# What is Ethereum staking?

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Ethereum [staking](https://ethereum.org/en/staking/#what-is-staking) is a key element of the Ethereum 2.0 upgrade, which transitioned the Ethereum network from a proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanism to a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. Staking involves participants, known as validators, locking up their Ether (ETH) as collateral to support the security and operation of the Ethereum blockchain.

By staking their ETH, validators play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the Ethereum network. They are responsible for [attesting](https://ethereum.org/en/developers/docs/consensus-mechanisms/pos/attestations/) and [proposing](https://ethereum.org/en/developers/docs/consensus-mechanisms/pos/block-proposal/) new blocks, validating [transactions](https://ethereum.org/en/developers/docs/transactions/), and ensuring the overall security and consensus of the blockchain. Validators are rewarded for their participation in the network by earning staking rewards in the form of additional ETH. We will discuss staking rewards in detail in the next section.

The process of staking Ethereum involves several steps. First, participants need to acquire a minimum amount of ETH to meet the staking requirement (currently set at [32 ETH](https://ethereum.org/en/staking/#what-is-staking)). Once they meet this threshold, they can set up a validator node by pledging their 32 ETH as collateral to the Ethereum network. Validators then actively participate in block proposal and validation by [running a node](https://ethereum.org/en/run-a-node/) and keeping it online and in [sync](https://ethereum.org/en/run-a-node/) with the network.

By staking ETH, participants contribute to the network's security and decentralization, as validators are incentivized to act honestly and follow the rules. In the event of any malicious behavior, validators can have a portion or all of their staked ETH "[slashed](https://ethereum.org/en/run-a-node/)" as a penalty. This ensures that the network remains robust and trustworthy.

Ethereum staking offers several benefits to participants. Firstly, it provides an opportunity to earn staking rewards, which are typically higher than other investment options. Staking also eliminates the need for expensive and energy-intensive mining hardware, making it a more [environmentally friendly](https://ethereum.org/en/energy-consumption/) alternative to PoW. Additionally, staking contributes to the scalability of the Ethereum network, allowing it to handle a greater number of transactions and [DApps](https://ethereum.org/en/dapps/).

Ethereum staking holds growing significance within the ecosystem, enabling individuals to actively engage in network security and consensus while potentially earning passive income through staking rewards. With enhanced scalability and sustainability, it plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of decentralized systems. [_Learn more_](https://ethereum.org/en/staking/)



