Bitcoin Pizza Day commemorates the historic moment when Laszlo Hanyecz, a programmer from Florida, made the first commercial transaction using Bitcoin. Fourteen years ago on May 22, 2010, Hanyecz posted a pizza order on the Bitcoin Talk Forum, seeking a pizza delivery that would allow him to enjoy a meal without the hassle of preparing it himself. He offered 10,000 Bitcoin, worth about $41 at the time, to anyone who would bring him the pizzas.
Jeremy Sturdivant, a 19-year-old student from California, accepted Hanyecz’s offer and delivered two large pizzas from Papa John’s in exchange for the 10,000 Bitcoin. Little did they know that this seemingly ordinary transaction would later become a legendary event known as Bitcoin Pizza Day. Today, those 10,000 Bitcoin would be worth a staggering $700 million.
Bitcoin Pizza Day holds great significance as it marked the first time Bitcoin was used in a commercial transaction, paving the way for the now-booming cryptocurrency industry, valued at $2.7 trillion. To celebrate this milestone, the crypto community engages in various activities, including pizza parties, contests, and educational events.
Crypto exchange Bitget, in collaboration with NounsDAO, Unlock Protocol, Stand with Crypto, OwnTheDoge, the World Pizza Champions, and others, is organizing a Global Pizza Party in 150 cities worldwide. Binance, the largest cryptocurrency exchange, is also participating in the celebrations with events held in 16 countries.
Gracy Chen, the CEO of Bitget, emphasizes the significance of Pizza Day in the evolution of Bitcoin. She sees it as proof of concept, a boost in publicity, and a cultural phenomenon that sparked excitement and interest in Bitcoin. Pizza Day has become an integral part of crypto culture, fostering a sense of community and shared history among enthusiasts and investors.
The story of Bitcoin Pizza Day continues to have educational value, helping to spread awareness about decentralized currencies. It symbolizes the early steps of Bitcoin, proving its utility and establishing its place in the world of finance. It serves as a reminder of the journey from a novel idea to a revolutionary financial technology, driven by the community spirit and innovative mindset of the cryptocurrency space.
Interestingly, Hanyecz, the man who spent millions of dollars on two pizzas, has no regrets. He appreciates being a part of Bitcoin’s early history and finds it fascinating that his pizza order has become a legendary story in the world of cryptocurrency. Sturdivant, the person who received the Bitcoin for the pizzas, also reflects on the experience, highlighting the importance of using Bitcoin as a form of currency rather than solely as an investment.
Bitcoin Pizza Day is not just a quirky anecdote; it represents a significant milestone in the history of Bitcoin and serves as a reminder of the progress and community spirit that continue to drive the cryptocurrency space forward.
