Validator Weight
Validator weight is the relative influence a validator has on the network consensus process, determined by the total amount of tokens staked to them. A higher weight means the validator is more likely to be selected to propose a block and receives a larger share of the total rewards.
This creates a competitive dynamic where validators strive to attract more delegators to increase their weight. However, extreme concentration of weight in a few large validators can threaten the decentralization of the network.
Many protocols implement caps or diminishing returns for very large validators to encourage a more distributed stake. Understanding validator weight is crucial for delegators who want to balance reward potential with the goal of supporting network decentralization.
It is a key metric in the game theory of staking ecosystems.