Amid the ongoing NFT frenzy, the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) has solidified its status as a premier blue-chip collection, with a floor price exceeding 100 ETH (~$360,000) at the time of writing. While critics question the intrinsic value of NFTs, on-chain data highlights a handful of traders who have amassed life-changing profits through disciplined trading. According to data from CryptoSlam and DappRadar, the top five BAYC traders have collectively earned over $21.17 million from just 99 trades.
1. Machibigbrother: $5.85 Million Profit
The top-ranked trader, known as 'Machibigbrother,' has generated $5.85 million in realized profit across 34 BAYC trades, achieving a return of 182.29%. His portfolio currently holds 6,626 NFTs from 203 collections, valued at approximately $72.72 million. Machibigbrother's success stems from early accumulation and active trading during periods of high volatility.
2. icanfly3: $4.93 Million Profit, 562.91% Return
The second-most profitable trader, 'icanfly3,' earned $4.93 million from 26 trades with an exceptional return of 562.91%. He owns 498 NFTs across 64 collections, demonstrating a diversified approach. icanfly3 is known for selling into spikes, capturing outsized gains after the BAYC floor surged in late 2021.
3. Dfarmer: $3.99 Million Profit, 455.96% Return
'Dfarmer' netted $3.99 million from just 14 BAYC trades, posting a return of 455.96%. His portfolio of 1,444 NFTs is worth $9.69 million. Dfarmer's strategy involves holding high-utility Apes and selectively selling rare traits at premium prices.
4. 0xC310e7: $3.64 Million Profit, 2,310,248% Return
An anonymous trader with the address '0xC310e7' made $3.64 million from 10 trades, achieving an astronomical return of 2,310,248%. This stratospheric percentage is due to an initial cost basis near the mint price of 0.08 ETH. The wallet now holds 47 NFTs worth about $1 million.
5. 4932114: $2.76 Million Profit, 1,084% Return
Trader '4932114' generated $2.76 million in profit from 15 BAYC trades, with a return of 1,084%. His current portfolio of 645 NFTs is valued at $560,380. 4932114 appears to be a high-frequency trader, capitalizing on short-term price swings within the BAYC ecosystem.
Most Expensive Ape & the 6th Trader
The most expensive BAYC ever sold was #3749, which traded for 740 ETH (≈ $2.9 million). The seller, 'Boothy,' earned $2.29 million from just six BAYC trades, placing him sixth all-time. Boothy's example shows that a few well-timed trades can yield millions.
These five traders together completed 99 profitable BAYC swaps, demonstrating that top NFT traders combine deep market knowledge, community engagement, and risk management. However, retail investors should be cautious: such high returns are the exception, not the rule, and the NFT market remains highly speculative.