Conor McGregor's $REAL Token Auction Falls Short, Refunds Issued Ahead of Relaunch

MMA icon Conor McGregor made headlines with the announcement of his Web3 token project, $REAL, but the much-hyped presale failed to meet its fundraising target. 

Backed by the Real World Gaming DAO (RWG), the $REAL token auction raised just 39% of its $1 million minimum goal, triggering a full refund for all participants. Despite the setback, McGregor’s team insists this isn’t the end—they’re recalibrating for a relaunch “soon.”

From the use of sealed-bid auctions to their bold dismissal of “celebrity memecoin” status, the $REAL team is striving to set itself apart. But challenging market conditions and misinterpretations of the token’s purpose may have contributed to the initial stumble.

Read More: The Rise of Memecoins Celebrity in 2024

Key Takeaways

• Auction Raised $392K, Missed $1M Minimum: The $REAL presale only raised 39% of its target, triggering an automatic full refund for all 668 bidders.
• RWG Eyes Relaunch: Real World Gaming DAO confirmed a relaunch is in the works, citing macroeconomic pressures and mislabeling of the project as a memecoin.
• Not Just a “Celebrity Token”: McGregor emphasized that $REAL is a serious Web3 project with real-world utility, not “celebrity-endorsed bullshit.”

What Happened During the $REAL Token Launch?

The $REAL token used a sealed-bid auction system via Axis Finance, where users submitted private bids for the number of tokens they wanted and the price they were willing to pay. The system then allocated tokens to the highest bidders at a unified clearing price.

However, the auction ended with just $392,315 raised from 668 bidders, well below the $1,008,000 minimum raise required for the token to officially launch.

RWG responded by announcing on X that all funds would be refunded, which has since been confirmed on-chain via Ethereum.

Why Did the Launch Fail?

Market Misunderstanding

One of the biggest challenges was the framing of the token. Many interpreted $REAL as a celebrity memecoin, undermining its broader mission. RWG insists this narrative doesn’t reflect the token’s real utility, which includes governance, staking, and integration with McGregor’s business ventures.

Read More: Understanding Celebrity Tokens in Crypto

Economic Timing

The failed launch also came amid unfavorable market conditions, including:

• Global macroeconomic uncertainty
• President Trump’s controversial tariff announcements
• A cooling meme coin market after major scams and high-profile failures

Investors may have hesitated due to increased risk aversion across both crypto and equity markets.

What Comes Next for $REAL?

RWG has confirmed that the project is not being scrapped, but paused for “recalibration.” McGregor has stayed vocal, sharing the auction update with his signature flair: “Ladies and gentlemen, this is REAL!”

The team aims to reframe the narrative, clarify token utility, and potentially adjust the fundraising mechanism for better traction during the relaunch.

FAQs

Was the $REAL token a scam?

No. While the token presale failed to hit its funding goal, all funds were transparently refunded to participants via USDC on Ethereum.

When will the $REAL token relaunch?

The team has not provided a specific date but stated they are "looking to relaunch soon" after pausing to recalibrate their approach.

What is the purpose of the $REAL token?

$REAL is designed to power staking, governance, and utility within McGregor’s ecosystem, including a real-world MMA fight simulator and future business integrations.