Okay… can we explain why gaming and sports related coins are suddenly moving like it’s 2021 again, but in a way that actually makes more sense in 2026?
And I’m not talking about small pumps. There are triple digit movements in some cases. So in this video I cover 4 popular gaming altcoins, why they are pumping right now and will they continue to pump in 2026? And stay tuned for the Chiliz part, because if F1 plays out like it could, this is the kind of story that grabs attention FAST.
1) Axie Infinite
First, let’s start with Axie, because this one has been the loudest wake-up call. Currently, AXS is priced around $2.35 and is up around 178% in the last 30 days. I know for the last few years the gaming market has been pretty much dead, and now, finally, we’ve started to see the market aggressively re-evaluate something.
$AXS is part of a very small group of coins listed in the following big four:@binance @coinbase @Official_Upbit
and now…@HyperliquidX!
Axie is still…the next Axie.
– Axie Infini (@AxieInfinity) January 21, 2026
And the main thing here is that this doesn’t seem like a random meme pump. A big part of this move comes from Axie finally tackling the issues that hurt GameFi over the last cycle – high emissions, bot farming and relentless sales pressure. Changes to SLP issuance have significantly reduced inflation, meaning fewer tokens are constantly hitting the market.
$AXS is tearing up and it’s different.
+100% this week
+60% in 24 hours
Release of multi-year lows
For what $AXS pump:
• Stopping of SLP emissions → robots disappeared, inflation crushed
• Launch of bAXS → rewards linked to real gameplay, less sales pressure
• Roadmap 2026 → Atia… pic.twitter.com/xEB3N1AHZw– Shadow King (@web3_shadowking) January 18, 2026
On top of that, there is renewed excitement around the 2026 roadmap – MMO focus, Ronin upgrades and governance changes. When you combine improving tokenomics with a clear “next chapter” narrative, capital turns quickly, especially when the sector itself begins to heat up again.
2026 is the year of big changes for Axie Infinity.@Cruise_SM explains exactly why these movements are essential, not only for our current community, but also to set the stage for the next generation of Axie enthusiasts.
What would you most like to see happen in 2026 for Axie Infinity? pic.twitter.com/hjhetGBkx7
– Axie Infini (@AxieInfinity) January 14, 2026
So, will AXS continue to pump? It’s possible, but it depends on the follow-up. If Axie continues to provide updates and the reduced selling pressure persists, this move may turn into a trend. Otherwise, you could see sharp declines. Let’s wait and see how Axie plays out
2) Checkmate
The next piece on our list is Checkmate, and this one absolutely stole. CHECK is trading around $0.07941 and is up around 152% over the past 30 days.It’s the kind of gesture that instantly brings attention back to a project.
📣New announcement alert!$CHECK @AnichessGame on HTX!
✅Deposits open
📈Trading starts soon!Details: pic.twitter.com/9LUSb4EplB
– HTX (@HTX_Global) January 19, 2026
So why is this happening? Three main reasons. First, swap exposure. New or higher-profile listings bring new liquidity and a whole new audience that simply couldn’t access the token before. Second, symbolic events. Between burns, reward loading, and strong community messaging, CHECK has created a setup where keeping and participating seems more appealing than discarding.
Hyperliquid.$CHECKboyfriend. pic.twitter.com/7HcRTyqsQX
– Anichess (@AnichessGame) January 21, 2026
And third, the story is simple. Competitive skill-based gaming with rewards and an esports angle is something people immediately understand, especially compared to more complex DeFi narratives. Now where can I see Checkmate going from here? Will we see more pomp?
Anichess; the magical chess game powered by $CHECK I just leveled up big:
<> $CHECK listed on HTX recently
<> Massive Token Burns
<> Rewards via Void Protocol (100 Ethernals locked, 13M $CHECK charge)
<> Esports partnership with @teamsecret for NFT + passes $CHECK… pic.twitter.com/r6PrRVFA8s– BLEDI (@bledi_ai) January 20, 2026
We certainly can, but it is also a high volatility token. The key thing to watch is whether the hype translates into sustained user growth and gaming activity. If so, CHECK may remain hot. Otherwise, expect big swings in either direction.
3) Chiliz
Now let’s talk about Chiliz, because it’s slowly gaining momentum, and it has a lot to do with the World Cup and Formula 1. CHZ currently stands around $0.05186 and is up approximately 41% over the past 30 days. Chiliz has now risen to 83rd position with a market capitalization of around USD 580 million.
The first team of @Socios Locker room: The Internationals are coming soon to Chiliz Chain ✍️🔜
Which national team do you hope for @Socios sign ? 💬
– Chiliz – The sports blockchain (@Chiliz) January 9, 2026
Not as explosive as Axie, but this type of move from a large, established token usually means positioning, not just hype. Chiliz has one of the clearest narratives in crypto: sports fans, real teams, real engagement. And in 2026, they’re fully leveraging this idea of SportFi and expansion into the United States.
SportFi. A clear picture begins to form.
📊 $CHZ climb @CoinMarketCap at #83
⚽ @FanTokens warm up
🇺🇸 American expansion in sight
🔜 Chiliz 2030 incoming
🌶️ $PEPPER DAO voting is live
🔒 $CHZ staking returns increase
👀 CT coverage returnsComplete overview of Chiliz by @ChrisOtt 👇
– Chiliz – The sports blockchain (@Chiliz) January 20, 2026
The big short-term catalyst is January 31, 2026, when the CEO of Chiliz is set to unveil “Chiliz 2030.” Markets love roadmap reveals, especially when they are tied to real-world events and expansion plans. Now, when it comes to F1, and with the emergence of the World Cup, things are about to get even more interesting.
Chiliz didn’t just stop at football; they launched into Formula 1, one of the most engaged fanbases on the planet. Major F1 teams now use fan tokens powered by $CHZ, allowing fans to vote on team decisions, unlock VIP benefits and earn rewards during the season.
Chiliz has been on fire since early 2026.
What’s new?
We reviewed over 12,000 recent $CHZ social mentions to discover what the community is most passionate about.
Summary
Chiliz CEO hints at major milestones for SportFi in 2026, with World Cup narrative a big driver… pic.twitter.com/DyxeDAAej6-LunarCrush (@LunarCrush) January 15, 2026
And there’s talk that Chiliz could expand the utility of fan tokens or launch new initiatives around F1 teams or seasons, that’s the kind of narrative that can directly drive up the price of CHZ.
– Chiliz – The sports blockchain (@Chiliz) January 20, 2026
Now the main question: should you keep CHZ on your radar? The answer is yes, of course, and if Chiliz 2030 offers clear expansion plans and stronger utility, it can continue to climb. If the reveal disappoints, you might see a short-term cooldown. Either way, it’s a sign that the market is clearly watching again.
Let me know if you would like a full video covering the Chiliz F1 and World Cup angle? Comment “F1» if you do.
4) Enjin Coin
And finally, Enjin – the OG gaming infrastructure. ENJ is currently hovering around $0.03016 and is up about 11% over the past 30 days. Not explosive, but that’s kind of the point.
ENJ tends to move when the market believes that Web3 gaming is entering a healthier phase. Instead of betting on a single game, ENJ focuses on infrastructure – the tools, wallets and systems that multiple games can rely on.
Slight delay in our landing, Enjineers. Landing in the Multiverse on February 3! 🫡🔥
All the details here 👉 pic.twitter.com/87IBSFGdPQ
-Enjin (@enjin) January 10, 2026
In 2026, this story matters again. If GameFi is truly moving toward sustainability – reduced emissions, real utility, better player experiences – infrastructure tokens like ENJ naturally come back into focus. Will ENJ continue to pump?
Eyes on the prize. 👀
This year’s multiverse quest is stacked. 🤩
What loot catches your eye?The Essence of the Elements arrives on February 3. 🔥
More information:
#Enjin #MultiverseQuest #Web3Gaming #NFT pic.twitter.com/e9ax1drKAI
-Enjin (@enjin) January 11, 2026
If the game’s narrative remains alive in the market, ENJ can continue to benefit from this rotation. If momentum fades, it usually cools too, but it remains one of the first names people revisit whenever GameFi shows signs of life.
Now I want to hear from you – which one deserves a full in-depth video next: Axie, Chiliz, Check or Enj? And remember, if you want that Chiliz+F1 breakdown, drop it”F1» in the comments.
Disclaimer
The information provided by Altcoin Buzz does not constitute financial advice. It is intended for educational, entertainment and informational purposes only. Any opinions or strategies shared are those of the editors/reviewers, and their risk tolerance may differ from yours. We are not responsible for any losses you may incur as a result of investments related to the information provided. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are high-risk assets; therefore, perform thorough due diligence. Copyright Altcoin Buzz Pte Ltd.
