# Stakers & Validators

**Validators** are responsible for processing transactions and adding new blocks to the blockchain. They run nodes that participate in the network's consensus process.\
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**Stakers** delegate their $SOL to validators and in doing so, they help the validator secure the network and earn rewards. \
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To understand Guardians mission and value proposition, we must first understand the Solana validator staking ecosystem.\
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There are plenty of reasons for stakers to delegate their stake to a performant, ethical validator!  However there are two big ones that stand out.\
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1\. They help to secure and improve the Solana network.\
2\. They earn staking rewards in the form of $SOL via built-in inflation.

### What is staking on Solana?

The way staking works on Solana is slightly different to other protocols. Unlike "regular" staking systems when you stake your Solana you are not handing over your $SOL to be used in a staking contract but rather ***delegating*** it to a validator that you believe is performant and has not only your but also Solana's best interests in mind. \
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This means when you natively stake your $SOL it never leaves your custody and remains in your full control. This is done by depositing your $SOL into a [stake account](https://solana.com/docs/economics/staking/stake-accounts) which your wallet has authority over and by extension you.\
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That stake account delegates your $SOL to your chosen validator. It takes one epoch for your stake to "activate" and start securing the network and **earning rewards.** Conversely it takes one epoch for you to un-stake or "deactivate" at which point you can withdraw your $SOL from the stake account.\
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If this sounds complicated don't worry, this is a super easy process and can be done in most Solana native wallets such as Solflare or Phantom! Learn how here or join our [discord ](https://discord.gg/ay7gJeuWk4)and ask us any questions you may have!\
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What is Liquid staking?

Liquid staking has some great advantages and may be your staking method of choice! Please see our \
[gS (LST](/guardian-validator/gs-guardian-staked-sol-lst.md)) section for more information.

Now you understand more about staking on Solana! 

Please head over to [Staking Rewards - Unpacked](/guardian-validator/staking-rewards-unpacked.md) for big a picture understanding of the staking dynamics on Solana!


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