Rektguy: A Symbol of Evolving Web3 Culture
Web3 culture is in a constant state of flux, shaped by a diverse group of innovators, enthusiasts, and those curious about blockchain technology. Among the various NFT brands, Rektguy stands out as a quintessential embodiment of this unique culture. Initially created as a gift for the community, it has transformed into a powerful representation of artistic freedom and the authentic spirit of Web3.
Understanding Rektguy
Rektguy consists of 8,814 NFTs minted on the Ethereum blockchain, launched in May 2022 by OSF, along with co-founders Mando and AlienQueen, as well as contributions from OSF’s family. The character of Rektguy is a semi-autobiographical depiction of a typical degen trader, often left “rekt” due to the unpredictable nature of crypto markets. This hooded figure, marked by a somber demeanor and a fondness for beverages, reflects the coping strategies many adopt during market downturns. Through its candid portrayal of Web3 culture and the realities of being part of the blockchain community, Rektguy has struck a chord with a broad audience, symbolizing shared experiences within degen communities and crypto culture.
The inspiration for Rektguy came from Ovie Faruq, known as OSF in the community. The character’s origins trace back to OSF’s time at Barclays bank, where he found himself disillusioned with corporate life. In his spare time, he began doodling, and one day, he created a skull figure adorned with a hoodie featuring “gm” and holding a cup of coffee. As he explored NFT art, this character emerged as the centerpiece of his artistic endeavors. OSF’s first major NFT project was the Degenz collection, but in October 2021, he minted the first Rektguy as a unique 1-of-1 NFT on Foundation, titled “gm.” This laid the groundwork for the Rektguy NFT collection, officially conceptualized in January 2022 and launched in May 2022.
The Journey of Rektguy
The Rektguy NFT collection officially launched in May 2022. Existing holders of OSF’s prior NFTs, including the Degenz collection, were granted the opportunity to mint a Rektguy for free, alongside additional public mints. The collection gained instant traction, achieving an impressive all-time high floor price of 1.2 ETH shortly after its release. Operating under a Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license, Rektguy holders were empowered to create derivative artworks, products, and brands, leading to the first derivative, eRektguy, which launched in June 2022.
The year 2022 proved to be pivotal for the Rektguy team, as the community’s culture-focused ethos began to shine through. An engaged holder base, spearheaded by a few notable community members, thrived within The Dive Bar Discord server and beyond. Notable figures such as The Patron and The Ghost emerged, alongside celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Gary Vaynerchuk, who joined the vibrant community.
As excitement mounted during the summer of 2022, Rektguy hosted “The Rekt Show” at the popular burlesque venue The Box during NFT.NYC 2022. This marked the first official gathering of the Rektguy community, celebrating the brand and the passionate community that had formed. The event’s success led to similar gatherings in London and New York City, solidifying Rektguy’s status as a notable presence in the NFT event scene.
In September 2022, the community sparked a friendly rivalry dubbed “The Metallic War,” featuring three factions of Rektguy holders: the Golden Girls, Silver Foxes, and Strawberry Laces. This ongoing competition highlights the deep engagement and enthusiasm of Rektguy holders worldwide. That same month, OSF announced a playful challenge: if Rektguy’s floor price reached 1 ETH, he would get a “rekt” tattoo. At the time, the floor price was at 0.3 ETH, making this target ambitious yet attainable. Many community members pledged to join OSF in getting tattoos if the price goal was met, and by December 2022, the floor price hit 1 ETH.
OSF had already gotten his tattoo done ahead of time with Ian Rogers, CXO of Ledger, at a renowned Paris studio, and when he shared the images after reaching the price goal, the community’s reaction was overwhelmingly positive. Other Rektguy holders quickly followed suit, showcasing the camaraderie and passionate culture surrounding the brand. OSF also committed to not cutting his hair until Rektguy reaches a floor price of 4.2 ETH, while co-founder Mando humorously stated he would get a “rekt” tattoo on his posterior if that target is achieved.
Recent Developments and Future Prospects
While 2023 was a relatively quieter year, the community gained a significant member when Gary Vee became a Rektguy holder in May 2023. However, the momentum picked up significantly in 2024. In July, OSF revealed the establishment of Rekt Brands, a company intended to manage the future of the Rektguy brand, distributing shares to NFT holders—marking a significant first in the NFT space.
Subsequent social media posts hinted at future developments, and on August 1, 2024, Rekt Rewards was launched, allowing participants to earn DRANK points through various social quests, including purchasing Rekt Drinks—an innovative sparkling water product developed by Rekt Brands. In September 2024, OSF announced that all revenues from his new artworks would be funneled into Rekt Brands, enhancing the company’s growth and supporting the Rektguy community.
The launch of Rekt Drinks occurred on October 30, 2025, with the product available for purchase online in multiple currencies, including fiat, SOL, and SOL USDC, and it achieved widespread success, selling out all 222,000 cans by November 1. Just five days later, Rekt Brands announced a $1.5 million seed round, attracting investments from prominent figures in the NFT space.
The introduction of the $REKT ecosystem token on November 22, 2025, further solidified the brand’s standing, with a market cap of $12.2 million USD and a fully diluted value exceeding $20 million USD. The Rektguy X profile transitioned to an AI agent powered by $REKT in January 2025, and the brand continued to thrive, marking its presence at NFT Paris 2025 while celebrating the milestone of its 100th episode of the Rekt Radio podcast in February 2025.
Looking Ahead for Rektguy
With a brand deeply rooted in community engagement, the future of Rektguy appears promising and filled with potential. Given the recent investments and the focus on promoting Rekt Drinks, several expectations arise: the introduction of more Web3-related products, as Rekt Drinks has proven popular; the implementation of further community initiatives that enhance the brand’s relationship with its passionate followers; and the potential for strategic partnerships with influential Web3 communities, taking advantage of the positive sentiment surrounding Rektguy.
Rektguy represents more than just an NFT project; it signifies a cultural movement within the Web3 landscape. What began as a simple doodle has blossomed into a formidable brand, attracting new fans and followers. Through a strong sense of community, passion, and shared experiences, Rektguy has established itself as one of the most respected and beloved projects in the Web3 space, with a bright future ahead.
