Adding docs on how validators can claim their MEZO rewards

astro.config.mjs

@@ -315,7 +315,8 @@ export default defineConfig({
                         items: [
                               'docs/developers/mezo-nodes',
                               'docs/developers/mezo-nodes/validator-kit',
-                              'docs/developers/mezo-nodes/validators'
+                              'docs/developers/mezo-nodes/validators',
+                              'docs/developers/mezo-nodes/claiming-rewards'
                         ]
                   },
                   {

src/content/docs/docs/developers/mezo-nodes/claiming-rewards.md

@@ -0,0 +1,80 @@
+---
+title: Claiming MEZO Rewards
+description: Guide for validators on how to claim MEZO rewards and manage reward beneficiaries.
+topic: developers
+---
+
+Validators earn MEZO rewards for securing the network. This guide explains how to claim these rewards and manage reward beneficiaries.
+
+## Overview
+
+Each validator has an associated gauge in the [ValidatorsVoter contract](https://explorer.mezo.org/address/0xe99a9ad5Ed26BD30e4DB25397f378817e9b9515a). Rewards are claimed through the ValidatorsVoter contract by specifying the validator's gauge address.
+
+Each gauge has a single beneficiary address that is authorized to claim rewards. By default, the beneficiary is the validator operator address registered in the [Proof of Authority (PoA) contract](https://explorer.mezo.org/address/0x7B7C000000000000000000000000000000000011?tab=read_contract#ca1e7819).
+
+:::note[Reward Release Schedule]
+Allocated epoch rewards are not immediately available for claim—they are gradually released over the epoch. For example, if rewards are allocated to a gauge at the beginning of epoch N, 100% of epoch N rewards will be available at the epoch's end.
+:::
+
+## Claiming Rewards
+
+To claim your MEZO rewards, follow these steps:
+
+1. **Connect your operator address wallet**
+   Use the wallet associated with your validator operator address.
+
+2. **Determine your gauge address**
+   Call `ValidatorsVoter.validatorToGauge()` with your operator address as the parameter.
+   - Contract: [ValidatorsVoter](https://explorer.mezo.org/address/0xe99a9ad5Ed26BD30e4DB25397f378817e9b9515a)
+   - Method: `validatorToGauge(address validator)`
+
+3. **Claim rewards**
+   Call `ValidatorsVoter.claimRewards()` with your gauge address as the parameter.
+   - Contract: [ValidatorsVoter](https://explorer.mezo.org/address/0xe99a9ad5Ed26BD30e4DB25397f378817e9b9515a)
+   - Method: `claimRewards(address gauge)`
+
+These steps can be performed through the [Mezo block explorer](https://explorer.mezo.org) or via a custom script.
+
+### Example via Block Explorer
+
+1. Navigate to the [ValidatorsVoter contract](https://explorer.mezo.org/address/0xe99a9ad5Ed26BD30e4DB25397f378817e9b9515a)
+2. Go to the "Read Contract" tab
+3. Call `validatorToGauge` with your operator address to get your gauge address
+4. Switch to the "Write Contract" tab
+5. Connect your operator wallet
+6. Call `claimRewards` with your gauge address
+
+## Changing Reward Beneficiary
+
+Validators can designate a different address to receive MEZO rewards. This is useful for separating operational and treasury functions.
+
+To change the reward beneficiary:
+
+1. **Connect your operator address wallet**
+   Use the wallet associated with your validator operator address.
+
+2. **Determine your gauge address**
+   Call `ValidatorsVoter.validatorToGauge()` with your operator address as the parameter.
+
+3. **Switch beneficiary**
+   Call `Gauge.switchRewardsBeneficiary()` with the new beneficiary address as the parameter.
+   - Contract: Your specific Gauge contract (obtained from step 2)
+   - Method: `switchRewardsBeneficiary(address newBeneficiary)`
+
+4. **Claim from the new beneficiary**
+   After changing the beneficiary, all future claims must be executed using the new beneficiary wallet.
+
+:::caution[Best Practice]
+It's recommended to claim all available rewards with the current beneficiary before switching to a new one. If you switch beneficiaries with unclaimed rewards, those rewards will remain associated with the old beneficiary address and must be claimed separately.
+:::
+
+## Contract Addresses
+
+- **ValidatorsVoter**: [`0xe99a9ad5Ed26BD30e4DB25397f378817e9b9515a`](https://explorer.mezo.org/address/0xe99a9ad5Ed26BD30e4DB25397f378817e9b9515a)
+- **PoA Contract**: [`0x7B7C000000000000000000000000000000000011`](https://explorer.mezo.org/address/0x7B7C000000000000000000000000000000000011?tab=read_contract#ca1e7819)
+
+## Additional Resources
+
+- [Mezo Block Explorer](https://explorer.mezo.org)
+- [Validator Information](./validators)
+- [Validator Kit](./validator-kit)