The NFT Leader Leaves as Rohun Vora, known as Frank DeGods, announced his resignation as CEO of DeGods and y00ts on May 12, 2025, after over three years of leading the prominent NFT projects. This transition marks a pivotal moment for the DeGods ecosystem, with new leadership poised to steer its future. This article explores the reasons behind Vora’s departure, the legacy of his tenure, and the implications for DeGods and y00ts in the evolving NFT landscape.
A Visionary’s Exit from DeGods
The NFT Leader Leaves with Frank DeGods stepping down, concluding a dynamic chapter for DeGods and y00ts. In a heartfelt post on X, Vora shared, “Today is my last day as CEO of DeGods. My chapter is closing, but the story continues with @0x_chill and @pastagotsauce at the helm.” He expressed pride in building two iconic NFT collections, emphasizing his relentless dedication since founding DeGods in 2021 and y00ts in 2022. Vora’s leadership propelled both projects to prominence, with DeGods pioneering innovative mechanisms like a 33.3% tax on below-floor sales to deter quick flips and bolster NFT value.
However, Vora acknowledged the challenges of being a public figure in the crypto space. The intense focus on “Frank DeGods” sometimes overshadowed the projects’ broader vision, sparking controversies that fueled community debates. He noted, “The spotlight on me may have held us back. Criticism drove engagement, but it often misrepresented my intentions.” Addressing rumors, Vora clarified, “I’m not disappearing, and there are no investigations—I’ve never done anything illegal.” His transparency aims to pave the way for a smoother transition as the NFT Leader Leaves.
Leadership Transition and Future Outlook
The NFT Leader Leaves, passing the reins to @pastagotsauce and co-founder @0x_chill, whom Vora trusts to lead DeGods and y00ts into their next phase. He expressed confidence in their ability to innovate without the weight of his polarizing persona. The new leadership inherits a complex legacy, including DeGods’ bold move to Bitcoin inscriptions in 2023, showcasing its multi-chain ambitions under Dust Labs, the development team behind both projects.
Vora’s tenure was not without controversy. Earlier in 2025, he faced accusations of ties to the “LA Vape Cabal,” a group allegedly involved in memecoin pump-and-dump schemes. His wallet reportedly earned $4.4 million in profits before being deleted, though Vora denied insider trading allegations while admitting to receiving early information. Additionally, his call for a 176 BTC community donation for BTC DeGods without a clear roadmap drew criticism, as did his remarks against the Solana NFT community. These incidents shaped his polarizing reputation, which he now hopes to leave behind.
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DeGods and y00ts: A Mixed Legacy
Under Vora’s leadership, DeGods and y00ts achieved significant milestones. DeGods, launched on Solana and later bridged to Ethereum, introduced a deflationary model to protect NFT value, though the tax mechanism was later discontinued. y00ts, a 15,000-piece collection, gained traction on Solana and Polygon before returning to Solana in 2024. Both projects leveraged Dust Labs’ innovative approach, including zero-royalty policies to boost trading on marketplaces like Magic Eden.
In September 2024, DeGods unified its ecosystem by converting NFTs into the DEGOD token, a move that aimed to consolidate liquidity but led to a 50% price drop since its February 2025 launch, with DEGOD now trading at $0.001146. Despite this, DeGods maintains a market cap of 2,069 ETH, with a floor price of 0.53 ETH, while y00ts boasts a $64.6 million market cap and a $5,220 floor price, reflecting resilience amid market volatility.
Implications for the NFT Market
The NFT Leader Leaves at a critical juncture for the NFT industry. DeGods’ shift to DEGOD token and its multi-chain strategy highlight the challenges of sustaining value in a bearish NFT market. The 50–75% price surge in DeGods and y00ts NFTs post-announcement suggests renewed community interest, but the new leadership must address lingering skepticism. Vora’s controversies, including the donation controversy and memecoin allegations, underscore the scrutiny faced by high-profile figures in Web3.
Price fluctuations of the y00ts and DeGods collections over the past 30 days. Source: CoinGecko.
The transition offers an opportunity for DeGods and y00ts to redefine their narrative. By focusing on community-driven innovation, the new leaders could leverage Dust Labs’ technical expertise to enhance utility, such as integrating NFTs with DeFi or gaming. The broader NFT market, with weekly sales at $103 million, shows cautious optimism, and DeGods’ ability to adapt will be crucial in maintaining its edge.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter
As the NFT Leader Leaves, DeGods and y00ts stand at a crossroads. Vora’s vision transformed them into cultural and technical pioneers, but his polarizing presence often sparked division. The new leadership, unburdened by his legacy, has a chance to rebuild trust and drive growth. Community sentiment reflects mixed emotions—gratitude for Vora’s contributions and excitement for fresh perspectives under @0x_chill and @pastagotsauce.
The projects’ return to Solana and the DEGOD token launch demonstrate adaptability, but stabilizing token value and clarifying roadmaps are immediate priorities. Partnerships with marketplaces like Blur and community initiatives, such as de[city] events, could strengthen engagement. As DeGods and y00ts evolve, their success will hinge on balancing innovation with transparency in a competitive NFT landscape.
Conclusion
The NFT Leader Leaves, marking the end of Frank DeGods’ transformative tenure at DeGods and y00ts. His leadership drove Dust Labs to innovate with DEGOD token and multi-chain strategies, despite controversies that shaped his legacy. With a market cap of 2,069 ETH for DeGods and $64.6 million for y00ts, the projects remain influential. As @0x_chill and @pastagotsauce take over, their focus on community and innovation will determine whether DeGods and y00ts can reclaim their peak in the dynamic NFT market.
