Mula $285 tungo sa $627,000 in just one day: How is memecoin sniper possible

A cryptocurrency trader made $627,000 in just one day by gaining early access to a memecoin called ZREAL. The event showcased the bullet-speed trading of memecoins, but experts have warned that it’s not just about luck—it’s a systematic way of extracting money from regular investors.

The chain analytics platform Lookonchain conducted a detailed transaction trace, revealing how a trader was able to quickly enter and exit within a limited timeframe.

How much time does an insider need to make a big profit?

Blockchain data uncovered a trader who purchased approximately 66.3 million ZREAL tokens well before the public launch. The individual sold part of these, netting $210,000 in cash, while expecting the remaining 46.3 million tokens to be worth $417,000 in the future.

This process was not copied over months or weeks—it happened within just hours. From the token’s launch on Sunday to the market sell orders on Monday, the entire operation was completed in just over or under 10 hours. This speed is no accident—it’s part of a strategy.

Lookonchain data shows hundreds of market sell orders executed by the same wallet within a short period, a signature pattern of memecoin “snipers” planning their exit strategy in advance.

How memecoin snipers work and why they are deceptive

“Snipers” are insiders who obtain information about a memecoin project before it goes live to the public. The benefit is huge: they can enter using bots through the liquidity pool before the general public has a chance to buy.

When the price rises after the public launch—due to more people buying—snipers quickly sell. It’s like buying concert tickets cheaply and reselling them at triple the price in the line.

This kind of alerting became mainstream news in early 2025 when Hayden Davis revealed his involvement in issuing several popular memecoins during a podcast interview with Coffezilla. Davis became the personification of the problem: memecoins are often tools for likeness extraction from clueless retail traders.

His recognition opened the curtain on a “Wild West” of memecoin trading where players act simultaneously to win while the average investor loses.

Pump.fun and the new memecoin season

ZREAL trading occurred amid a mini memecoin revival. Pump.fun, known as a memecoin launchpad in the Solana ecosystem, recorded an all-time high daily volume reaching $1.2 billion at the start of 2026.

The ZREAL token itself gained over 7,000 followers on X since its launch in a short period, and the 24-hour trading volume hit $18 million. Such rapid growth always attracts snipers and manipulators, as larger liquidity offers more profit opportunities.

This period began in 2025 and continues into 2026, with more memecoin projects emerging daily on Pump.fun.

Warning signs: Why 98% should be a red flag

A report from Solidus Labs in May 2024 claimed that 98% of tokens issued on Pump.fun were scams or manipulated. The platform itself denied the allegation, with a Pump.fun spokesperson stating that Solidus Labs had a “fundamental misunderstanding” of memecoins.

However, the ZREAL case provides physical evidence to Solidus Labs that the claim has merit. Blockchain data does not lie—the pattern is clear: insider advantage, rapid accumulation, systematic pump-and-dump mechanics.

For the average crypto participant, quick gains come with quick risks. A trader who saw ZREAL, joined in, and caught the peak could win big, but it’s more likely they will lose their investment.

The memecoin sniper scheme will continue to appeal due to blockchain transparency and low barriers to entry. But this transparency should be used for protection, not for participating in scams.

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