Altcoin Season This Year Could Be Bigger Than 2017 and 2021, Says Expert

Along with Bitcoin, the altcoins market is showing potential signs of a bounce back in the last few weeks. A market expert believes the altcoin season of 2026 could be unprecedented, even bigger than those of 2017 and 2021. Ethereum (ETH) price is holding above $2,000, XRP above $1.31, and BNB Coin (BNB) is flirting with $600.

Altcoin Season 2026 Could Be Mind-Blowing

Crypto analyst Crypto Patel has suggested that the next altcoin season could surpass previous market rallies. He cited some of the historical patterns by looking at the OTHERS/BTC ratio.

According to Patel, the OTHERS/BTC chart has returned to a key historical support level that previously preceded major altcoin rallies. The analyst noted that similar rebounds in 2017 and 2021 led to gains of 423% and 503%, respectively.

Based on the current setup, Patel projected a potential 702% upside during the 2026 cycle. He added that previous rebounds from this level often triggered strong rallies in small-cap altcoins. This creates multiple high-return opportunities across the broader altcoin market.

Altcoin Season Presents An Opportunity

Crypto analyst Crypto Patel has highlighted a potential major opportunity in the altcoin market. He cited long-term trends in the Altcoin Dominance vs Bitcoin.

According to Patel, the ALTS/BTC dominance chart has been moving within an ascending channel since 2018. The analyst noted that each time the ratio touched the lower boundary of the channel, a significant altcoin rally followed.

Patel pointed to similar setups in 2018 and 2021, both of which preceded major altcoin season. With the chart now approaching the same support zone again in 2026, the analyst suggested that a capital rotation from Bitcoin to altcoins could emerge if the pattern repeats.

He added that historically, early positioning ahead of such breakouts has led to stronger returns. Moreover, delayed entries typically follow after broader market confirmation.

Altcoins Are Currently Under Strong Accumulation

Crypto analyst Merlijn The Trader has suggested that the altcoin market may be entering a major accumulation phase similar to previous cycles. According to Merlijn, the altcoin market capitalization is currently forming a sideways base.

The trader added that the current accumulation is similar to the one observed in 2019, which was followed by a 10x rally across the altcoin market. The analyst identified $170 billion as a critical level for the altcoin market cap. A sustained move above this level could signal the start of a broader altcoin cycle heading into 2026. However, any failure to hold it could result in another short-term correction before a potential breakout.