HYPE Price Prediction: Can Retail Traders Overpower Whales Betting Against the Token?

The world of crypto is no stranger to power struggles, but what's happening with HYPE right now feels like a battlefield.

In the dynamic world of crypto, power struggles are never far away, but what’s unfolding with HYPE feels more like a battlefield. On one side, two high-stakes whales are going head-to-head over where the token will move next. Meanwhile, thousands of retail traders are banding together, and they might just be tipping the balance.

After a month of bullish explosiveness, with HYPE climbing over 13%, the rally seems to have stalled slightly. In the last 24 hours, we've seen a pause in the uptrend, with the HYPE price today up just 0.25%. Some analysts call it a breather, others say it’s the calm before another storm. And with the Hyperliquid price surge still fresh in the market’s memory, all eyes are on what happens next.

But it isn’t just whales making noise. Retail derivative traders have entered the chat, pushing market volume higher and positioning themselves for a continued upward trajectory. The question now is, can this crowd movement overpower the whales betting against HYPE?

Who Are the Whales Battling Behind the Scenes?

The Hyperliquid Whale Tracker reveals two massive positions going in opposite directions. One whale has taken a strong long position on HYPE, betting on another leg upward. This bullish whale entered with $15.54 million for $11.93. As the market now stands at $18, they are sitting on a 34.59% gain, although they haven’t reached their goal yet.

On the flip side, another whale has gone short with a $12.80 million bet opened at $14.209. As of now, this trader is down more than 22%. If HYPE breaks through further, the short whale could face liquidation, with their cutoff at $25.95.

While the profit and loss stats are interesting, they don’t tell the whole story. Crypto markets are famous for flipping in a blink, and traders are watching closely for any signals. A shift in the broader market or a sudden news event could quickly change the tide, especially with such large positions at play.

Are Retail Traders the Real Power Behind HYPE?

Retail activity is skyrocketing. According to Coinglass, most retail derivative traders are taking long positions, aligning with the HYPE bullish chart that’s been developing over the past week. This signals growing confidence among smaller investors, and they could be the key force behind the current Hyperliquid price surge.Chart 1- HYPE Volume-Weighted Funding Rate, published on Coinglass, April 23, 2025.

Market volume has jumped by 5.73% in the last 24 hours, reaching $274.91 million. Along with that, the Volume-Weighted Funding Rate has remained positive since April 20, denoting that long positions are dominant, and traders expect further gains in HYPE.

When retail and volume collide with optimism, the market has a way of responding, and right now, it’s looking bullish.

What Does the Data Say About HYPE’s Direction?

The funding rate, currently at 0.0099%, tells us that long traders are paying a premium to short traders, indicating a willingness to hold onto bullish bets. This supports the ongoing upward momentum and could widen the gap between spot and futures prices if bullish sentiment keeps rising.Chart 2- HYPE Funding Rate History Chart, published on Coinglass, April 23, 2025.

Liquidation data backs this up. Over the past 12 hours, short positions saw $37,230 in losses compared to just $5,530 for long traders. That imbalance shows how the pressure is mounting against bears, and how strongly the bulls are positioned.

Another key signal is Open Interest, which has returned to its February highs. This shows that overall trader engagement is surging, with most of it stemming from long positions aiming for further highs.

Can HYPE Break Through Price Resistance?

The next big test for HYPE is whether it can push past its current level and challenge the next key HYPE price resistance. If retail traders stay locked in and volume continues to climb, that break could come sooner than many expect.

However, despite the possibilities, we cannot ignore the potential for volatility, especially with the clash between a confident, bullish crowd and a whale betting against them. But if the crowd continues to rally and maintain the momentum, the bearish whale may face a forced liquidation, a potential turning point in HYPE’s price trajectory.

With retail traders showing their strength and optimism, and volume surging alongside it, the potential for further gains in the Hyperliquid token seems high. As more retail positions align with the HYPE bullish chart and overcome resistance, this collective