Bitcoin Pizza Day is a fun and historic milestone in the world of cryptocurrency. It marks the first time someone ever used Bitcoin to buy something in the real world specifically, two pizzas. This event happened on May 22, 2010, when a programmer named Laszlo Hanyecz made a deal on a Bitcoin forum. He offered 10,000 BTC (Bitcoin) to anyone who would buy him two Papa John’s pizzas and deliver them. Another user took the offer, bought the pizzas for about $41 at the time, and sent them to Laszlo. Little did they know, this simple transaction would become legendary.
So, why is this a big deal? Back in 2010, Bitcoin was brand new and worth almost nothing. Each Bitcoin was valued at less than a penny. That means Laszlo’s 10,000 BTC were worth around $41—perfectly reasonable for two pizzas. But fast forward to today, and the value of Bitcoin has skyrocketed. As of May 21, 2025, 10,000 BTC would be worth hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the current price.
You can check the latest Bitcoin price here. This huge increase shows how much Bitcoin has grown from a quirky experiment to a major player in the financial world.
The Story Behind Bitcoin Pizza Day
Laszlo Hanyecz was an early Bitcoin enthusiast who helped develop the cryptocurrency’s software. At the time, Bitcoin was more of a hobby for tech geeks than a serious currency. There weren’t many places to spend it, and its value was unstable. Laszlo wanted to prove that Bitcoin could be used for real purchases, not just traded online. So, he posted his pizza offer on a Bitcoin forum, and someone from the UK stepped up. This user used his own money to buy the pizzas and had them delivered to Laszlo in Florida. In return, Laszlo sent 10,000 BTC as payment.
The pizzas themselves weren’t anything special, just a couple of large pies from Papa John’s. But the transaction was a ground breaking moment. It showed that Bitcoin could work as a medium of exchange, even if the process was a bit clunky. The Bitcoin community loved the idea, and soon, May 22 became known as Bitcoin Pizza Day. Every year, people celebrate by sharing pizzas, stories, memes, and sometimes even buying pizza with Bitcoin to honor that first purchase.
Why Did Someone Spend So Much on Pizza?
At first glance, spending 10,000 BTC on pizza might seem crazy, especially now that it’s worth so much. But back then, it wasn’t a big deal. The total value matched the cost of the pizzas, and Laszlo wasn’t thinking about long term investment. He just wanted to test Bitcoin’s potential. Neither he nor the other user could have predicted that Bitcoin would one day become a multi billion-dollar asset class.
Bitcoin’s value started to climb in the years that followed. By 2013, it hit $100 per BTC, and by 2017, it soared past $19,000 during a major boom. Today, its price fluctuates but often stays in the tens of thousands. If Laszlo had held onto those 10,000 BTC, he’d be incredibly wealthy now. However, he’s said in interviews that he doesn’t regret the purchase. For him, the experience of using Bitcoin for something real was worth more than the money.
How Bitcoin Has Grown
Since that pizza purchase, Bitcoin has come a long way. What started as a niche project by an anonymous creator named Satoshi Nakamoto has turned into a global phenomenon. Today, Bitcoin is recognized as a digital currency and a store of value, often compared to digital gold. Its blockchain technology, a secure, decentralized ledger ensures that transactions are transparent and safe.
Governments and businesses are starting to take notice. Some companies accept Bitcoin payments. In El Salvador, Bitcoin is even legal tender, meaning people can use it for everyday purchases like groceries or rent. From pizza to e-commerce, Bitcoin’s uses have expanded dramatically. People also invest in it, hoping its value will keep rising, though it’s known for its wild price swings.
What Can Bitcoin Be Used For Today?
Bitcoin’s versatility is one reason it’s so exciting. Beyond buying pizza, you can use it for online shopping, sending money across borders, or even donating to charities. Some people use Bitcoin to protect their wealth during economic uncertainty, as it’s not controlled by any government or bank. However, using it still has challenges. Not all stores accept it, and its value can be hard to predict. Plus, transactions can take time and cost fees, depending on the network’s congestion.
The pizza purchase also sparked a trend of “proof of work” transactions in the early Bitcoin days. People would trade BTC for small items to test the system, but none were as famous as Laszlo’s pizzas. Today, Bitcoin Pizza Day is a reminder of how far the cryptocurrency has come and a celebration of its potential. Some crypto enthusiasts even try to recreate the original deal, buying pizza with Bitcoin to keep the tradition alive.
Why Bitcoin Pizza Day Matters?
Bitcoin Pizza Day is more than just a funny story, it’s a symbol of innovation. It shows how a simple idea can grow into something massive. For the Bitcoin community, it’s a moment to reflect on the journey and dream about the future. As Bitcoin continues to evolve, who knows what it might be used for next? Maybe one day, buying a pizza with Bitcoin will be as common as using a credit card.
So, next time May 22 rolls around, consider joining the celebration. Whether you eat pizza or just learn more about Bitcoin, it’s a great way to appreciate this wild ride. And if you’re curious about its current value, check out the latest updates here. From 10,000 BTC for two pizzas to a multi billion dollar asset, Bitcoin’s story is just getting started.