The CEO of DeGods and y00ts, Rohun Vora, known as Frank DeGods, has resigned after more than three years leading two of the most prominent NFT collections in the crypto space. Announced on May 12, 2025, this transition marks the end of an era for DeGods and y00ts, with leadership passing to a new team. This article delves into Frank’s departure, his legacy, the controversies surrounding his tenure, and the future of these iconic NFT projects.
Frank DeGods’ Departure
On May 12, 2025, the CEO of DeGods and y00ts shared a heartfelt statement on X, declaring his resignation: “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. I’m confident they’ll deliver.” Frank, who founded DeGods in 2021 and y00ts in 2022, handed over leadership to @pastagotsauce and co-founder @0x_chill. Reflecting on his three-year journey, he expressed pride in building DeGods and y00ts into leading NFT brands, despite the challenges of navigating a volatile market.
Frank addressed the polarizing attention his persona attracted, noting that the focus on “Frank DeGods” may have hindered the projects’ progress. “Perhaps we’ll look back and see the fixation on ‘Frank DeGods’ as what held us back,” he wrote. He acknowledged the criticism he faced, often amplified for engagement, but maintained it sometimes served as a stand for the NFT community’s values. Dispelling rumors, Frank clarified, “I’m not disappearing, and there’s no investigation. I’ve never done anything illegal.”
A Legacy of Innovation and Controversy
As the CEO of DeGods and y00ts, Frank pioneered innovative strategies that shaped the NFT landscape. DeGods, launched on Solana, introduced a 33.3% tax on sales below the floor price, a controversial mechanism aimed at deterring “paper hands” and preserving NFT value. This bold move, though debated, helped DeGods stand out. The project also embraced cross-chain innovation, becoming one of the first to implement Bitcoin inscriptions, showcasing Dust Labs’ ambition to expand beyond Solana.
The y00ts collection, launched in 2022, further solidified Frank’s influence, achieving a market cap of $64.6 million by May 2025, with a floor price of $5,220 per NFT. DeGods, with a market cap of 2,069 ETH and a floor price of 0.53 ETH, remains a significant player despite market fluctuations. Both projects bridged across blockchains—Solana, Ethereum, Polygon, and back to Solana—demonstrating adaptability in a competitive space.
However, Frank’s tenure was not without controversy. In early 2025, he faced accusations of links to the “LA Vape Cabal.” This group was allegedly tied to memecoin pump-and-dump schemes. His wallet reportedly earned $4.4 million in profits. Authorities later cleared the wallet, though Frank denied insider trading. However, he admitted to having prior knowledge. Meanwhile, he called for a 176 BTC community donation for BTC DeGods. Critics noted the lack of a clear roadmap. Additionally, his remarks targeting the Solana NFT community sparked backlash.
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The DEGOD Token Transition
In September 2024, under Frank’s leadership, DeGods and y00ts announced a bold shift, converting their NFT collections into a single token, DEGOD. Launched in February 2025, DEGOD aimed to unify the fragmented ecosystem but faced challenges. The token’s price plummeted over 50%, trading at $0.001146 by May 2025, reflecting the broader NFT market’s struggles. Despite the decline, community sentiment on X noted a 50–75% surge in DeGods and y00ts NFT prices post-conversion, driven by investors seeking DEGOD exposure.
The move to DEGOD was seen as risky but strategic, leveraging the projects’ strong community to pivot toward memecoin dynamics. Frank’s vision was to streamline the ecosystem, but the token’s performance underscored the difficulties of transitioning from NFTs to fungible tokens in a bearish market.
Future of DeGods and y00ts
With the CEO of DeGods and y00ts stepping down, @0x_chill and @pastagotsauce inherit a complex legacy. Frank expressed confidence in their ability to “cook,” suggesting a fresh direction free from his polarizing presence. The new leadership faces the challenge of revitalizing DEGOD and sustaining the projects’ relevance amid a declining NFT market. Community feedback on X highlights optimism, with some noting a floor price sweep for DeGods post-announcement, signaling renewed interest.
The transition offers an opportunity to refocus on community-driven initiatives. DeGods’ history of innovation, from焦作from Bitcoin inscriptions to cross-chain bridging, positions it for potential recovery. Y00ts, with its strong market cap, remains a valuable asset. The new team’s ability to deliver clear roadmaps and rebuild trust will be critical.
Implications for the NFT Market
Price fluctuations of the y00ts and DeGods collections over the past 30 days. Source: CoinGecko.
The resignation of the CEO of DeGods and y00ts reflects broader challenges in the NFT space, where leadership transitions often signal strategic pivots. Frank’s exit underscores the pressure on founders to balance innovation with community expectations. The DEGOD token’s struggles highlight the risks of bold moves in a volatile market, yet the community’s resilience suggests potential for recovery under new leadership.
As DeFi and NFTs evolve, DeGods and y00ts remain emblematic of the sector’s highs and lows. The projects’ ability to navigate past controversies and adapt to market shifts will shape their legacy. For now, the community watches closely as @0x_chill and @pastagotsauce take the reins.
Conclusion
The CEO of DeGods and y00ts, Frank DeGods, has stepped down after a transformative three-year tenure, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and controversy. His leadership drove DeGods and y00ts to prominence through bold strategies like Bitcoin inscriptions and the DEGOD token, despite market challenges. As @0x_chill and @pastagotsauce take over, the projects stand at a crossroads, with the potential to redefine their place in the NFT ecosystem. Frank’s departure marks a new chapter, one that will test the resilience of these iconic collections.
