A blockchain validator is someone who is responsible for verifying transactions on a blockchain. Once transactions are verified, they are added to the distributed ledger. In proof of work (PoW) systems like Bitcoin, validators, also known as miners, solve complex computational math problems in order to win the right to verify transactions and receive rewards for the “work.”

In proof of stake (PoS) systems like Avalanche®, validators are given rewards as long as they stake the network’s token (AVAX) and correctly participate in the network. This mechanism helps secure the network by imposing the need to lock up value in the network in order to participate in the consensus decisions.

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