Altseason 2026: Why One Analyst Sees a Bigger Cycle Than 2017 and 2021

Crypto Patel is keeping things simple with his take. The OTHERS/BTC ratio is sitting right on a long-term support zone that has marked major turning points in the past. He points back to 2017 and 2021, when similar setups led to strong periods of altcoin outperformance, and frames 2026 as the next potential expansion phase.

When you look at the chart, it’s easy to see why this area matters. The ratio has spent years moving inside a broad rising channel. Each time it drifted down to the lower boundary of that channel, the market eventually turned higher and altcoins started to outperform Bitcoin.

• A Slow Grind Back Into Support
• The Upside Path On The Table
• What Would Signal a Real Shift

A Slow Grind Back Into Support

What really stands out is how long this reset has taken. Since the 2021 peak, OTHERS/BTC has been slowly trending lower, finally working its way back into channel support.

The chart highlights earlier cycle lows around 2019 and 2020, and the current zone is being framed as a possible 2025 bottom.

These areas aren’t about catching a perfect low. They’re about zones where selling pressure has typically run its course and the market has had time to reset. The longer price drifts into support, the more meaningful any eventual shift can be if momentum starts to turn.

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The Upside Path On The Table

I think there’s a huge breakout from this zone itself. The target will be the upper part of the channel,” says Patel. He refers to past breakouts of around 423% in 2017 and around 503% in 2021 and presents a bigger picture for a breakout in 2026. The target sits near the upper boundary of the channel, which fits the idea of broad altcoin strength if the trend flips.

Source: X/@CryptoPatel

That said, the chart also makes it clear that this isn’t automatic. Yet, the continuation of the drop from the 2021 high is still on-going. A genuine altseason breakout would still have to see this ratio hold its position at this range, come back to where it had previous support before, and make higher highs instead of dropping further.

What Would Signal a Real Shift

A strong burst from the channel support line coupled with a break above the long-term downtrend line will be the most obvious signal. This will help the ratio start moving towards its early cycle pattern. The story of the altcoins versus Bitcoin will then start changing very quickly.

If support gives way, the whole idea gets pushed further out. But if this level holds again, the chart is pointing toward a familiar setup where Bitcoin’s dominance cools off and altcoins begin to take center stage.