Bitcoin’s BRC-20 Protocol Shatters Barriers with Game-Changing EVM Integration
Bitcoin's native token protocol just leveled up—big time. The BRC-20 standard, once confined to Bitcoin's scripting limitations, now speaks Ethereum's language. This isn't just an upgrade; it's a bridge between two crypto titans.
Why This Matters
EVM compatibility means Bitcoin-based tokens can suddenly interact with Ethereum's massive ecosystem—DeFi protocols, decentralized exchanges, and smart contracts. No more watching from the sidelines while Ethereum has all the fun. Developers get Solidity support; users get seamless asset movement. Everybody wins—except maybe those still holding bags of isolated chain tokens.
The Execution
The upgrade injects EVM opcode support directly into Bitcoin's layer-1 framework. It bypasses previous technical roadblocks without requiring a hard fork. Smart contracts execute natively. Token transfers cut settlement times. And yes—it makes a bunch of maxis nervously check their portfolios.
Finance folks will call it 'synergistic'—until they realize it might actually be useful.
BRC2.0 introduces smart contracts compatibility on Bitcoin network
The Bitcoin-native protocol BRC-20 has introduced BRC2.0 to the Bitcoin network, an upgrade that adds EVM compatibility, according to a post on Monday by Ordinals developer Best in Slot.
The BRC2.0 programmable module equips BRC-20 indexers with smart contract execution capabilities, enabling developers to launch smart contracts on the bitcoin network.
It also extends programmability to Bitcoin-native tokens, making them compatible with other EVM-compatible chains without requiring bridges or other intermediaries.
The BRC2.0 upgrade was made official on Monday, with the EVM-compatibility integrated as of Bitcoin block height 912690, according to data from Block Explorer.
"The aim is to give users the Ethereum experience of composability and programmability, but secured by Bitcoin," said Domo, pseudonymous creator of BRC20, in a press release.
The BRC-20 protocol is a Bitcoin token standard that enables the creation and transfer of tokens on the Bitcoin network. Built on the Ordinals protocol, which assigns unique identifiers to individual satoshis, it allows data to be inscribed and tracked across transactions without relying on smart contracts.
The introduction of new smart contract functionality could spur the development of a decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem on the Bitcoin network.
"The holy grail is combining the two gold standards: Bitcoin as the most decentralized and secure network, and the EVM as the most proven VIRTUAL machine," Domo added.
BRC20 currently hosts 365,443 Bitcoin-native tokens.
