaper from Sei Labs published in May 2025, the update adds two major improvements:

1. Autobahn Consensus Protocol – This system allows multiple validators to work in parallel “lanes.” Instead of waiting one after another, they process blocks at the same time, increasing speed by up to 70x.
2. Asynchronous Execution – Normally, blockchains confirm a transaction and update records in one slow process. Sei now separates these steps, allowing confirmations to happen first while updates follow. This prevents bottlenecks and keeps everything running smoothly.

These improvements mean Sei can process transactions much faster than Ethereum and Solana, while still being compatible with Ethereum’s tools like Solidity. This makes it easier for developers to bring their existing projects over to Sei without starting from scratch.

Growth Since the Upgrade

The numbers show how big of an impact the upgrade has already made:

• Active Users: Daily active addresses surged by 180% from early April to early June, reaching 464,000 users. This came after a major increase earlier in the year, with monthly active addresses reportedly spiking 570% from Q4 2024 to January 2025. Weekly active addresses saw a 500% increase over the six months leading up to September 2025. Weekly active addresses crossed 5 million for at least two consecutive weeks by September 2025, a metric different from daily active addresses.
• Total Value Locked (TVL):  According to DeFi Llama, a leading data aggregator, Sei’s TVL was over $575 million in early September 2025, boosted by the integration of USDC stablecoin and DeFi platforms like Yei Finance.
• DEX Volumes: Trading on Sei-based decentralized exchanges now exceeds $1.5 billion per month, showing that people are actively using the chain for financial activity.

This growth reflects a shift in developer and investor attention. Many new apps, particularly in DeFi, trading, and gaming, are being built on Sei because of its low fees and high speed.

Price Predictions

Market analysts are paying close attention to Sei.

• Sei could reach $1.12 by the end of 2025, citing the Giga Upgrade as a major driver of adoption.
• A short-term dip to $0.22 in September, followed by a strong rally toward $1.05 by year’s end.

These projections are based on Sei’s technical edge and increasing developer activity. However, like all cryptocurrencies, price movements will depend on broader market conditions, especially Bitcoin’s performance and global economic trends.

Challenges and Risks

While the upgrade is impressive, Sei still faces challenges:

1. Regulatory Concerns – Several financial firms, including Canary Capital and 21Shares, have filed for ETFs (exchange-traded funds) that would include Sei staking. While this shows growing institutional interest, it also invites regulatory scrutiny, especially as U.S. regulators tighten rules around staking.
2. Token Allocation – About 40% of Sei’s tokens are held by insiders. If these large holders sell in big amounts, it could create selling pressure and hurt the price.
3. Market Volatility – Even strong projects can be affected if the overall crypto market enters a downturn. Analysts warn that Sei could face corrections if investor sentiment weakens.

Despite these risks, Sei is building partnerships that strengthen its credibility. For example, its stablecoin pilot in Wyoming and collaboration with Circle (the company behind USDC) highlight its focus on compliance and real-world use.

Timeline of Key Events

To see how Sei got here, it helps to look back at its journey:

• February 2024 — Sei launches Version 2 with full Ethereum compatibility.
• May 2025 — Giga Upgrade whitepaper released, detailing upcoming improvements.
• July 2025 — Giga Upgrade officially deployed, reaching 200,000 TPS in testing.
• August 2025 — USDC integration and ETF filings boost institutional attention.
• September 2025 — Daily active addresses top 752,000, surpassing competitors.

Sei is making significant progress by delivering upgrades and gaining popularity. The blockchain industry is now focusing on specialized chains for high performance. Sei’s emphasis on speed, low costs, and compatibility with Ethereum makes it appealing for developers who need fast transactions, like those creating trading platforms, gaming projects, and financial tools.

However, technology alone isn’t enough. For Sei to reach the target price of $1.14, it needs to show that users and businesses will continue to choose its network. Adoption, partnerships, and clear regulations will be as important as transaction speed. The Giga Upgrade makes Sei one of the fastest and most scalable blockchains, handling 200,000 transactions per second. Its growing user base, increasing total value locked (TVL), and strong developer interest indicate that it is gaining momentum. Some analysts are optimistic, predicting the price could exceed $1 by the end of 2025.

Despite these positive developments, challenges remain. Market fluctuations, insider holdings, and regulatory issues could slow progress. Success will depend on whether Sei can turn its technical strengths into widespread adoption and practical use. If its momentum continues, Sei could become a leader in high-performance blockchains, setting new standards for speed and scalability in the crypto world.