Every year on May 22, crypto enthusiasts celebrate something pretty legendary: Bitcoin Pizza Day.
But this tradition actually started with a super simple, almost casual transaction back in 2010.
A programmer in Florida made an unusual offer — 10,000 bitcoins for two large pizzas.
At the time, those pizzas cost about $41.
Fast forward 15 years, and those same bitcoins are now worth over $1.1 billion.
That one small trade really shows just how far Bitcoin has come.
The First Ever Bitcoin Purchase of a Physical Item
The story goes back to a forum called BitcoinTalk, where on May 22, 2010, a guy named Laszlo Hanyecz posted a request. He wanted to trade 10,000 BTC for two pizzas.
Another forum user, “jercos,” agreed and bought two pizzas from Papa John’s, costing around $25, and had them delivered to Laszlo.
This may seem ordinary now, but back then, it was historic — the very first time Bitcoin was used to buy something tangible.
It wasn’t a flashy moment; more like an accidental step into a new world.
Bitcoin’s Value Has Skyrocketed Since That Day
Bitcoin’s journey has been nothing short of wild. Just recently, on May 23, 2025, Bitcoin hit an all-time high of $111,056 per coin, nudging up by 0.25% in a single day.
That means those original 10,000 BTC could now buy roughly 70 million pizzas at the old price.
The global crypto market’s valuation is hovering around $3.5 trillion, reflecting massive growth.
Of course, this ride hasn’t been smooth — Bitcoin’s price has swung dramatically over the years.
But the early believers have definitely seen some serious returns.
How People Around the World Celebrate Bitcoin Pizza Day
It’s not just an online story — communities across the globe celebrate this milestone.
From Berlin to Manila, folks organize meetups, talks, and panel discussions.
In the Philippines, for example, they set up booths to teach newcomers about wallets, security, and understanding blockchain tech.
In some European cities, small restaurants even accept crypto payments for actual pizza slices.
The vibe is a mix of celebration and education, where people swap stories about their first trades or near misses in the market.
What Bitcoin Pizza Day Teaches Us About Crypto
For many, Bitcoin Pizza Day is more than just nostalgia; it’s a reminder of the risks and rewards of early tech bets.
It shows how tiny decisions back then have turned into huge financial gains today.
But it also warns about the wild volatility in crypto markets — prices can jump or drop thousands of dollars in just hours.
Learning to manage this rollercoaster is now a basic part of understanding crypto for anyone interested.
Bitcoin’s Journey from Underground Code to Mainstream Asset
Over the past 15 years, Bitcoin has transformed from a mysterious piece of computer code to a widely recognized asset.
Nowadays, you can trade Bitcoin futures, buy ETFs, and use custody services.
Some governments even discuss holding Bitcoin as a reserve currency.
On top of that, with user-friendly wallets and apps popping up, using Bitcoin for everyday purchases is becoming easier.
What started as two pizzas bought with 10,000 coins might soon evolve into grabbing your morning coffee with Bitcoin, just as naturally as swiping a credit card.