Bitcoin’s Meteoric Rise: From Pizza Purchase to Billion-Dollar Asset

Fifteen years ago, a seemingly trivial transaction marked the beginning of Bitcoin's journey into the financial mainstream. On May 22, 2010, developer Laszlo Hanyecz paid 10,000 BTC for two pizzas—the first recorded commercial Bitcoin transaction. Fast forward to 2025, and Bitcoin has not only validated its place in the global economy but has also soared to unprecedented heights. As of June 29, 2025, Bitcoin has breached the $111,800 mark, setting a new all-time high and solidifying its status as a billion-dollar asset class. The original pizza payment, now worth over $1.1 billion, serves as a poignant reminder of Bitcoin's remarkable evolution from a digital novelty to a cornerstone of modern finance. This year's Pizza Day celebration coincides with this historic milestone, underscoring the cryptocurrency's transformative impact on the financial landscape.

Bitcoin's Pizza Day Marks Historic Milestone as BTC Hits Record High

Fifteen years after developer Laszlo Hanyecz paid 10,000 BTC for two pizzas—the first commercial Bitcoin transaction—the cryptocurrency has surged to unprecedented valuations. The original payment, now worth over $1.1 billion, underscores Bitcoin's evolution from digital novelty to a billion-dollar asset class.

This year's Pizza Day coincided with bitcoin breaching $111,800, setting a new all-time high. The contrast between the 2010 transaction and current valuations highlights the asset's staggering appreciation. Hanyecz's 10,000 BTC could now purchase millions of pizzas, a fact that continues to resonate within crypto circles as a cultural touchstone.

The event symbolizes broader shifts in cryptocurrency adoption. What began as an experimental proof-of-concept has matured into institutional-grade infrastructure, with Bitcoin leading global conversations about decentralized finance and store-of-value assets.

MARA Holdings to Deploy 500 BTC with Two Prime for Yield Generation

Bitcoin miner MARA Holdings is deepening its collaboration with SEC-registered crypto broker Two Prime by allocating 500 BTC for yield generation. The move builds on their existing relationship, which has included Bitcoin-backed loans.

Despite missing Wall Street estimates in its recent quarterly results, MARA's cost-cutting measures have drawn analyst approval. The company maintains one of the largest corporate Bitcoin treasuries globally.

"MARA is establishing the blueprint for institutional holders to responsibly unlock Bitcoin's value," said Two Prime CEO Alexander Blume. The partnership aims to create a model for capital efficiency and transparent risk management in digital asset deployment.

Bitcoin Traders Bet Against Rally as BTC Hits Record High

Bitcoin surged to an unprecedented $110,000 on Thursday, triggering $500 million in derivatives liquidations. Yet traders are piling into short positions at the fastest rate since September 2022, according to Coinalyze data.

The long/short ratio collapsed as speculators aggressively bet against the breakout above $85,000 on April 21. Many appear convinced Bitcoin has peaked, anticipating a double-top pattern despite the absence of retail participation.

Derivatives volume spiked 74% as bears dominated positioning. This contrarian trading occurs even as Bitcoin continues defying expectations, suggesting institutional players may be driving the rally through alternative channels.

Michael Saylor Plans $2.1 Billion Stock Sale to Buy More Bitcoin

Michael Saylor, the staunch Bitcoin advocate, is preparing to sell 10% of his preferred stock to raise $2.1 billion. The proceeds will be funneled into additional Bitcoin purchases, doubling down on his conviction in the cryptocurrency's long-term potential.

This strategic MOVE underscores Saylor's unwavering belief in Bitcoin as a store of value. By leveraging preferred stock, he avoids diluting common shareholders while significantly expanding his BTC holdings. Market participants view this as a bold endorsement of Bitcoin's growth trajectory.

The transaction represents one of the largest institutional allocations to Bitcoin this year. It follows Saylor's well-documented strategy of converting traditional equity into cryptocurrency exposure, a playbook he's executed consistently since MicroStrategy's initial Bitcoin purchases in 2020.