Optimism is a Layer 2 network built to scale Ethereum. It has an ecosystem of apps and infrastructure aimed at improving transaction costs and UX.
Why it could matter in 2026
- Scaling demand tailwinds if Ethereum grows
- Ecosystem integrations and tooling
- Rollup-centric roadmap alignment
Key risks
- Bridge and L2 ecosystem risks
- Competition among L2s
- Token utility and governance complexity