Meta Pool

The NEAR ecosystem is encouraging community members to run validators through **Node Studio 3**. The platform continues to streamline validator operations, building on previous campaigns that asked users to share their node setups. Node Studio simplifies the technical barriers to running validators, making it more accessible for NEAR community members to participate in network validation and earn rewards.

**Build Buddies** anuncia eventos presenciales este fin de semana en México y Argentina. Los encuentros ofrecen un espacio para: - Conectar con otros builders - Compartir ideas y proyectos - Crear nuevas conexiones en la comunidad Web3 Los interesados pueden registrarse y consultar detalles en [luma.com/buildbuddies_latam](https://luma.com/buildbuddies_latam)

Meta Pool has issued an important clarification about their voting mechanism: **Key Voting Rule:** - Only engagement (likes, reposts, comments) on **official Meta Pool posts** counts as valid votes - Interactions on individual validator posts are considered promotional only - These validator engagements **do not count** toward voting tallies This rule ensures fair and centralized vote counting through Meta Pool's official channels, preventing confusion about which social media interactions actually influence validator selection decisions.

Meta Pool is running a community-driven validator competition called the Validator World Cup 2026. In Cohort 2, Week 5, two Mexican validators are competing for community support: - **frutero.pool.near** (backed by likes) - **proyecto-aliento.pool.near** (backed by retweets) The competition uses social engagement (likes, retweets, and comments) to determine which validator advances. This follows similar matchups across multiple cohorts featuring validators from Venezuela, Vietnam, Peru, Ecuador, and the United States. Previous winners include: - ttt.poolv1.near (Vietnam, Cohort 1 Week 4) - staker-rene.pool.near (Mexico, Cohort 2 Week 2) - blocksentry.pool.near (Venezuela, Cohort 1 Week 2) - takeshi7.pool.near (US, Cohort 2) - reengi.pool.near (Mexico, Cohort 1) The tournament combines validator selection with community participation, using public voting to determine which nodes move forward in the bracket.

A blockchain network is recruiting 60 validator operators to join its infrastructure. **Key Details:** - Open application process for validator positions - Single unified network structure - Applications accepted through dedicated portal [Apply here](https://www.notion.so/1f23f29d38d3811f8a47cb4e612c3a19) The initiative aims to decentralize network operations by onboarding diverse validator operators.

Meta Pool has outlined its Q1 2026 roadmap focused on measurable protocol growth through three key initiatives. **Node Studio Cohort #3** aims to onboard 60 new validators to the NEAR ecosystem starting April 1, 2026. The 12-month program provides initial delegation support and performance-based incentives to strengthen network security and decentralization. - Applications opened February 2 - Validator selection: Feb 15 - Mar 27 - Program launch: April 1, 2026 **Distribution expansion** includes Coinstore integrating mpSOL into its Web3 wallet, with stIP integration planned as a follow-up step. **Zoo Finance partnership** will introduce a Liquid Vesting Token built on Story's LST, allowing users to unlock staking reward value early for DeFi deployment. The roadmap emphasizes concrete, trackable outcomes over narrative: more validators on NEAR, increased organic staking participation, broader LST distribution on Solana, and enhanced composability. Meta Pool states each initiative will be evaluated by tangible results and measurable adoption. [Read full roadmap](https://medium.com/meta-pool/q1-2026-meta-pools-roadmap-more-validators-more-participation-more-distribution-52281d9207bd)

**Meta Pool Validator World Cup Results** The Ecuador matchup in Cohort 2 concluded with **latam-pool.pool.near** securing victory over zklatitudzero.pool.near through community voting. **Key Details:** - Community engagement determined the winner through social media interactions - Both validators competed in a decentralized, public voting format - No traditional judging system - purely community-driven decision - Next round approaching The competition format allowed supporters to vote via likes and retweets, demonstrating grassroots participation in validator selection. Both teams received recognition for their participation in the tournament structure.

**NEAR Protocol** is accepting applications for its validator program through March 27. **Key Details:** - Participants can register to run a NEAR node - Program aims to help builders develop validator careers - Includes livestream events with prize opportunities ($15 USD) **How to Apply:** Interested developers can register through the official application portal: [NEAR Validator Program](https://peppermint-daffodil-e37.notion.site/1f23f29d38d3811f8a47cb4e612c3a19) The initiative focuses on expanding NEAR's validator network while providing educational resources for Web3 infrastructure development.

**Node Studio Cohort #3** is now accepting applications for builders interested in validator careers. **Program Details:** - Information session scheduled for February 12 - Hosted by representatives from Cherry Servers - Focuses on validator operations and blockchain ecosystem development **What Node Studio Offers:** - Structured path to becoming a validator on NEAR - Technical training and ecosystem integration - Support for building validator infrastructure The program follows two previous cohorts, with Cohort 2 featuring speakers from Meta Pool and NEAR Protocol. Node Studio aims to simplify the validator onboarding process for builders looking to participate in network validation. Interested participants can join the February 12 session to learn more about the program structure and requirements.

Meta Pool is engaging its community with a casual Thursday check-in, asking users about their staking plans for the day. **Key Points:** - Community engagement focused on daily staking activities - Direct link to [Meta Pool's staking platform](https://www.metapool.app/stake) - Part of ongoing series encouraging user participation in staking The platform supports multi-chain staking across NEAR, Aurora, and Ethereum ecosystems, offering users various yield opportunities through a unified interface.