Who Owns the Most Bitcoin?

Bitcoin (BTC) remains one of the most popular cryptocurrencies of the 21st century, despite experiencing steep price corrections over the years. With a limited supply of 21 million coins, large Bitcoin holders, often referred to as 'whales,' have significant influence over the world's largest cryptocurrency. This article explores the major holders of Bitcoin, from individuals to companies and countries, and addresses how many people own 10 or more Bitcoin.

Who Owns the Most Bitcoin in the World?

It is widely believed that Bitcoin's mysterious creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, holds the largest amount of BTC. Estimates suggest Nakamoto's portfolio comprises at least 1 million BTC, spread across thousands of crypto wallets. This accounts for approximately 5% of BTC's total supply.

Nakamoto launched Bitcoin in 2009, introducing a 'Proof-of-Work' (PoW) system and offering BTC block rewards to encourage participation. Due to being the sole miner in Bitcoin's early days, Nakamoto accumulated a substantial amount of BTC before leaving the project in December 2010.

Who Are the Individuals with the Most Bitcoin?

While many large Bitcoin wallet addresses remain anonymous, some individuals have publicly acknowledged their significant BTC holdings:

1. The Winklevoss twins: Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss are estimated to own at least 70,000 BTC.
2. Tim Draper: This prominent tech investor purchased over 29,500 BTC from the U.S. government after the Silk Road seizure.
3. Prominent crypto industry figures: Some CEOs of major cryptocurrency platforms are known to hold substantial amounts of BTC.

What Companies Are the Biggest Bitcoin Holders?

Several businesses have also accumulated substantial Bitcoin holdings:

1. MicroStrategy: Holds a significant amount of BTC, the largest treasury of any publicly traded company.
2. Tesla: Owns a substantial amount of BTC, despite some fluctuations in their holdings over the years.
3. Major cryptocurrency exchanges: Some of the largest centralized crypto exchanges hold significant amounts of BTC.
4. Block (formerly Square): Possesses a considerable amount of BTC, reflecting its focus on blockchain technology.

What Country Owns the Most Bitcoin?

While most countries don't recognize Bitcoin as legal tender, several government agencies hold significant amounts:

1. United States: Owns a substantial amount of BTC, mostly from seizures related to illegal activities.
2. China: Despite restrictions on crypto trading, holds a significant amount of BTC, primarily from federal raids.
3. Bulgaria: Seized a large amount of BTC in raids on criminal organizations.
4. El Salvador: The first country to make Bitcoin legal tender, holding a notable amount of BTC.

How Many People Own Bitcoin?

As of recent years, there were over 1 billion Bitcoin wallet addresses, with a significant number of addresses holding 1 BTC or more. However, determining the exact number of individual Bitcoin holders is challenging due to the ability to create multiple wallet addresses.

Estimates suggest that a substantial percentage of the global population held some form of cryptocurrency in recent years. Countries with the highest rates of cryptocurrency ownership include Vietnam, the Philippines, Ukraine, India, and the United States.

How Many People Own 10 or More Bitcoin?

While exact figures are difficult to obtain due to the pseudonymous nature of Bitcoin transactions, it's estimated that the number of addresses holding 10 or more Bitcoin is significantly smaller than those holding 1 BTC. As of 2025, it's believed that fewer than 150,000 addresses hold 10 or more BTC. However, it's important to note that a single individual or entity may control multiple addresses, so the actual number of people owning 10 or more Bitcoin is likely lower.

Conclusion

The distribution of Bitcoin ownership spans across various entities, including its mysterious creator, wealthy individuals, corporations, and even governments. While exact figures remain elusive due to the pseudonymous nature of Bitcoin transactions, it's clear that Bitcoin has attracted significant interest and investment from diverse sources. The number of people owning 10 or more Bitcoin remains relatively small, highlighting the concentration of wealth within the Bitcoin ecosystem. As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, the distribution of Bitcoin ownership is likely to change, potentially impacting its value and influence in the global financial system.

FAQ

How many people own a whole Bitcoin?

As of 2025, approximately 800,000 people own a whole Bitcoin. This number is relatively small due to Bitcoin's high value and institutional holdings.

Who lost $800 million Bitcoin in landfill?

James Howells, a British IT worker, lost $800 million worth of Bitcoin in a landfill in 2013. He accidentally discarded a hard drive containing 8,000 BTC.

How much Bitcoin does the average person have?

As of 2025, the average person holds about 0.126 Bitcoin. However, this figure masks significant disparities in ownership among individuals.

Who spent 10,000 Bitcoin on a pizza?

Laszlo Hanyecz spent 10,000 Bitcoin on two pizzas in 2010, marking the first real-world Bitcoin transaction.