The Man Who Bought Pizza with 10,000 Bitcoins: The Legendary Story of Laszlo Hanyecz

ACMer

12 months ago

100-bitcoin-for-free The Man Who Bought Pizza with 10,000 Bitcoins: The Legendary Story of Laszlo Hanyecz

Register a wallet and receive 100 Bitcoins. This was a promotional booth for Bitcoin, with a scrappy feel. Registering a wallet developed by these young people would earn 100 free Bitcoins, yet it was largely ignored. That was 100 Bitcoins, now worth close to 1 billion RMB, offered for free and still refused.

In 2009, Bitcoin made its debut as the first decentralised cryptocurrency, but it initially attracted little attention. However, 22 May 2010, an otherwise ordinary day, became a milestone in Bitcoin’s history. On this day, programmer Laszlo Hanyecz used 10,000 Bitcoins to buy two pizzas, marking the first-ever real-world transaction with Bitcoin. This event, now known as “Bitcoin Pizza Day,” is eternally commemorated in the cryptocurrency community.

The Story’s Beginning

Laszlo was a programmer who is passionate about Bitcoin technology, involved in its early development. At the time, Bitcoin was virtually worthless, lacking any tangible value. To demonstrate that Bitcoin could be used to purchase goods, he posted on the Bitcointalk forum, offering 10,000 Bitcoins for two pizzas. In his post, he wrote:

“I want two large pizzas, maybe you can make them yourself or order delivery for me. I just want to enjoy pizza while having the experience of paying with Bitcoin.”

He was open to any brand of pizza, as long as it was filling. His post initially received no responses, but four days later, a user named Jeremy Sturdivant agreed to the proposal and ordered two pizzas for Laszlo using a $25 pizza voucher. The transaction was completed successfully, and Laszlo enjoyed his Bitcoin-paid pizzas.

Laszlo Hanyecz buys pizza with 10,000 Bitcoins at 2010-5-22.

Today’s Value: 10,000 Bitcoins = $1 Billion

In 2010, 10,000 Bitcoins were worth approximately 41 cents. By 2025, Bitcoin’s price has exceeded $105,000 (USD 105,053). In other words, those two pizzas are now worth a staggering $1.05 billion.

Bitcoin surpasses $100,000 for the fourth time in 2025

This price disparity evokes both amusement and awe at Laszlo’s story. People often joke that he “ate the most expensive pizzas in the world,” but he remains remarkably composed. In later interviews, he stated he never regretted the transaction because it established Bitcoin’s practical use as a payment tool.

The Significance of Bitcoin Pizza Day

Every year on 22 May, the cryptocurrency community celebrates “Bitcoin Pizza Day.” This highly symbolic day marks Bitcoin’s transition from a conceptual digital currency to real-world application. The transaction proved that Bitcoin was not just a virtual asset but could serve as a medium for everyday transactions.

Laszlo’s Contribution and Bitcoin’s Future

Laszlo was not only the protagonist of the pizza story but also one of Bitcoin’s early developers. He created the first GPU mining technology, significantly improving Bitcoin mining efficiency. In his view, spending 10,000 Bitcoins on pizzas helped advance the Bitcoin ecosystem.

By 2025, as Bitcoin surpasses $100,000, global acceptance of cryptocurrencies has surged. From individuals to institutions, Bitcoin has evolved from experimental technology into an asset class. Nevertheless, Laszlo’s story reminds us that Bitcoin’s success owes much to those who dared to experiment in its early days.

Conclusion: Value and Meaning

Some say Laszlo was the “most unfortunate investor,” missing out on billions. Others call him the “greatest pioneer” for paving the way for Bitcoin’s future. Perhaps to Laszlo, Bitcoin’s success matters more than personal wealth. His 10,000 Bitcoin purchase bought not just two pizzas but a starting point for Bitcoin’s mainstream adoption.

In 2025, as we reflect on this story, it’s hard not to marvel at the changes brought by time and technology—perhaps those two pizzas were the foundation of Bitcoin’s glory today.

Postscript: Don’t Forget to Eat Pizza!

If you’re a Bitcoin holder, consider ordering a pizza every 22 May to honour Laszlo and his courage!

Every 22 May has become a holiday: Bitcoin Pizza Day! Share on X

The First Bitcoin Transaction

Bitcoin for Pizzas? Original Post
Seller of the first Bitcoin transaction: Jeremy Sturdivant: 17SkEw2md5avVNyYgj6RiXuQKNwkXaxFyQ
Buyer Laszlo Hanyecz: 1XPTgDRhN8RFnzniWCddobD9iKZatrvH4

Bitcoin/BTC Wallets

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