Crypto: The Game Winner Donates $210,000 Prize to Tornado Cash Legal Defense

The second season of Crypto: The Game, a competitive reality TV-inspired event, concluded with an anonymous winner, Player 733, donating their entire prize pool (nearly $210,000) to a legal defense fund supporting Ethereum coin mixer Tornado Cash developers facing money laundering charges. Amidst a diverse player pool and evolving game mechanics, a group of individuals, including former contestant Eva Beylin, orchestrated a campaign to secure the victory and redirect the funds to the legal fund, citing privacy concerns and the significance of the season's theme, "Anon Island."

Mystery Winner of Crypto: The Game Season 2 Donates Prize to Tornado Cash Legal Defense Fund

In a thrilling conclusion to the second season of Crypto: The Game, an anonymous player known only as Player 733 emerged victorious, claiming the prize pool of nearly 72 ETH (approximately $210,000). However, with an unexpected twist, the winner has chosen to donate the entire sum to the legal defense fund supporting Alexey Pertsev and Roman Storm, developers of the Ethereum coin mixer Tornado Cash.

A Game of Strategy and Deception

Inspired by the popular reality TV series "Survivor," Crypto: The Game is a unique competition that spans both online and real-world challenges. Over 800 players from around the globe participated in this season, collectively spending over 4,000 hours on the game's website.

The game's dynamics were significantly altered by a new mechanic that allowed players to buy back into the game after being voted out. Additionally, the introduction of "Juror" NFTs enabled players to accumulate influence and potentially sway the outcome of the game.

Unexpected Donation to Tornado Cash Legal Defense Fund

As the season progressed, a group of players, including some who had been voted out, formed an alliance with the shared goal of winning the game and donating the prize to the Tornado Cash Legal Defense Fund. Against all odds, they succeeded.

Alexey Pertsev and Roman Storm, the developers of Tornado Cash, are facing charges for allegedly facilitating money laundering through their decentralized platform. Their trial is currently underway, with a verdict expected in May.

A Question of Ethics

Eva Beylin, a participant in this season's game, expressed her disapproval of the deceptive tactics employed by some players. She believed that the winner should not be someone who relied on underhanded methods.

Inspired by the game's "Anon Island" branding and the recent Tornado Cash trial, Beylin and her allies decided to donate the winnings to the legal defense fund, recognizing the coin mixer's role in protecting user privacy.

Anonymous Donor Emerges

Anonymous Player 733 approached Beylin and her team, offering to donate their own NFT pass to the cause. With the support of influential Crypto: The Game players, their campaign garnered widespread attention.

On the day of the finale, Player 733 emerged victorious, and the funds were promptly transferred to the legal defense fund, fulfilling their promise.

Crypto: The Game's Legacy

Despite the larger player pool and increased competition, Crypto: The Game Season 2 has proven to be an equally compelling spectacle, capturing the attention of both players and viewers alike.

Dylan Abruscato, founder of Crypto: The Game, expressed his satisfaction with the season's outcome, noting the diverse strategies and schemes employed by players. The game's popularity and longevity are a testament to its ability to engage and entertain audiences.

As we eagerly anticipate Season 3 of Crypto: The Game, it remains to be seen how the players will surpass the groundbreaking achievements of this unforgettable season.