The EasyA Consensus Hackathon held from May 14 to 16 in Toronto has cemented its place in history as the largest blockchain-focused hackathon ever hosted in North America. With over 1,000 vetted developers participating, the event not only showcased cutting-edge Web3 innovation but also set a high bar for future developer gatherings. Now, the masterminds behind it—brothers Phil and Dom Kwok—are already planning an even more ambitious edition next year in Miami, signaling a bold expansion of their global hackathon vision.
A New Benchmark for Blockchain Innovation
Organized by EasyA, one of the world’s leading Web3 education platforms with a community of over 1 million developers, the Consensus 2025 hackathon was more than just a coding competition—it was a launchpad for real-world blockchain solutions. Unlike many hackathons that prioritize flashy demos over long-term viability, EasyA implemented a rigorous developer screening process. Participants were required to submit their GitHub and LinkedIn profiles to prove coding experience, ensuring a high-caliber pool of talent.
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This selective approach paid off. The projects presented were not only technically sound but also deeply aligned with the core missions of the five sponsoring blockchain networks: Aptos, Stellar, Polkadot, Bahamut, and Forte. Each network issued its own unique challenge, encouraging developers to solve real pain points in areas like user experience, identity management, and token utility.
Real-World Impact and Industry Recognition
One of the most exciting moments of the event came when Universal Studios representatives invited ApTap, the first-place winner in the Aptos track, to present their project to executives in Orlando. ApTap simplifies mobile access to Aptos wallets, making Web3 interactions more intuitive for everyday users—a major step toward mainstream adoption.
“That was crazy,” said Phil Kwok, CEO of EasyA. “To see a project built over just a few days get recognized by a global entertainment giant shows the real potential of these events.”
This kind of industry validation underscores a key philosophy behind EasyA’s hackathons: they’re not just about winning prizes, but about building sustainable projects that continue to evolve long after the event ends.
Long-Term Funding Over Short-Term Wins
Unlike traditional hackathons that hand out lump-sum prizes, EasyA and its blockchain partners have adopted a long-term funding model. The majority of the millions of dollars in rewards are distributed gradually, tied to project milestones and continued development.
“We don’t want developers to just show up, win, and disappear,” said Dom Kwok, COO of EasyA. “Our goal is to ensure that these projects keep growing and deliver lasting value to the crypto ecosystem.”
This approach fosters accountability and incentivizes genuine innovation. It also reflects a broader shift in the Web3 space—away from speculative hype and toward sustainable, user-centric development.
Track-by-Track Breakdown of Winning Projects
Each blockchain network curated its own track with specific goals in mind. Here’s a look at some of the standout winners:
Aptos Track – ApTap
ApTap streamlines mobile wallet access on the Aptos network, reducing friction for new users. Its intuitive design earned it top honors—and now, a shot at real-world deployment.
Stellar Track – CycleBuddy
CycleBuddy combines health tracking with tokenized rewards, allowing women to log menstrual cycles and earn crypto. It’s a powerful example of how blockchain can intersect with personal wellness and financial inclusion.
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Polkadot Track – Sutanpu
Sutanpu lets travelers mint NFTs of their journeys, turning physical experiences into digital collectibles. The app leverages Polkadot’s interoperability to create cross-chain travel memorabilia.
Bahamut Track – NameVault
As a decentralized naming service similar to Ethereum’s ENS, NameVault simplifies wallet addresses on the Bahamut blockchain. It’s a critical infrastructure tool for improving Web3 usability.
Forte Track – GASS
GASS (Gas Allocation & Smoothing System) optimizes airdrop mechanics, ensuring fairer token distribution and reducing gas spikes during high-demand events.
A Growing Ecosystem of Web3 Builders
Beyond the headline winners, the hackathon featured a wide array of innovative projects, including:
- AptosAI Guard – AI-powered security for Aptos dApps
- MMO – A blockchain-based multiplayer game economy
- FailSafe – Emergency recovery protocol for digital assets
- Borrowhood – Peer-to-peer lending powered by smart contracts
- Automated Savings Policy – DeFi tool for recurring crypto investments
- OrbitSwap – Cross-chain liquidity aggregator
- DotStriker – NFT-based gaming platform on Polkadot
- Merge Fund – DAO-managed investment pool
- Proctodot – Decentralized academic credential verification
- SmartTrust – Estate planning via smart contracts
- Ratezilla – Decentralized credit scoring system
- MilkyPay – Crypto payroll for dairy farmers in emerging markets
- Fast Credit – Instant microloans using on-chain data
- VYB – Social token platform for creators
- MLOps – Blockchain-integrated machine learning operations
These projects highlight the versatility of modern blockchain development—from finance and gaming to healthcare and agriculture.
Why Developer Communities Matter
EasyA’s success isn’t accidental. Since its founding in 2019, the platform has hosted over 30 hackathons worldwide, cultivating a vibrant community of builders who learn, collaborate, and innovate together. Its educational content, combined with hands-on events, creates a powerful feedback loop: developers gain skills, apply them in real contests, and contribute back to the ecosystem.
This model is proving essential as the Web3 industry matures. With increasing complexity in protocols and rising barriers to entry, platforms like EasyA are lowering the learning curve and democratizing access to blockchain development.
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Looking Ahead: Miami 2026
With plans already underway for next year’s event in Miami, expectations are sky-high. The Kwok brothers aim to expand participation, onboard more blockchain partners, and introduce new verticals like AI integration and zero-knowledge proofs.
The goal remains clear: not just to host another big event, but to accelerate meaningful innovation that pushes Web3 into the mainstream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the EasyA Consensus Hackathon?
A: It’s a large-scale blockchain development competition hosted by EasyA during Consensus 2025 in Toronto. Over 1,000 vetted developers participated, building projects on networks like Aptos, Stellar, and Polkadot.
Q: How are winners selected?
A: Each blockchain network runs its own track with specific challenges. Winning teams are chosen based on technical execution, innovation, and alignment with the network’s goals.
Q: What kind of prizes do winners receive?
A: Winners gain access to millions in long-term funding from partner blockchains, with payouts tied to project milestones rather than one-time cash awards.
Q: Why was ApTap invited to Universal Studios?
A: ApTap’s user-friendly wallet solution caught the attention of Universal Studios executives as a potential tool for fan engagement and digital experiences.
Q: Is EasyA only for experienced developers?
A: While participants must demonstrate coding experience via GitHub and LinkedIn, EasyA offers educational resources to help developers of all levels grow their skills.
Q: Where will the next EasyA hackathon be held?
A: The next major event is planned for Miami in 2026, with expanded tracks and new blockchain partners.
Core Keywords:
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- Blockchain innovation
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- Decentralized naming service
- Polkadot NFT app