Could Shiba Inu Meme Coin Topple Dogecoin by 2026? Experts Are Divided

The battle for meme coin dominance has been brewing for years — and now, the spotlight is back on Shiba Inu. Can SHIB pull off the impossible and flip Dogecoin again?

That’s the question posed in a recent survey by Finder, which tapped 14 financial experts to weigh in on whether Shiba Inu could overtake Dogecoin in market capitalization. The verdict? It’s not looking good for SHIB fans.

The Flashback: SHIB Once Flipped DOGE

It’s easy to forget, but back in 2021, Shiba Inu actually did the unthinkable — it briefly overtook Dogecoin, with its market cap hitting $39 billion during the meme coin mania. But just as fast as SHIB climbed, DOGE reclaimed the throne, and it’s held on tight ever since.

Fast forward to 2025, and SHIB has fallen to 17th place among cryptocurrencies by market cap, while Dogecoin still sits comfortably at #8. Despite SHIB’s loyal community and ongoing development, the gap remains wide.

What Experts Really Think

So, what are the odds of SHIB flipping DOGE again? In the Finder survey, a whopping 79% of experts said it’s never going to happen. Another 14% weren’t sure. That leaves just 7% — a lone voice or two — who still believe SHIB could flip DOGE, potentially by 2026.

It’s a bold claim — and a lonely one.

One of the biggest skeptics, Dr. Sathvik Vishwanath, CEO of Unocoin, didn’t mince words. He pointed to Shiba Inu’s massive supply as its Achilles’ heel. With 589.25 trillion tokens in circulation compared to Dogecoin’s 148.82 billion, SHIB is fighting an uphill battle on price and market cap alike.

Even if SHIB’s price surges, its sheer supply means it must outperform DOGE by a huge margin just to catch up.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Let’s break it down. DOGE currently commands a $24.62 billion market cap. SHIB? Just $7.3 billion. For Shiba Inu to overtake Dogecoin, its market cap would need to increase by over 240%, assuming DOGE stays flat.

That kind of leap isn’t impossible — we’ve seen stranger things in crypto — but it’s a monumental task that would require an unprecedented wave of investor enthusiasm, sustained momentum, and likely a bit of luck.

Meanwhile, Dogecoin continues to benefit from its first-mover advantage, greater cultural recognition, and vocal support from heavyweights like Elon Musk. It also has a cleaner, more manageable supply, which analysts say gives it a long-term edge in the meme coin wars.

Can SHIB Defy the Odds?

Still, SHIB isn’t without its strengths. It has one of the most passionate communities in crypto, ongoing projects like Shibarium, and a team determined to push beyond the “meme coin” label. It’s no longer just about hype — SHIB is slowly building real utility.

But will that be enough?

The experts say no. For now, SHIB might have the spirit, but DOGE still holds the crown. And unless something dramatic shifts in the market — or a massive surge sends SHIB’s valuation through the roof — the dream of flipping Dogecoin may remain just that: a dream.

Final Thoughts

Shiba Inu’s quest to dethrone Dogecoin is far from over — but don’t expect fireworks just yet. Most experts believe SHIB will stay in second place for the foreseeable future. Whether the underdog can pull off a historic comeback depends on factors beyond just market hype.

One thing’s clear: the meme coin war isn’t over, but the road ahead for SHIB is steeper than ever.