Solana Co-Founder rips L2s: L1 blockchains deliver superior speed & security

• Anatoly Yakovenko argued that L1 blockchains, like Solana, can achieve superior speed, cost-efficiency, and security without relying on layer-2 solutions.
• His stance challenged the prevailing industry narrative on blockchain scaling.

Solana [SOL] Co-Founder Anatoly Yakovenko has challenged the need for layer-2 (L2) solutions, arguing that layer-1 (L1) blockchains can achieve superior speed, cost-efficiency, and security on their own.

His view challenges the industry’s belief that L2 solutions are necessary for enhancing blockchain scalability and performance.

Yakovenko claims L1 networks can achieve scalability without relying on additional layers, sparking debate about blockchain development.

This debate also questions whether Solana’s high-performance architecture supports Yakovenko’s perspective on blockchain scalability.

Why Anatoly Yakovenko favors L1 over L2

Taking to X (formerly X), Yakovenko noted, 

“There is no reason to build an L2.”

He further added, 

“L1s can be faster, cheaper, and more secure. They aren’t slowed down by a glacially moving L1 data availability stack, or have to compromise security with complex fraud proofs and upgrade multisigs.”

With his remarks, Yakovenko has doubled down on his skepticism toward layer-2 networks, questioning their very existence.

He pointed out that Solana generates only about 80 terabytes of data per year—a “measly” amount in his view—challenging the notion that L1 blockchains face critical storage limitations.

What’s more?

Targeting the rising use of L2 solutions, Yakovenko suggested developers could avoid complexities by launching a token instead.

He argued that a single L2, processing transactions efficiently and utilizing blobspace fully, reduces the need for multiple L2s.

Ultimately, he believes that the number of genuinely useful smart contracts is limited, making the proliferation of L2 networks redundant.

Solana co-founder criticizes Ethereum L2

Additionally, Yakovenko critiques Ethereum’s [ETH] scaling model, arguing that L2s harm its base layer rather than provide support.

He claims these networks divert high-priority transactions from Ethereum, weakening its core instead of reinforcing it.

This aligns with Ethereum’s transaction revenue, which has dropped 95% since its peak in late 2021. Yakovenko’s argument raises questions about whether L2 solutions genuinely benefit Ethereum in the long run.

Solana vs. Ethereum

That being said, Solana’s rapid ascent in key blockchain metrics has positioned it as a competitor to Ethereum, challenging its dominance as the leading L1 network.

With higher daily DEX trading volume, increased user activity, rising fees, and superior price performance, Solana has demonstrated remarkable growth in recent months.

Crypto research firm Delphi Digital suggests that this momentum could extend into 2025, potentially leading to Solana surpassing Ethereum as the top Layer-1 blockchain.

Market trend

Meanwhile, as the debate over blockchain scaling intensifies, Solana has gained momentum, with SOL surging to $141.95, at press time, after a 7.25% increase in the past 24 hours.

Ethereum also saw a boost, with ETH rising to $2,094.76 following a 4.06% gain, according to CoinMarketCap.

Whether Yakovenko’s vision of a future dominated by high-performance L1s will materialize remains to be seen, but his bold stance continues to challenge the prevailing narrative in the crypto space.