Telegram's TON Surges 100% as Pavel Durov Announces Direct Blockchain Development

Toncoin surged over 100% in one week, rising from roughly $1.32 on May 1, 2026 to an intraday high of $2.90 by May 7, 2026, after Telegram founder Pavel Durov announced plans to personally develop the TON blockchain ecosystem. Telegram planned to become TON's largest validator within two to three weeks, replacing the TON Foundation as the network's primary driving force. Toncoin's market cap reached approximately $7.8 billion by May 7, 2026.

TON price surge

• ▪Toncoin's market cap reached approximately $7.8 billion by May 7, 2026
• ▪Toncoin (TON) surged from roughly $1.32 on May 1, 2026 to an intraday high of $2.90 by May 7, 2026
• ▪The TON token surged by more than 100% over the week preceding May 9, 2026

Telegram validator takeover

• ▪Pavel Durov announced that Telegram would replace the TON Foundation as the network's primary driving force
• ▪Telegram planned to become TON's largest validator within two to three weeks of Pavel Durov's announcement
• ▪Pavel Durov announced plans to personally develop the TON blockchain ecosystem

Centralization concerns

• ▪Experts warn of hidden risks associated with Pavel Durov's TON revival
• ▪Critics say Telegram's takeover of TON cuts against crypto's core promise

Blockchain adoption strategy

• ▪Pavel Durov is pushing TON toward billion-user adoption
• ▪Pavel Durov announced plans to further integrate TON with Telegram