May 22, also known as Bitcoin Pizza Day, is a memorable milestone in cryptocurrency history. In 2010, a user in the US spent 10,000 Bitcoins (BTC) to buy two pizzas, marking the first time BTC was used for a real-world transaction. From a price of just $235 in 2015, Bitcoin skyrocketed to $110,000 on May 22, 2025 (according to Binance). This article summarizes in detail the price journey of Bitcoin over the years since Pizza Day, analyzes the significance of this event, and offers lessons for investors in major markets like the USA and Japan.
Bitcoin Pizza Day – A turning point for cryptocurrency
Bitcoin Pizza Day originated on May 22, 2010, when Laszlo Hanyecz, a programmer in the US, spent 10,000 BTC to buy two pizzas from Papa John’s, worth about $41 at the time. This was the first transaction proving Bitcoin could be used as real currency, paving the way for the development of the crypto market. With the current BTC price at $110,000 (May 22, 2025, according to Binance), those two pizzas are now worth over $1 billion, illustrating Bitcoin's incredible growth potential.
This event is not just an interesting story but also a symbol of the increasing acceptance of cryptocurrency in countries like the USA and Japan, where blockchain is being widely applied in finance and payments.
Bitcoin prices over the years on Pizza Day
Below are the Bitcoin prices on May 22 each year, reflecting the growth journey of this cryptocurrency:
2015: $235 – Bitcoin was little known, primarily popular in the tech community.
2016: $442 – The market begins to pay attention to BTC, but is still in a speculative phase.
2017: $2,000 – The crypto craze explodes, bringing Bitcoin into the global spotlight.
2018: $8,400 – After the peak at the end of 2017, the market undergoes a strong correction, but BTC still retains its value.
2019: $7,900 – A stable phase, preparing for a new growth surge.
2020: $9,900 – The COVID-19 pandemic boosts interest in decentralized assets like Bitcoin.
2021: $39,000 – The bull run drives BTC prices high, thanks to the involvement of major corporations in the US.
2022: $30,000 – The bear market causes prices to drop, but Bitcoin still shows resilience.
2023: $26,000 – A slow recovery phase after the bear market.
2024: $69,122 – Bitcoin reaches a new peak, reflecting widespread acceptance.
2025: $110,000 – BTC hits a new record on May 22, 2025 (according to Binance), solidifying its leading position in the crypto market.
Significance of Bitcoin price trends
The price journey of Bitcoin from $235 (2015) to $110,000 (2025) shows the strong development of the cryptocurrency market, despite volatile phases:
Startup phase (2015–2016): Bitcoin was primarily used by tech enthusiasts and small investors in the US and Japan, with a low price.
The 2017–2018 craze: Prices surged due to global interest, especially in Japan, where businesses began accepting BTC.
Recovery and growth (2019–2021): Events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the involvement of major institutions (like PayPal in the USA) have pushed BTC prices to record levels.
Bear market and recovery (2022–2023): Prices drop due to inflation and tight monetary policy, but Bitcoin still maintains its core value.
New peaks (2024–2025): A price of $110,000 in 2025 reflects the maturity of the crypto market, with the USA and Japan leading in blockchain adoption.
Factors driving Bitcoin prices include:
Increased acceptance: Many businesses in Japan and the US have integrated Bitcoin into their payment systems.
Technological advancement: Layer 2 solutions like the Lightning Network enable faster Bitcoin transactions at lower costs, suitable for everyday payments.
Market sentiment: Events like Bitcoin Pizza Day continue to reinforce confidence in the long-term value of BTC.
Lessons for investors
Bitcoin Pizza Day serves as a reminder of the potential and risks of the crypto market:
Long-term vision: The growth from $235 to $110,000 shows Bitcoin can yield significant returns, but patience is needed through volatile phases.
Careful research: Avoid following the crowd. Check information from reputable sources like Binance or CoinMarketCap before investing.
Diversify your portfolio: Do not put all your capital into Bitcoin. Sectors like DeFi or stablecoins (like USDT) can help mitigate risks.
Keep an eye on international markets: The USA and Japan often lead crypto trends, so stay updated with news from these markets.
Suggestions for investors
Learn about blockchain technology: Understand how Bitcoin and Layer 2 solutions work to make informed decisions.
Follow major events: Bitcoin Pizza Day often creates psychological effects, which could be opportunities for trading or market assessment.
Use reputable platforms: Platforms like Binance provide reliable price data and trends, helping investors make decisions.
Risk warning
Investing in cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin, carries high risks due to significant price volatility. The information in this article is for reference only and is not investment advice. Do your own thorough research (DYOR) before making any investment decisions.