From pizza to powerhouse: Bitcoin marks 15 years with record highs and $300k bets.

Fifteen years ago, a programmer bought pizza. Today, that pizza could buy a nation’s GDP.

On May 22, 2010, Laszlo Hanyecz made history by spending 10,000 BTC, worth just $41 at the time on two pizzas. It was the first real-world transaction using bitcoin. Fast forward to May 22, 2025, the day of the anniversary: Bitcoin reached an all-time high of over $110,000 per coin, according to data on Coingecko.

That original pizza purchase is now valued at nearly $1.1 billion, underscoring just how far bitcoin has come, from a novelty in cryptography circles to a trillion-dollar asset drawing global investor attention and government interest.

But beyond the symbolism, what’s really driving this recent surge and where might it go next?

Bitcoin breaks records again.

This latest all-time high caps off a rapid climb of over 30% since April’s dip to $75,000. The broader financial environment has played a role. Bitcoin’s rally mirrors gains in U.S. equities, with the Nasdaq rising over 21% and the S&P 500 up 15% since late April. Market optimism around softened trade rhetoric from the U.S. government has buoyed risk assets across the board.

Yet, bitcoin is also being lifted by its own set of catalysts.

Regulatory progress has gained traction. A draft bill in the U.S. Senate proposing clearer rules for stablecoins has helped renew confidence in the space. Spot Bitcoin ETFs, meanwhile, pulled in $329 million in a single day, indicating that Institutional demand remains strong.

In parallel, legislative developments in Texas have added a new dimension. The TEXAS Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and Investment Act (SB 21), recently passed by the state’s House of Representatives, aims to formally incorporate bitcoin into the state’s reserve assets. If signed into law, Texas would join a small but growing list of U.S. states looking to institutionalize crypto as part of their fiscal strategies.

Pizza Day parties and a $300K price target

May 22 of every year, crypto communities around the world mark Bitcoin Pizza Day with celebration and reflection. From Tel Aviv to New York, these events are used to commemorate what began as a novelty purchase but now symbolizes a financial revolution.

Amid the festivities, traders have set their sights even higher. Derivatives data shows a spike in call options predicting bitcoin will reach $300,000 by June. While ambitious, these contracts represent a growing belief among investors that bitcoin has room to run, especially with macro tailwinds and institutional interest aligning.

If bitcoin were to hit that mark, its total market capitalization would exceed $6 trillion, placing it among the world’s most valuable financial instruments.

Bitcoin’s dual identity: risk asset or safe haven?

One recurring theme in bitcoin’s journey is its evolving identity. Once heralded as a hedge against inflation and fiat instability, it often trades more like a tech stock, in terms of being volatile, reactive to global events, and sensitive to investor sentiment.

That said, recent legislation and ETF flows signal that bitcoin may be transitioning into a more mature asset class. Whether Texas’s reserve initiative sparks similar moves elsewhere remains to be seen, but it reflects a growing legitimacy in how governments and institutions view digital currencies.

BTC price outlook

Technical indicators currently show bitcoin in overbought territory, with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) staying elevated. Still, support levels remain firm, and if bitcoin manages to break above $112,500, analysts suggest it could make a push toward $120,000 in the near term.

However, any significant increase in sell pressure or broader risk-off sentiment could see BTC retesting support at $107,000, with further declines possible if bulls lose their grip.

Beyond the hype, the trend is real

While price predictions of $300,000 might seem bold, they stem from a decade and a half of growth that has continually defied expectations. Bitcoin has weathered market crashes, regulatory scrutiny, and countless declarations of its demise. And yet, on the 15th anniversary of buying two pizzas with digital coins, it stands taller than ever.

The road ahead will no doubt include volatility, debate, and innovation. But one thing is clear: Bitcoin is no longer just a story about early adopters and internet money. It’s now part of today’s and the future’s financial fabric. Bitcoin is here to stay.

Victor Solomon is a crypto analyst at Crypto Asset Buyer (CAB). Over the years, Victor has gained valuable expertise in market analysis, risk management, and community management within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. The founder of Soluvic Crypto Hub, a crypto community where he equips newbies in the space, Victor’s mission is to empower individuals to uncover opportunities and safely navigate risks in the blockchain industry. Victor’s academic foundation includes a BSc. (Ed) in Mathematics, a credential that underpins his strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Currently, he is expanding his technical expertise as a Software Development student at Brigham Young University. He is an Ex African Manager of Newscrypto.

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