After years of anticipation, Pi Network—the mobile-mined cryptocurrency that captured the imagination of over 70 million users worldwide—has officially launched its Mainnet. At 8:30 AM UTC on February 20, 2025, the project transitioned from a closed, experimental ecosystem to a fully decentralized blockchain, enabling users to trade Pi coins on major exchanges like OKX, Bitget, and Gate.io. For millions of “Pioneers” who spent years mining the coin via their smartphones, this marks a historic milestone where grassroots crypto adoption meets mainstream financial markets.

Early Price Swings: A Rollercoaster for Traders

The moment the Mainnet went live, Pi’s price experienced dramatic volatility. On OKX, the coin opened at $1.50 but quickly swung between highs of $1.90 and lows of $1.20 on Bitget within minutes. In India—home to a massive Pi community—early adopters observed prices fluctuating between ₹124 and ₹157, mirroring global volatility. Traders scrambled to capitalize on the frenzy, further amplifying the market’s rapid price movements.

“It’s like watching a fireworks show that could either light up the sky or fizzle out. We’ve waited years for this—now the real test begins.”
– Rohan Mehta, Pi miner from Mumbai

Exchange Drama: Limits, Liquidity, and Binance Absence

The Mainnet launch was not without its challenges. To manage the overwhelming demand, OKX imposed strict safeguards, including a $10,000 order cap and a five-minute freeze on market orders. Meanwhile, Bitget experienced waves of sell-offs as early miners cashed out. Although Gate.io and HTX also listed Pi, the absence of Binance—despite ongoing rumors of an imminent listing—has left the community divided between hope and skepticism.

“A Binance listing would be rocket fuel for Pi. But until then, liquidity and trust in smaller exchanges will dictate the price.”
– Lena Wu, Crypto Analyst

Price Predictions: Between Moon Missions and Reality Checks

Analysts remain split on Pi’s future. Optimists highlight the 70-million-strong user base and potential partnerships with payment giants like Visa or PayPal, projecting prices could surge to between $100 and $200 by late 2025. Conversely, some experts caution that with a max supply of 100 billion coins, Pi risks becoming oversupplied and might realistically settle between $0.20 and $2.

Technical indicators also offer mixed signals:

• RSI (Relative Strength Index): Suggests Pi is undervalued, hinting at a potential rebound.
• MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence): Points to short-term bearish pressure.
• Chart Patterns: Ascending channels indicate promising long-term growth.

India’s Pi Puzzle: Regulatory Hurdles and Hopes

In India, where cryptocurrency enthusiasm meets regulatory caution, Pi’s journey is particularly complex. While early miners celebrate their profits, others are grappling with delayed KYC verifications, limited liquidity on local platforms like CoinDCX, and lingering regulatory uncertainties.

“The Reserve Bank hasn’t clarified if Pi falls under crypto regulations or something else. Until they do, many exchanges here are playing it safe.”
– Priya Sharma, Delhi-based trader

Community reactions vary widely. One trader mentioned, “I sold a third of my Pi at ₹140—enough to buy my parents a new fridge,” while others, like freelancer Anika Reddy, are holding on for the long haul, emphasizing that this is a marathon, not a sprint.

Risks Loom: Sell-Offs, Scrutiny, and the Adoption Challenge

Looking ahead, several risks could impact Pi’s trajectory:

• Market Flooding: Millions of coins mined during the “free” phase may flood the market, putting downward pressure on prices.
• Regulatory Scrutiny: Pi’s referral-driven mining model faces comparisons to multi-level marketing schemes, which could attract regulatory attention.
• Utility Concerns: Despite the promise of 100+ Mainnet-ready apps, real-world use cases beyond trading remain limited.

“Pi needs robust DeFi integrations—lending, staking, NFTs—to survive. Right now, it’s just a token. Without practical use cases, the hype will fade.”
– Marco Chen, Developer

What’s Next? Binance, Global Payments, and the 2025 Vision

The next phase for Pi Network hinges on several key developments:

• Binance Listing: A listing on Binance could attract institutional investors and provide much-needed market stability.
• Partnerships: Rumored collaborations with major payment processors may transform Pi into a tool for everyday transactions.
• Ecosystem Growth: Expanding real-world applications will be crucial for long-term success.

Final Takeaway: Optimism Meets Caution

Pi Network’s Mainnet launch is a landmark moment in crypto history, proving that grassroots projects can scale to meet global demand. However, its long-term success will depend on navigating supply challenges, regulatory hurdles, and market sentiment. Transitioning from a mined asset to a fully functional digital economy remains the ultimate challenge for the network.

As the crypto community watches with bated breath, one thing remains clear: in the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, patience is the ultimate currency.