Every May 22nd, the crypto community celebrates Bitcoin Pizza Day, a historical milestone that symbolizes the birth of Bitcoin as a functional currency. In 2010, a programmer named Laszlo Hanyecz paid 10,000 BTC for two pizzas, a transaction that would be worth billions of dollars today. But why is this event so significant? In this article, we explore the history behind Bitcoin Pizza Day, what it represents for the cryptocurrency market, and how it continues to inspire the financial future.
Why do we celebrate the day Lazlo paid US$1.09 billion in Bitcoin (BTC) for two pizzas?
On May 18, 2010, Laszlo Hanyecz, an American developer and cryptocurrency enthusiast, posted a simple offer on the Bitcointalk forum: 10,000 Bitcoins for two large pizzas. At the time, Bitcoin was a novelty, created by Satoshi Nakamoto just a year prior, and had almost no market value. After a few days, on May 22nd, Jeremy Sturdivant, known as “Jercos,” accepted the offer and ordered two pizzas from a Papa John’s for Laszlo, receiving the 10,000 BTC in return.
At that moment, the 10,000 BTC were worth about US$41 (based on the price of US$0.004 per BTC). Today, with Bitcoin reaching peaks of over US$100,000 in 2025, those pizzas would be worth approximately US$1 billion! This milestone, now known as Bitcoin Pizza Day, was the first recorded transaction where Bitcoin was used to buy real-world goods, proving that the cryptocurrency could function as a medium of payment.
Why Do We Celebrate Bitcoin Pizza Day?
Bitcoin Pizza Day is more than just a curious anecdote — it represents a pivotal moment in the history of cryptocurrencies. Here are the main reasons why the community celebrates this date:
- Proof of Concept: Laszlo’s transaction demonstrated that Bitcoin could be used as money, validating Satoshi Nakamoto’s vision of creating a decentralized currency. This paved the way for the future adoption of BTC in commercial transactions.
- Exponential Appreciation: The US$41 pizzas that are now worth billions illustrate Bitcoin’s potential for growth. The event serves as a reminder of the value of investing early in innovative technologies, even when they seem risky.
- Crypto Culture: Bitcoin Pizza Day has become a symbol of community, with events, promotions, and memes celebrated globally. Pizzerias and exchanges often offer discounts or special campaigns on May 22nd, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the crypto ecosystem.
The Impact of Bitcoin Pizza Day
The impact of this transaction goes beyond the pizzas. It marked the beginning of Bitcoin’s journey as a viable currency, inspiring merchants, developers, and investors to explore the potential of blockchain. Since 2010, Bitcoin has evolved from an experiment to a global financial asset, with companies like Tesla and PayPal accepting BTC and countries like El Salvador adopting it as legal tender.
The event also highlights the volatility and potential of the crypto market. In 2010, 10,000 BTC were almost insignificant; today, they represent a fortune. This encourages discussions about the intrinsic value of cryptocurrencies and the importance of understanding the market before investing.
Lessons from Bitcoin Pizza Day
Bitcoin Pizza Day offers valuable lessons for investors and enthusiasts:
- Patience is Key: Bitcoin’s appreciation shows that investments in emerging technologies can take years to bear fruit, but the potential can be transformative.
- Innovation Involves Risks: Laszlo did not know his 10,000 BTC would be worth billions, but his risky transaction helped legitimize Bitcoin. Calculated risks can shape the future.
- Community Matters: Bitcoin Pizza Day was born from an interaction between two enthusiasts on a forum. Community collaboration continues to be the engine of crypto growth.
Educate Yourself:
Use this date to learn more about cryptocurrencies. Follow reliable profiles, follow our XSTP News blog, or join communities on Telegram for discussions; every Monday we have Bitcoin analysis in the StartupX -XSTP community.
Bitcoin Pizza Day, celebrated every May 22nd, is more than the story of two pizzas bought for 10,000 BTC. It is a milestone that proves the power of Bitcoin as a currency and the potential of cryptocurrencies to transform the financial system. From an experiment in 2010 to a billion-dollar asset in 2025, Bitcoin’s journey inspires investors and dreamers. On this Bitcoin Pizza Day, celebrate innovation, invest wisely, and who knows, order a pizza to toast the future!
