BREAKDOWN: A 101 Guide to Ethereum's ProgPOW Controversy
Why the ProgPoW debate is really about process, power, and the threat contentious hard forks pose to DeFi.
Feb 27, 2020
Listen or watch all the new CoinDesk podcast episodes wherever you want.
ABOUT
Last Friday on Ethereum’s core developer call, the devs agreed to push forward a controversial anti-ASICs consensus algorithm switch known as ProgPoW.
The broader Ethereum community was not pleased, and has spent the last week debating both ProgPoW itself as well as the way decisions in the community get made.
In this 101-guide to the controversy, @nlw breaks down:
- What is ProgPoW
- The history of the debate
- Arguments for and against
- Who falls on what side and why
- The implications of ProgPoW for DeFi
HOST
CoinDesk
CoinDesk is the world leader in news, prices and information on bitcoin and other digital currencies.
We cover news and analysis on the trends, price movements, technologies, companies and people in the bitcoin and digital currency world.
EPISODES
COINDESK SERIES
26 EPISODES
The Policy Protocol
The Policy Protocol is CoinDesk's regulation and policy show. This is your direct line to the crypto legislative engine, where we pull back the curtain on crypto in Washington, D.C. and beyond.
Apr 9, 2026
32 EPISODES
Public Keys at NYSE
Public Keys is a weekly show filmed at the New York Stock Exchange that explores the intersection of traditional finance, macroeconomics and digital assets. Hosted by CoinDesk Senior Anchor, Jennifer Sanasie, the program delivers a deep dive into how crypto is increasingly shaping – and being shaped by – the public markets.
Mar 16, 2026
1520 EPISODES
CoinDesk Podcast Network
The top stories and best shows in the blockchain world, delivered daily from the team at CoinDesk.
Dec 19, 2023
1400 EPISODES
Markets Outlook
Tune in as CoinDesk runs down action in the crypto market and some of the most important recent industry development.
Dec 19, 2023
