# What is staking?

Staking is a fundamental part of any Proof of Stake (PoS) blockchain network. Staking is the mechanism where special nodes on the network, i.e., ***Validator Nodes*****,** confirm transactions,  create blocks, and extend the chain. In this section, we will focus on how staking works on the Solana network.

In Solana, any user can become a validator by running a node and delegating their SOL to that node.&#x20;

The validator node is rewarded for building & validating blocks which generates staking yield on the delegated SOL. The earned rewards from staking are shared automatically to all SOL delegators every epoch (\~ 48 hours)

When a validator node is selected to build a block, the node collects new transactions and combines them to propose a new block. The validator node also collects the fees of these transactions as part of the staking yield.&#x20;