15 years of Bitcoin: From two pizzas to a billion dollars!

15 years of Bitcoin: From two pizzas to a billion dollars!

On May 22, 2010, US software developer Laszlo Hanyecz made a transaction-historic decision that would forever shape the world of cryptocurrencies. He used 10,000 Bitcoin to pay for two pizzas, which were valued at around $41 at the time. Today, those 10,000 Bitcoin are worth over a billion dollars. This remarkable event is now considered the symbolic starting point for the everyday use of Bitcoin and is celebrated annually as “Bitcoin Pizza Day”. Exactly 15 years ago, when Bitcoin was still viewed as “Magic Internet Money” and not as a serious financial instrument, it became clear how quickly the perception and value of digital currencies can change. [vienna.at] reports that the date of the first pizza purchase is firmly anchored in the memory of the crypto community.

Over the years, Bitcoin has become a significant global asset. On May 22, 2025, Bitcoin price reached a record high of nearly $112,000. Institutional investors are once again showing a willingness to take risks, resulting in inflows of around $6.7 billion into Bitcoin investments in the last month alone. The listings of Blackrock's first Bitcoin ETF on Nasdaq in January 2024 have made it easier for institutional investors to access the Bitcoin market. According to crypto firm Bitwise, ETF positions increased by over 40 percent in the first quarter of 2025. These developments reflect growing confidence in the cryptocurrency.

Institutional acceptance supports the Bitcoin market

As part of this positive development, the crypto exchange Coinbase was recently included in the US leading index S&P 500. This highlights the increasing acceptance of crypto companies in the traditional financial market. However, the platform was not without challenges; it was the target of a hacker attack in which user data was stolen. The attackers demanded a ransom of $20 million, which Coinbase refused. Instead, the exchange notified regulators of the incident, which is estimated to cost between $180 million and $400 million. Surprisingly, the platform's price remained stable despite these turbulences.

The widespread acceptance and use of Bitcoin is also reflected in the upcoming “Bitcoin 2025” conference, which will take place in the USA next week. Renowned speakers such as US Vice President J. D. Vance and Micro Strategy founder Michael Saylor are expected. 15 years after the first pizza purchase, Bitcoin has finally established its place as a digital asset in the financial world.

A look at the future

The general public's perception of Bitcoin has changed enormously. Originally promoted by technology enthusiasts and libertarians, cryptocurrency has now gained a foothold in the economy. Companies like Microsoft and Overstock accept Bitcoin as payment, and governments around the world are working to establish clear regulations for cryptocurrencies. With initiatives like a bill in Pennsylvania addressing government investment in Bitcoin, interest in strategic Bitcoin reserves is clear. These could be used as a hedge against inflation and to diversify assets.

Finally, the course of the last 15 years shows how Bitcoin has developed from a questionable idea into a mainstay of the global financial system. The technologies and trends in the Bitcoin sector seem to continue to advance and suggest that the digital currency will continue to play a central role in the future. [coinspeaker] and [btc-consultant] confirm this trend and emphasize the continued relevance and increasing trust in Bitcoin as a serious financial alternative.