What is Bitcoin Pizza Day? The Story of a 10,000 BTC Pizza

Bitcoin Pizza Day commemorates the first real-world transaction using Bitcoin to purchase a physical good—two pizzas. In 2010, this seemingly simple act of spending 10,000 BTC became legendary, symbolizing not only the massive price increase of cryptocurrency but also the belief and pioneering spirit of early adopters. The importance of Bitcoin Pizza Day lies not only in the astronomical value that 10,000 BTC has reached but also in its symbolic meaning—embracing innovation and taking risks to experiment with new technologies.

From two pizzas worth just a few dozen dollars, Bitcoin Pizza Day has “blossomed” into a billion-dollar story—a global celebration with memes, events, and the widespread spread of Web3 philosophy.

This articleexplains the full journey of Bitcoin Pizza Day—from its historical background, current value, to the investment lessons and enduring significance of this unique holiday.

How Did Bitcoin Pizza Day Begin?

Bitcoin Pizza Day—a special anniversary in the crypto community—originated from a transaction that seemed simple yet deeply meaningful: trading 10,000 BTC for two pizzas. Back in 2010, no one could have imagined that such a “crazy” decision would lay the foundation for an industry now worth trillions. But what exactly happened on that day?

Historical Context – When Bitcoin Was Just a Toy for Tech Geeks

On May 22, 2010, Bitcoin was still a relatively obscure name, barely more than a year old. Most people who knew about it were programmers, cryptographers, and members of a small forum called BitcoinTalk. At the time, Bitcoin was not listed on major exchanges, there were no user-friendly wallets, and no established ecosystem—it was simply an intriguing concept, a “digital coin” that a few techies were experimenting with.

In that context, Laszlo Hanyecz—a programmer living in Florida, USA—came up with a wild idea: he wanted to use Bitcoin to buy food. Not out of hunger or financial need, but to prove a point: that Bitcoin could be used in real life. His first “experiment” was... two pizzas.

The 10,000 BTC Story – Two Pizzas and a Click That Changed History

Laszlo posted on the BitcoinTalk forum: “I’ll pay 10,000 BTC for someone to order me two pizzas. As soon as possible.” At the time, those Bitcoins were worth less than $50—not exactly a tempting offer.

However, a user named Jeremy Sturdivant (alias “jercos”) agreed. He ordered pizzas from Papa John’s, paid in cash, and had them delivered to Laszlo’s home. Laszlo promptly transferred 10,000 BTC to Jeremy as promised. This marked the first time in history that Bitcoin was used to purchase a physical good in the real world—a simple but monumental milestone.

Initial Reactions – Surprise, Skepticism, and a Bit of Regret

News of the pizza transaction quickly spread across BitcoinTalk and other tech forums. Many were surprised, even amused: “Bitcoin can buy pizza?” Others were more skeptical: “He threw away 10,000 BTC just for fast food?”

Regardless of the opinions, everyone recognized it as a turning point. Bitcoin had moved beyond being just theory or code—it had entered real life. And with just two pizzas, Bitcoin began its journey to conquer the world.

Source: Bitget on X

Why Was 10,000 BTC Used to Buy Pizza on Bitcoin Pizza Day?

Looking back, many people still wonder: why pizza? And why 10,000 BTC—a sum now worth over $1.1 billion—just for two pies? To understand this, we have to return to a time when Bitcoin was still a financial “newborn.”

Bitcoin in 2010 – No Value, No Trust, Just Passion

In 2010, Bitcoin was just an open-source project barely over a year old. Most participants were developers, researchers, or people with a niche interest in cryptography and financial freedom. One BTC was worth just a few cents—some people mined thousands of coins with a personal computer.

Bitcoin had almost no real market value. No one knew what to do with it aside from holding it and chatting on forums. Transactions were mostly experimental. Against this backdrop, using BTC to buy something real—pizza—was a bold and challenging move.

Laszlo Hanyecz Wasn’t After Profit—He Wanted to Change Reality

Notably, Laszlo Hanyecz, the man behind the pizza transaction, wasn’t trying to get rich. He didn’t see Bitcoin as a speculative asset. What Laszlo wanted to test was whether Bitcoin could be practically used in daily life.

To him, Bitcoin only had real value if it could buy something tangible. Not just in a computer, not in academic papers—but at a dinner table, in a store, in transactions ordinary people could understand. Pizza—a popular, accessible, and well-loved item—became the ideal testing tool.

One Small Step for Laszlo, One Giant Leap for Bitcoin

The transaction of 10,000 BTC for two pizzas wasn’t a technical breakthrough, but it was a huge symbolic leap. It proved that Bitcoin was not just a concept—it could function as a real payment method, even if in a small setting.

The event also spread awareness of Bitcoin beyond the coding community, gradually attracting investors, the public, and the media. Without that pizza purchase, it might have taken Bitcoin many more years to step into the real world.

Bitcoin Pizza Day: What Is 10,000 BTC Worth Today?

The pizzas Laszlo ate on May 22, 2010, weren’t special—just a cheese and sausage pizza from Papa John’s. But what made them legendary wasn’t the taste—it was the price: 10,000 BTC, a cryptocurrency worth mere cents at the time. So, what is that worth today, 15 years later?

When 10,000 BTC Was Worth Only… $41

At the time of the transaction, 1 BTC was worth around $0.0041, meaning 10,000 BTC equaled about $41 USD—just enough for two large pizzas. No one then imagined how fast that value would skyrocket. Even Laszlo considered it “a fun experiment,” never thinking he was making history.

In 2025: 10,000 BTC = $1.118 Billion

Fast forward to May 2025, the price of 1 BTC hovers around $111,800. At this rate, 10,000 BTC is worth more than $1.1 billion—a staggering figure for any investor. From $41 to over $1 billion in 15 years, this isn’t just a story of profit, but proof of the exponential growth potential of revolutionary technology.

Source: Bitget Wallet

“The Most Expensive Pizzas in Human History”

The crypto community calls them “the most expensive pizzas in the world”—not to mock, but to honor. Every year on Bitcoin Pizza Day, millions remember Laszlo and his 10,000 BTC as a reminder: every new technology starts with small, often crazy, acts. But daring to go first can lead to something great.

Articles, videos, and memes about the “billion-dollar pizza” flood Twitter, Reddit, and YouTube. No one remembers exactly how those pizzas tasted, but everyone remembers the moment Bitcoin was born as real money.

10,000 BTC Wasn’t Just Money—It Was a Cultural Symbol

Bitcoin Pizza Day doesn’t just reflect the price rise of a digital asset. It’s a vivid example of turning ideas into real value—dry lines of code into a global financial revolution. The numbers—$41 to $1 billion—are only the tip of the iceberg.

Laszlo Hanyecz and the 10,000 BTC – Hero or Fool?

Bitcoin Pizza Day isn’t just the milestone of Bitcoin’s first real-world use—it’s also the story of Laszlo Hanyecz, the man who “burned” 10,000 BTC for pizza. But after over a decade, the same question returns each year: was he a pioneering hero or a naive coder who didn’t realize he was holding the future?

A Passionate Developer and Bitcoin Trailblazer

Laszlo Hanyecz wasn’t an investor. He was a developer from Florida, USA—someone who had been “tinkering” with Bitcoin since the very beginning. Not just a user, Laszlo was one of the first to develop GPU-based Bitcoin mining, replacing the original CPU approach.

With his skills and passion, he sped up Bitcoin mining significantly—an important contribution to Bitcoin’s early growth. But he didn’t choose to hoard or hold for riches. He chose to experiment.

10,000 BTC – “I Don’t Regret It”

In later interviews, Laszlo consistently responded when asked about the billion-dollar pizza transaction:

“I don’t regret it. I simply wanted to prove that Bitcoin could be used to buy something in the real world.”

To Laszlo, the 10,000 BTC wasn’t financial capital—it was a technological tool to be tested. Pizza was just the first example—but a powerful one that sparked thousands of imaginations about the future of decentralized currency.

And indeed, after that “historic transaction,” Bitcoin gained price, users, exchanges, and trust. One could argue: without Laszlo, it might have taken much longer for Bitcoin to escape the theoretical world.

A Sacrifice to Set a Precedent – Bold Enough to Create Change

In business or tech, every major breakthrough begins with someone daring to do it first. Laszlo sacrificed a future fortune to give the community a practical use case. In return, the world etched his name into history—not as a Bitcoin millionaire, but as a trailblazer.

Bitcoin Pizza Day, therefore, isn’t just about money and pizza. It’s a day to honor the pioneering spirit, belief in the unproven, and the courage to act when the world still doubts.

How Does the Community Celebrate Bitcoin Pizza Day?

Bitcoin Pizza Day is more than just a date to remember the past – it has become an annual cultural celebration within the global crypto community. From pizza parties to creative marketing campaigns, May 22nd is a special occasion for crypto lovers around the world to honor the spirit of innovation and pioneering.

Global Activities by Major Crypto Players

Since Bitcoin Pizza Day gained popularity, major exchanges and blockchain projects have embraced the date as an opportunity to show appreciation to their communities and promote the crypto spirit. Companies like Binance, Coinbase, Bitget, and others often organize:

• Free pizza giveaways in major cities like New York, Singapore, London, Tokyo, and more.
• BTC/USDT airdrops, lucky spins, and mini-games for users.
• Trading promotions including discounted fees, cashback, or “pizza vouchers” for deposits or transactions on May 22.
• Some companies also launch pizza-themed NFTs or run meme marketing campaigns to go viral in the Web3 community.

Local Meetups – More Than Just “Pizza”

Alongside online and global events, offline celebrations are equally vibrant:

• Pizza Parties hosted in coworking spaces, blockchain offices, and Web3 cafés.
• Meetups and workshops discussing Bitcoin, Web3, and “the weirdest transactions in blockchain history.”
• Livestreams featuring crypto KOLs sharing their first impressions of Bitcoin Pizza Day or role-playing “If I were Laszlo…”

Social Media and Memes – Unlimited Creativity

On Twitter, Reddit, Telegram, Discord, and more, May 22nd is flooded with memes, nostalgic posts, reaction videos, and “what if I bought pizza with BTC…” stories. Typical activities include:

• Meme contests with BTC or real pizza prizes.
• Laszlo Hanyecz cosplay – fans dress like Laszlo and film humorous videos with pizza setups.
• Pizza simulator mini-games: players “order” pizza with BTC and see how expensive it would be at $100,000/BTC.

The crypto community has transformed Bitcoin Pizza Day from a personal event into a global celebration, one that not only invokes nostalgia but showcases the vibrant, creative, and united spirit of Web3.

Bitcoin Pizza Day and Timeless Investment Lessons

Bitcoin Pizza Day is more than just a cultural memory – it brings valuable lessons about investment mindset, belief in new technologies, and the kind of trade-offs that only time can clarify. Behind the “10,000 BTC pizza” transaction lie takeaways that resonate with every crypto investor, from beginners to veterans.

Hindsight Bias and Regret Psychology

Laszlo Hanyecz’s story always elicits the response: “If only he had kept that 10,000 BTC, he’d be a billionaire now.” But this is a textbook example of hindsight bias – interpreting the past with knowledge from the present and believing “I could’ve seen that coming.”

In investing, regret can cloud judgment and lead to emotional decisions. Bitcoin Pizza Day reminds us that no one can predict the future. What matters is acting based on your knowledge and beliefs at the time – just like Laszlo did in 2010.

Long-Term Vision Is the Key to Success

If people had viewed Bitcoin only as worthless code in 2009–2010, no one would’ve believed it could reach tens of thousands of dollars. Yet those who dared to hold on and believe – and stayed patient – are the ones who reaped the rewards.

Bitcoin Pizza Day teaches that success in crypto, or any investment, requires seeing beyond short-term volatility. Smart money doesn’t ask “How much profit now?” but “Where is the long-term value?”

Timing Profit-Taking Is an Art, Not a Science

10,000 BTC for two pizzas may seem like a foolish move in 2025 hindsight. But from the 2010 perspective, it was a bold experiment. In the volatile world of crypto, no one can predict the top or bottom.

A wise investor must know when to take profits – based on personal goals and risk tolerance, not just price. Had Laszlo held all his BTC until 2025, he might not have inspired people as profoundly as he does today.

Why Bitcoin Pizza Day Still Matters Today

More than a decade has passed since Laszlo Hanyecz spent 10,000 BTC on two pizzas, yet Bitcoin Pizza Day is still celebrated every year with excitement and reverence. It’s more than a party – it’s a living symbol of culture, belief, and pioneering spirit in the crypto world.

A Historic Symbol of Revolutionary Technology

Bitcoin Pizza Day marks the first time a decentralized currency was used to purchase a real-world product. It wasn’t a high-value transaction, but it carried huge significance – proving Bitcoin could function as real money.

Just like the first email or the first iPhone sale, Bitcoin Pizza Day marks a moment when technology entered everyday life – a leap from theory to application.

A Reminder of Pioneering Spirit: Action > Waiting

Without Laszlo, Bitcoin might’ve stayed hidden on GitHub for years. No users, no real-world traction, no belief that it could reshape global finance.

Bitcoin Pizza Day reminds us: innovation needs early adopters. The first movers might not be the richest, but they pave the way for future generations. They’re not perfect – but they’re courageous.

Inspiring Web3 – The Next Era of the Internet

If Web1 was read, Web2 was interact, then Web3 is about ownership and financial freedom. And like Bitcoin Pizza Day, Web3 needs its own milestones: real events, real people, real actions – not just ideas and whitepapers.

Pizza Day shows how even a small event can reshape how the world views emerging tech. It inspires startups, developers, and investors to believe: if you can create a tangible experience – no matter how small – you can change everything.

Comparing Bitcoin Pizza Day with Other Crypto Milestones

Bitcoin Pizza Day is not just a fun memory – it’s the first milestone proving Bitcoin could be used in real life, paving the way for major crypto achievements. Compared with other key events in crypto history, Pizza Day holds a unique spot – a cultural icon more than a technical one.

Event	Year	Main Significance
Genesis Block	2009	First Bitcoin block, marking the birth of blockchain.
Bitcoin Pizza Day	2010	First commercial Bitcoin transaction – proving BTC’s use as real money.
Ethereum ICO	2015	Brought smart contracts and DApps into reality.
DeFi Summer	2020	DeFi boom, enabling users to earn without intermediaries.
NFT Boom	2021	Blockchain enters art, collectibles, and entertainment.

Bitcoin Pizza Day – A Cultural Symbol, Not Just Technical

Unlike Genesis Block or Ethereum’s ICO which focused on infrastructure, Bitcoin Pizza Day is tied to daily life. It’s the moment tech “left the server room” and touched a hot pizza in someone’s kitchen.

That everyday authenticity is why Pizza Day endures. It’s a reminder that no matter how great your technology – if it doesn’t touch real lives, it’s just lines of code on paper.

Fun Facts About Bitcoin Pizza Day

Bitcoin Pizza Day isn’t just famous for the 10,000 BTC – it’s sparked tons of fun events, games, memes, and even tokens. Here are some highlights that make May 22nd even more lovable:

What If Laszlo Bought Pizza With 10,000 BTC Every Year?

If Laszlo Hanyecz kept buying pizzas annually with 10,000 BTC, the “cost” of those pizzas would be mind-blowing:

• 2015: ~$2.5 million – BTC price around $250
• 2021: ~$600 million – BTC peaked near $60,000
• 2025: ~$1.1 billion – at today’s price of $111,800/BTC

This illustrates Bitcoin’s explosive growth – and why those two pizzas are now the “most expensive meals” in history.

• Meme Token: PIZZA:

  A memecoin inspired by Pizza Day and Laszlo Hanyecz. While not highly valuable, it sees lively trading each May 22 as a way to “celebrate with crypto.”

• Blockchain Game: Pizza Hunt:

  A mini-game reenacting Laszlo’s BTC-for-pizza quest. Players act as Laszlo, overcoming challenges to get the two pizzas – reflecting his daring spirit.

• Free Pizza for BTC:

  Shops in the U.S., Canada, and Vietnam have offered free pizzas to customers who pay with Bitcoin on May 22 – a stylish way for crypto fans to celebrate.

• Bitcoin Pizza Tattoos:

  Many hardcore Bitcoin fans have tattoos of pizza slices and the ₿ symbol to show their “unshakeable faith” in crypto. These tattoos often go viral during Pizza Day season.
  
  

Conclusion – What Is Bitcoin Pizza Day and Why Should You Know It?

Bitcoin Pizza Day isn’t just an odd anniversary in crypto – it’s a powerful symbol of beginnings, belief, and boldness in a new financial era. On May 22, 2010, Laszlo Hanyecz made a small trade – 10,000 BTC for two pizzas. But that trade wasn’t just dinner – it marked the first real-world use of Bitcoin, moving crypto from theory into reality. Since then, 10,000 BTC has grown to over $1.1 billion in value, making those pizzas the priciest ever. But beyond money, Bitcoin Pizza Day reminds us of the value of belief, bold action, and taking risks.

“Sometimes, to make history, you have to buy pizza… with the future.”

And if you also believe in the future of Web3, why not start with small actions today? Whether it’s storing crypto, exploring DeFi, or checking out NFTs and tokens, Bitget Wallet is your simple, secure Web3 wallet – ready to connect you to the decentralized world. Who knows – your next small action, just like Laszlo’s, could be the beginning of a new milestone in history.

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FAQs

What is Bitcoin Pizza Day?

Bitcoin Pizza Day is celebrated every year on May 22 to commemorate the first time Bitcoin was used in a real-world purchase. On this day in 2010, Laszlo Hanyecz paid 10,000 BTC for two pizzas, marking the first commercial transaction using Bitcoin.

Who is Laszlo Hanyecz?

Laszlo Hanyecz is a programmer and early Bitcoin adopter known for making the first-ever purchase of a physical good using Bitcoin. His now-famous pizza transaction symbolizes the birth of Bitcoin as a medium of exchange.

Why did Laszlo use Bitcoin to buy pizza?

Laszlo wanted to prove Bitcoin’s real-world utility. He didn’t care about profit—his goal was to show that Bitcoin could be used for everyday purchases, sparking broader adoption.

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