As the memecoin market soared at the beginning of 2025, it experienced a sharp decline in subsequent months, with many coins losing significant value. While the possibility of a new memecoin rally in 2026 is under discussion, four popular artificial intelligence models were asked to predict which memecoin might perform best next year. Their responses highlighted liquidity and community strength as key factors should the sector heat up again. PEPE coin emerged as the strongest contender, while the Dogecoin 
$0.147555 front posed a more ambitious target.
Elevated Expectations for PEPE Coin
Three of the AI models identified PEPE as the memecoin with the highest return potential in 2026. The evaluations emphasized the frog-themed coin’s recognition among a broad investor base, its formation around a strong community, and its resilience despite severe fluctuations in previous cycles. According to the models’ analyses, these features increase the likelihood of PEPE becoming a central focus for capital in an accelerating market.
ChatGPT identified PEPE’s survival through its initial huge surge and subsequent steep drop as a critical milestone. It was highlighted that assets passing this stage tend to become a natural liquidity attraction point whenever the memecoin market heats up again. In the same assessment, BONK coin was mentioned next, with predictions of substantial price increases if the Solana ecosystem experiences a strong year.
Grok shared a similar perspective. The AI model integrated with social media platform X stated that PEPE is a “tested” candidate from previous cycles, while WIF, BONK, FLOKI, and BRETT were also listed as notable memecoins to watch in 2026. Google’s Gemini model noted that PEPE is one of the closest candidates to lead in percentage growth but also warned of the potential emergence of a surprising new asset that’s currently either not in the market or going through a silent consolidation phase.
A Different Scenario for the DOGE Front
The fourth view significantly altered the landscape. Perplexity based its assessment on DOGE, the largest memecoin by market capitalization. The model emphasized DOGE’s unique liquidity structure, sustained community support over the years, and strong performance during previous bull runs. These elements were argued to potentially propel DOGE back to the top during periods of substantial capital inflows.
Perplexity proposed a scenario where DOGE could reach a new all-time high of $1.70 in 2026. In contrast, the same evaluation sharply criticized PEPE. It claimed that whale interest in the memecoin has waned and technical indicators point to downside risks, suggesting that PEPE might fall short of expectations in the upcoming period.
The emerging picture indicates no clear answer regarding the leadership battle in the memecoin market in 2026. While PEPE is propelled by resilience and community strength, DOGE’s arguments are bolstered by scale and liquidity advantages. The key determinant of the final outcome will be the overall market direction and where capital gets concentrated among the memecoins.
