Vega is a delegated proof of stake network with a finite number of validators, rewarded for securing the network. Consensus validators run a node validating the blocks containing the network's transactions and Vega token holders nominate validators through staking - delegating their VEGA to their chosen validator.
Any participant in the Vega network can become a validator. You'll need to set up a node and its infrastructure, submit a transaction on chain, self-stake Loading... and attract token holders to stake (delegate) their tokens to you.
Those with the highest validator scores (a measure of performance and stake) become consensus validators and earn the greatest rewards from infrastructure fees paid on every trade and transfer, with a portion distributed to stakers and standby validators. The validators list is refreshed every epoch Loading....