McGregor’s Memecoin Launch Stumbles as Skepticism Hits Celebrity Crypto
Conor McGregor, famed for his UFC legacy and high-profile whiskey brand, recently entered the crypto scene with bold ambitions.
Teaming up with Real World Gaming (RWG), McGregor launched a memecoin called “REAL” in April 2025, aiming to reshape the crypto space with staking rewards and governance features for holders. But despite his star power, the project’s initial fundraising campaign missed the mark.
The REAL token sale, hosted via a sealed-bid auction on Axis Finance, set a fundraising minimum of just over $1 million. After 28 hours, it had attracted only 668 contributors, raising around $392,000—less than 40% of its goal. RWG promptly announced full refunds, with McGregor publicly backing the decision.
The failed launch comes amid broader skepticism toward celebrity-backed crypto projects. Investors cited poor market timing, a weak tokenomics model, and fading confidence in memecoins. The project’s 12-hour unlock window and unclear roadmap added to doubts, while McGregor’s controversial image may have further deterred trust.
REAL’s fundraising troubles also reflect the wider risks of hype-driven crypto ventures. In an environment already rattled by scams and market instability, the crypto community is growing wary of promotional tokens that promise more than they deliver.
RWG has since promised a relaunch, with revisions to the project’s structure and strategy. Whether REAL can recover remains to be seen—but for now, it serves as a reminder that in crypto, celebrity alone isn’t enough.
Alexander Zdravkov
Reporter at Coindoo
Alexander Zdravkov is passionate about questions of meaning. He is a fluent German speaker as well as He has been in the crypto space for more than three years and has an eye for spotting emerging trends in the world of digital currencies. Whether providing in-depth analysis or reporting on all topics on a daily basis, his deep understanding and enthusiasm for what he does makes him a valuable addition to the team.
