The delicious tale of Bitcoin Pizza Day

Bitcoin Pizza Day is a significant event in the history of cryptocurrency, commemorating the first real-world transaction using Bitcoin. This article explores the origins of this day, its impact on the crypto community, and how it continues to be celebrated.

The origins of Bitcoin Pizza Day

On May 22, 2010, Laszlo Hanyecz, an early Bitcoin miner, made history by purchasing two pizzas for 10,000 BTC. At that time, this amount was equivalent to approximately $41. Hanyecz posted his request on a cryptocurrency forum, seeking someone willing to order him two large pizzas in exchange for the digital currency.

Jeremy Sturdivant, another forum user, accepted the offer and ordered two large pizzas from a popular pizza chain for Hanyecz. This transaction marked the first time Bitcoin was used to purchase a tangible good, demonstrating its potential as a medium of exchange.

Did Jeremy keep the 10k BTC?

Interestingly, Jeremy Sturdivant did not hold onto the 10,000 BTC he received from the pizza transaction. Instead, he used the entire amount to fund his travels. In hindsight, this decision might seem regrettable, given Bitcoin's astronomical rise in value over the years. However, Sturdivant has stated that he takes pride in his role in this historic event and had no way of predicting Bitcoin's future success.

Similarly, Laszlo Hanyecz, who spent an estimated 100,000 BTC on pizza in 2010, maintains a positive attitude about his contribution to Bitcoin's early adoption, despite the potential billions he could have had if he had held onto the cryptocurrency.

How to celebrate Bitcoin Pizza Day

Bitcoin Pizza Day has become an annual celebration in the cryptocurrency community. Here are some ways to participate:

1. Eat pizza: The most obvious way to celebrate is by enjoying a pizza, either from a local pizzeria or homemade.

2. Donate Bitcoin: Use this day as an opportunity to support charitable organizations or Bitcoin protocols that accept cryptocurrency donations.

3. Learn about Bitcoin: Take time to deepen your understanding of Bitcoin, its creator Satoshi Nakamoto, and the underlying blockchain technology.

4. Support Bitcoin merchants: Patronize businesses that accept Bitcoin as payment, helping to promote wider adoption of cryptocurrencies in everyday transactions.

Conclusion

Bitcoin Pizza Day serves as a reminder of how far cryptocurrency has come since its early days. What started as a simple transaction of 10,000 BTC for two pizzas has become a symbol of Bitcoin's growth and potential. As we continue to celebrate this day, we not only commemorate a pivotal moment in crypto history but also look forward to the continued evolution and adoption of digital currencies in our everyday lives.

FAQ

How much was 10,000 bitcoins worth in 2010?

In 2010, 10,000 bitcoins were worth approximately $41. This amount famously bought two pizzas in the first real-world Bitcoin transaction, now celebrated as Bitcoin Pizza Day.

Who received the 10,000 Bitcoin for the pizza?

Laszlo Hanyecz sent the 10,000 BTC to Jeremy Sturdivant, who arranged for the pizza delivery from Papa John's.

What day is Bitcoin Pizza Day?

Bitcoin Pizza Day is celebrated on May 22nd each year, commemorating the first real-world transaction using Bitcoin in 2010.

What would the 10,000 bitcoins used for the pizza be worth today?

As of 2025, those 10,000 bitcoins would be worth approximately $500 million, showcasing Bitcoin's incredible value growth since the famous pizza transaction in 2010.