The Altseason Debate: Industry Experts Divided Over the Crypto Year 2026

The cryptocurrency market is at a turning point. While some are declaring the end of the bull cycle—pointing to Bitcoin’s all-time high of $126,000 in October 2025—others like Raoul Pal see only the beginning of a monumental rise. This disagreement currently shapes market discussions and divides the analyst community into two camps.

The 5-Year Supercycle: Hope for an Altseason until 2026

Optimistic market observers support the theory of a longer-term supercycle spanning five years. According to this scenario, the actual altseason will only gain momentum in the first half of 2026. During this period, altcoins could see significant value increases—a forecast based on macroeconomic and technical factors.

Market Drivers: What Keeps Analysts Optimistic

The bullish arguments are based on several pillars. Low inflation rates and a continued accommodative monetary policy create an environment where risk assets like cryptocurrencies can thrive. Technical indicators also suggest that the market has not yet been fully exhausted. These factors support the expectation that the altseason is not over but merely postponed.

Uncertainty Remains: The Market Cannot Reach Consensus

Despite some convincing analyses, uncertainty prevails. The lack of agreement among market participants about the future course of the crypto market highlights how complex the current situation is. Whether 2026 will indeed be the year of altcoins or if the skeptics are right remains uncertain for now.