Ripple becomes #2, is Bitcoin next?

Ripple briefly became the #2 cryptocurrency overtaking Ethereum. Even Vitalik Buterin congratulated them on twitter(later deleted) as ripple has had this rapid rise. Much has to with the increased partnerships with Japanese and other Asian banks. Sure there will be pullback and I expect ETH and XRP to trade positions for a week or so but there doesnt seem to be stopping Ripple from taking the spot and continuing to rise.

Which brings up the big question?

Can it overtake Bitcoin?

Its been a great year for Bitcoin. Over 15 times increase and much more mainstream exposure. However, the end of the year has shown serious problems from slower processing transactions(especially smaller ones). The transaction fees have risen so high that some people have stopped using Bitcoin to trade or use and are hodling only because of this. This will eventually be so problematic that people will just use other crypto instead.

Whether people like it or not, the connections between banks and Ripple make it highly used and that will increase throughout next year. If more countries, including the US, get involved, this is just the beginning. If Coinbase also adds it to their options, even more interest. Add that transactions are faster and cheaper it would seem logical that Ripple could become the #1 way to transfer crypto.

If Bitcoin cant solve it's internal problems, it is prime to be overtaken as the top dog. Please don't think that means Ripple is going to be worth 15+k. For Ripple to catch Bitcoin right now, the value of the coin, in my estimation, only needs to be around 10 US dollars. Remember its catching ETH under $2usd while ETH is sitting at over $750usd.

So yes Ripple has a good chance to become the leader. As 2018 plays out, I see Ripple continuing its rise. The question Im not sure about is whether Bitcoin will get fixed or get worse. Bitcoin should still be the market cap leader for the year but I think the gap will close greatly.

Please share your thoughts.