Crypto’s AI push stalls without a ‘ChatGPT moment,’ Justin Sun says

Markets Share Share this article Copy link X icon X (Twitter) LinkedIn Facebook Email Crypto’s AI push stalls without a ‘ChatGPT moment,’ Justin Sun says After posting “All in AI” on X, the Tron founder says artificial intelligence could become crypto’s next major growth driver as the industry works toward clearer product-market fit. By Sam Reynolds | Edited by Omkar Godbole Feb 3, 2026, 8:04 a.m. Make us preferred on Google What to know : Justin Sun says crypto’s next major breakout is likely to come from artificial intelligence, but argues that AI-linked tokens remain mostly conceptual and lack a defining consumer product. He believes the industry needs a clear, user-friendly "ChatGPT moment" for AI and blockchain that delivers obvious value beyond speculation to broaden adoption. Until then, Sun says the most reliable growth in crypto will continue to come from proven uses like stablecoins and cross-border payments, especially in countries with unstable local currencies. In this article AVAX AVAX $ 10.13 ◢ 3.17 % BNB BNB $ 777.43 ◢ 3.96 % ETH ETH $ 2,319.89 ◢ 4.06 % Crypto billionaire Justin Sun says crypto’s next breakout may come from artificial intelligence (AI), posting Tuesday on X that he is all-in on AI, but the industry has not yet produced a product that resonates with consumers. In an interview with CoinDesk before Consensus Hong Kong 2026, the Tron founder argued that most AI-linked tokens remain conceptual rather than functional. STORY CONTINUES BELOW Don't miss another story. Subscribe to the Crypto Daybook Americas Newsletter today . See all newsletters Sign me up By signing up, you will receive emails about CoinDesk products and you agree to our terms & conditions and privacy policy . While investors frequently cite AI as the next catalyst for digital assets, Sun said the sector lacks the equivalent of a “ChatGPT moment” — a consumer-facing application that clearly demonstrates value. All in AI — H.E. Justin Sun 👨‍🚀 🌞 (@justinsuntron) February 3, 2026 Until that happens, he said, excitement alone is unlikely to drive a sustained market cycle, leaving crypto reliant on progress in payments, settlement, and other proven use cases. “For most of the AI tokens, it’s only a concept,” Sun said in Hong Kong. “It’s not really hitting the point yet.” Sun nonetheless maintained that the convergence of AI and blockchain remains one of the most promising long-term directions for the industry, particularly if developers can produce tools that feel immediately useful rather than experimental. In the meantime, Sun said the industry’s most dependable momentum continues to come from areas that already show consistent demand, particularly stablecoins and cross-border payments. In parts of the global south where locals simply don't trust inflation-ravaged currencies, USDT on Tron is a lifeline for financial access . As Tether founder Paolo Ardoino highlighted last summer , in countries like Bolivia, high-end imports are paid for in USDT. "[With blockchain it's] first time in the world we have this kind of digital dollar settlement, where you can transfer the money everywhere, 24/7,” Sun said. Until a consumer AI product delivers the same clarity stablecoins already provide, crypto’s most visible progress will likely remain in the infrastructure quietly underpinning everyday transactions. Justin Sun Artificial Intelligence Tron In this article AVAX AVAX $ 10.13 ◢ 3.17 % BNB BNB $ 777.43 ◢ 3.96 % ETH ETH $ 2,319.89 ◢ 4.06 %