---
title: "Staking HYPE & Validators"
type: concept
tags: [staking, hype, validators, delegation]
updated: 2026-06-10
confidence: high
sources: [raw/llms_txt_doc-how-to-stake-hype.md, raw/llms_txt_doc-delegation-program.md, raw/llms_txt_doc-running-a-validator.md, raw/llms_txt_doc-proposal-staking-referral-program.md]
---

# Staking HYPE & Validators

## Staking HYPE

Stake via the official app (`app.hyperliquid.xyz/staking`) or third-party frontends (Nansen, ValiDAO, Hypurrscan). Prerequisite: HYPE must be in your **Spot Balance on HyperCore** — HYPE sitting on the HyperEVM must first be transferred to HyperCore (see [hypercore-and-hyperevm](hypercore-and-hyperevm.md)).

## Validators

Running validating and non-validating nodes is **permissionless**; the active set is the **top 24 by stake**. Setup instructions live in the `hyperliquid-dex/node` GitHub repo.

## Foundation delegation program

The Hyper Foundation delegates HYPE to validators to enhance security, promote validator diversity, and support ecosystem-committed operators. Testnet performance is a criterion for mainnet delegation (especially without mainnet history); delegations are monitored ongoing and the Foundation can cease delegation at any time.

A staking-based referral program (fee-share tiers for stakers who refer/build) was proposed but is being re-evaluated and has no mainnet implementation — treat any specifics as non-final.