The XRP market has once again reminded traders that betting against it can be a dangerous gamble. As highlighted by market commentator Xaif on X, several whales attempted to short XRP with massive positions — ranging from 40,000 to 100,000 tokens each — only to see their trades backfire spectacularly.
Instead of raking in profits, these traders were forced into heavy losses as their shorts were liquidated.
The Failed Short Attack
The failed move unfolded as XRP hovered in the $3.00 to $3.30 range. Large short positions clustered at key levels, setting the stage for what many believed would be a profitable downturn. However, rather than breaking lower, XRP’s price surged, triggering stop-losses and automated bot-driven liquidations.
🔥 SHORTS GETTING RIGGED!
Whales tried to bet against #XRP with massive shorts…
👉 -100K, -60K, -54K, -40K XRP
But instead of profit, they got wrecked 🚨Bots forced to close with huge losses
The battlefield isn’t against XRP… it’s against the shorts 😎⚡ pic.twitter.com/bZ7xRS6Evp
— Xaif Crypto🇮🇳|🇺🇸 (@Xaif_Crypto) August 19, 2025
Once the chain reaction began, short positions were rapidly closed out, leaving traders on the wrong side of the market with millions in losses.
Price Action and Liquidations
As of report time, XRP is trading at $3.01 after experiencing intraday swings between $3.05 and $3.30. Data from derivatives trackers confirms that the sharp move upward triggered a significant wave of liquidations, with short sellers bearing the brunt.
Reports indicate that major liquidations occurred at around $3.14, wiping out a large portion of the leveraged positions. A brief liquidity crunch hit XRP markets before prices rebounded to around $3.00.
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Why Shorts Got Crushed
Two key factors explain why these whales were wrecked. First, the concentration of short orders near obvious support levels created a vulnerable liquidity pool. This made it easier for large buyers and trading algorithms to push XRP upward, forcing shorts to cover.
Second, automated trading systems amplified the squeeze, converting what might have been a minor move into a rapid surge that overwhelmed leveraged traders. In effect, the whales set a trap for themselves by betting too heavily against XRP at predictable levels.
What This Means for XRP Going Forward
The liquidation wave has two clear implications. For short-term traders, it underscores the risks of betting against XRP during periods of heightened volatility. The $3.00 level has now become a focal point, acting both as a psychological support and a potential battleground for future squeezes.
For long-term holders, the event reduced some of the speculative short pressure but also underscored XRP’s capacity for violent price swings.
Xaif’s observations confirm that the real battle is not between XRP bulls and bears, but rather between the market and overleveraged shorts. Another example of XRP defying attempts to drive its price down with massive shorts, resulting in significant losses.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.
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