Fifteen years ago, a programmer unknowingly made history when he traded 10,000 bitcoins for two pizzas—marking the first documented purchase using cryptocurrency.
Today, that $41 transaction is celebrated annually as Bitcoin Pizza Day, and in 2025, the timing couldn’t be more symbolic. As Bitcoin reached a new all-time high of $111,000, the infamous pizza order would now be worth over $1.1 billion.
What began as a niche inside joke among crypto veterans has evolved into a full-blown global marketing event. Major exchanges seized the moment. Binance kicked off a $5 million Bitcoin referral campaign, echoing the original deal by capping payouts at $40 per user. The company also deployed branded pizza trucks and threw community parties across dozens of cities to fuel the celebration.
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Other platforms weren’t far behind. BTSE hosted a $5.22 million USDT trading contest and offered a 5.22% BTC staking yield—nodding to the May 22 date. HTX, backed by TRON partners, launched a $200,000 prize campaign, while MEXC handed out over $100,000 through a spin-to-win contest. Across the world, communities joined in with DIY events, livestreams, and giveaways coordinated through a dedicated Pizza Day hub.
While some question the effectiveness of these mass promotions—arguing they often attract short-term signups rather than long-term users—the event’s symbolic weight remains undeniable. From a $41 meal to a billion-dollar legend, Bitcoin Pizza Day captures crypto’s spirit: bold, unconventional, and full of surprises.
Alexander Stefanov
With over 8 years of experience in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, Alexander is a seasoned content creator and market analyst dedicated to making digital assets more accessible and understandable. He specializes in breaking down complex crypto trends, analyzing market movements, and producing insightful content aimed at educating both newcomers and seasoned investors. Alexander has built a reputation for delivering timely and accurate analysis, while keeping a close eye on regulatory developments, emerging technologies, and macroeconomic trends that shape the future of digital finance. His work is rooted in a passion for innovation and a firm belief that widespread education is key to accelerating global crypto adoption.
