WalletConnect launched Season 1 of its WCT token airdrop, aiming to distribute 50 million $WCT tokens to early users. But instead of excitement, the launch triggered widespread confusion. Most users who connected their wallets to the official claim page received the same result: “Not eligible.”

The official announcement came via WalletConnect’s X account, which directed users to Check Eligibility. In the post, WalletConnect thanked its launch partners — Phantom, Backpack, Solflare, Solana Mobile, and Jupiter DAO — for their support.

2/ Connect and check your eligibility to claim ↓https://t.co/Gb52AT9cpQ

This is the only official link and claim page. Be careful about the links you click.

Here’s how to claim ↓ pic.twitter.com/wbtaioCBY3

— WalletConnect (@WalletConnect) July 14, 2025

Users were instructed to connect their Ethereum wallets to check eligibility. However, community reactions quickly turned sour. The comment section flooded with posts from users who couldn’t claim. Even long-time participants expressed surprise. The absence of clear eligibility rules only made things worse.

How to Become Eligible for Wallet Connect Airdrop

WalletConnect designed the airdrop to reward real engagement across its ecosystem. Here’s how you can strengthen your profile:

1. Connect an Active Wallet

Head to the official airdrop page and connect a wallet that shows consistent onchain activity. WalletConnect uses your transaction history to assess participation.

2. Link Your GitHub Account (Optional)

If you’ve contributed to open-source projects — like CAIPs, EIPs, Ethereum SDKs, or other ecosystem tools — linking your GitHub account helps verify those efforts. WalletConnect factors this into its eligibility logic.

3. Add Multiple Wallets

If you’ve used several wallets, link them all. Combining wallet data allows WalletConnect to form a more complete view of your activity.

4. Register Before the Deadline

Finish registration by Oct. 17, 2024. WalletConnect will evaluate all submissions and announce eligibility results in November.

What Is WalletConnect?

WalletConnect is an open-source protocol that enables encrypted communication between wallets and decentralized applications (dApps). It connects mobile and desktop platforms, allowing users to interact with dApps securely without exposing private keys.

Since its inception, WalletConnect has become a core piece of Web3 infrastructure. It powers connections for major applications and has received over $23.5 million in funding from backers like Shopify, Coinbase Ventures, and 1kx.

By introducing the WCT token, WalletConnect is taking a major step toward decentralization and community-driven governance.

Confusion Highlights a Communication Gap

Technically, the launch worked. Wallets connected. The site functioned as intended. But the missing piece was clarity — specifically, who qualifies and why.

Many users expected that holding tokens, staking, or long-term usage would be enough. When the system denied even those users, the frustration boiled over.

Other Web3 projects have faced similar backlash, but WalletConnect’s reputation for user-first design raised expectations. Whether the team provides a clearer breakdown in time may determine how the community views future airdrop phases.