10 000 BTC for Two Pizzas: The Incredible Story of Bitcoin Pizza Day Still Haunts the Market
On May 22, 2010, Laszlo Hanyecz completed one of the first commercial bitcoin transactions in history: 10,000 BTC for two Papa John’s pizzas. Sixteen years later, the crypto community still celebrates this founding moment. Some even say it was the most expensive meal in human history.
In brief
- On May 22, 2010, Laszlo Hanyecz bought two pizzas for 10,000 BTC initially worth $41.
- In 2026, this historic transaction represents a record amount of over 770 million dollars.
- The event remains a major symbol of the crypto market’s evolution.
A historic transaction for the crypto market
It all started on the Bitcointalk forum. Laszlo Hanyecz, a young programmer from Florida, issued a surprising challenge: offer 10,000 BTC to anyone who would deliver him two large pizzas. At the time, the first crypto in history had no real value. Proof: the bitcoin price was barely $41.
Another user, Jeremy Sturdivant, took the bet. The pizzas arrived and the transaction was validated in blockchain block 57043. Many considered this act the worst financial mistake of all time. But in reality, it was a founding act for the Bitcoin ecosystem (and crypto).
This event saved bitcoin: here’s why
Before this delivery, BTC was just an abstract technical toy shared by a few enthusiasts. By linking this code chain to a physical product, Laszlo Hanyecz proved that this digital currency could work in the real world.
More concretely, the price discovery process truly started that day. Result: a simple internet curiosity transformed into a must-have financial asset class.
With a price now solidly above $77,000, the theoretical value of these 10,000 bitcoin exceeds 770 million dollars. A gigantic sum that could buy a professional sports franchise or a fleet of private jets!
16 years later: a global symbol
Every year, the crypto community commemorates this legendary event that triggered a true financial revolution. In 2026, Bitcoin Pizza Day resonates even louder:
- BTC has reached historic highs.
- Bitcoin ETFs have transformed the market.
That said, it’s still the image of two pizzas that best embodies the essence of the queen crypto: the freedom to make transactions between humans, without intermediaries.
Anyway, Bitcoin Pizza Day sums up all bitcoin’s history: an experiment that became a global financial phenomenon. And sixteen years later, this transaction continues to fascinate investors, developers, and curious people worldwide.
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My name is Ariela, and I am 31 years old. I have been working in the field of web writing for 7 years now. I only discovered trading and cryptocurrency a few years ago, but it is a universe that greatly interests me. The topics covered on the platform allow me to learn more. A singer in my spare time, I also cultivate a great passion for music and reading (and animals!)
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and should not be taken as investment advice. Do your own research before taking any investment decisions.