Ethereum Whale Goes Big With $16.35M Leveraged Position

Ethereum (ETH) has fallen more than 4% in the past 24 hours, trading just above $4,150. Despite this recent dip, large traders and whales continue to place substantial bets, signaling confidence that the cryptocurrency’s decline may be temporary. Their positions suggest expectations of a rebound toward higher levels, even as the market navigates key support zones.

High-Stakes Bet on Ethereum’s Rebound

Crypto analyst Crypto Rover reported that a large Ethereum holder opened a $16.35 million long position at $4,229.83 per coin, using 25 times leverage. It is a high-risk move that magnifies both potential gains and potential losses.

At current prices near $4,122, the trade is already in negative territory. The liquidation point is set at $4,046, leaving only a slim margin before the position would be closed automatically. The wager, however, is built on the expectation that ETH will rebound toward higher levels where short positions are heavily concentrated.

Observers point out that a large buildup of short positions sits between $4,300 and $4,360 , with the heaviest levels around $4,336. If Ethereum moves into this zone, those short trades could be forced to close, adding strong buying pressure.

For the whale’s long bet, the price doesn’t need to break new highs. Even a climb into this range could be enough to erase current losses and turn the position profitable.

Ethereum Pulls Back After Rally to $4,790

Ethereum’s broader chart continues to show movement after a strong rally. Last week the cryptocurrency climbed past $4,790, its highest level in years. Since then, the price has retreated back to the $4,100 area. 

The current move now appears to be a retracement, with the market testing the $4,000 to $4,100 region that previously acted as resistance.

Market commentator D.I.Y Investing described this as one of the clearest weekly retests of a major resistance level turning into support. 

He also noted that sentiment often changes quickly with only a small price swing, but his outlook remains positive, projecting that Ethereum could eventually target $8,000 if the retest holds.

Whales Accumulate During Decline

While one leveraged trader faces near-term risk, other large investors are accumulating ETH directly. Blockchain analytics platform Arkham reported that two new whale addresses purchased nearly $192 million of Ethereum from BitGo. In addition, another whale acquired around $70 million through FalconX, with the wallet address 0x77c purchasing more than 15,700 ETH worth $68.6 million.

These purchases took place while Ethereum’s price was under pressure, signaling that large holders see the decline as an opportunity. Market participants often view such moves as a sign of confidence from those with deep capital.

The situation now centers on whether Ethereum can maintain support around $4,000. If the level holds, the case strengthens for a rebound that could carry the price back toward $4,300 and higher. A push into that zone would likely trigger liquidations of short positions, creating additional momentum for the bulls .