Discover how one man traded 10,000 Bitcoins for two pizzas in 2010, creating Bitcoin Pizza Day. Explore the full story, its impact on crypto culture, and what it means for food lovers today.
Introduction
Back in May 2010, when Bitcoin was still a niche experiment among tech enthusiasts, a Florida-based programmer made history with a simple craving for pizza. Laszlo Hanyecz offered 10,000 Bitcoins in exchange for two large pizzas. It was the first documented real-world Bitcoin transaction. At the time, it was just a casual post on a forum. Today, that same transaction is worth over $520 million.
Welcome to the legend of Bitcoin Pizza Day—a uniquely American blend of innovation, culture, and food. In this article, we’ll answer your top questions, look back at this jaw-dropping moment in crypto history, and explore what it means for US audiences today.
Who Traded 10,000 Bitcoins for Pizza?
The man behind this moment is Laszlo Hanyecz, an early Bitcoin miner and developer. On May 18, 2010, he posted in the BitcoinTalk forum:
“I’ll pay 10,000 Bitcoins for a couple of pizzas… like maybe two large ones.”
A user named Jeremy Sturdivant (aka “jercos”) accepted the deal, ordering two Papa John’s pizzas and having them delivered to Laszlo’s home in Jacksonville, Florida. The cost at the time? About $41.
Laszlo’s purpose wasn’t to make headlines. He simply wanted to prove that Bitcoin could function as real-world money. And he did exactly that.
What Was 10,000 Bitcoin Worth in 2010?
In mid-2010, Bitcoin’s value was hovering around $0.0035 per BTC. That means 10,000 Bitcoins were roughly worth $35 to $41, based on minor market fluctuations.
Here’s how that transaction has aged:
| Year | Price of 1 BTC | Value of 10,000 BTC |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | $0.0035 | $35 |
| 2015 | $250 | $2,500,000 |
| 2020 | $9,500 | $95,000,000 |
| 2024 | $50,000+ | $500,000,000+ |
| 2025 | $52,000 (Apr) | $520,000,000 |
The transaction seems absurd in hindsight, but at the time, it laid the foundation for real-world cryptocurrency use cases.
What Is Bitcoin Pizza Day?
Every May 22, crypto fans in the US and around the world celebrate Bitcoin Pizza Day. It’s not just about pizza—it’s about marking the beginning of cryptocurrency being used as a medium of exchange.
Major platforms like Coinbase, Binance, and even local pizza chains run giveaways and promotions to honor the day.
Think of it like a tech-meets-food holiday—uniquely American in its blend of consumerism, innovation, and viral storytelling.
Is the Bitcoin Pizza Story Actually Real?
Yes, the story is 100% legit. Laszlo’s original post is still viewable on BitcoinTalk.org. His pizza purchase has become one of the most frequently referenced moments in Bitcoin’s early history.
Laszlo himself has done several interviews since then, and his transaction has been covered by outlets like The New York Times, CNBC, and CoinDesk.
What Would That Pizza Cost Today?
If you take April 2025’s average Bitcoin price of $52,000, the math is easy:
10,000 BTC × $52,000 = $520,000,000
That’s over half a billion dollars spent on two pizzas. The most expensive pizza purchase in the world—without a doubt. And if Bitcoin ever hits $100,000? You’re looking at a billion-dollar meal.
Why the Bitcoin Pizza Story Matters (Especially in the US)
For US readers, this story connects three major cultural pillars:
- Technology: It marked Bitcoin’s first real-world use
- Capitalism: It shows how markets assign value
- Food: It proves that even a pizza can make history
Whether you’re a crypto enthusiast, investor, or just love pizza, this story speaks volumes about American innovation and how quickly things can change.
Does Laszlo Regret the Trade?
No, and that’s what makes him a true pioneer. Laszlo has said in interviews that he’s proud of the role he played in making Bitcoin usable. He even made other Bitcoin purchases after the pizza trade to help the ecosystem grow.
In his own words:
“It wasn’t like Bitcoins had any value back then, so the idea of trading them for a pizza was incredibly cool.”
He’s not bitter—in fact, he’s part of why Bitcoin is where it is today.
What US Food Lovers Can Learn from This
Believe it or not, there’s a lot foodies can take away from Bitcoin Pizza Day:
- 🍕 Celebrate creativity: Food and innovation often overlap
- 💡 Think long term: Small steps can lead to cultural milestones
- 🏆 Understand value: Whether it’s ingredients or investments, worth changes with time
Food is emotional. So is money. The story of Bitcoin Pizza binds them both in a way that’s meaningful and memorable.
FAQs
Q1. Is Bitcoin Pizza Day an actual holiday?
Yes! While unofficial, it’s widely celebrated in the US crypto and tech communities every May 22.
Q2. Who accepted Laszlo’s 10,000 BTC?
A fellow Bitcoin user named Jeremy Sturdivant (jercos) completed the pizza order and received the Bitcoins.
Q3. Does Papa John’s acknowledge this story?
While not officially affiliated, Papa John’s has leaned into the legend over the years with social media posts and promotions.
Conclusion
The tale of Bitcoin Pizza isn’t just about crypto—it’s about how the smallest acts can spark global revolutions. It started with a forum post and two pizzas and evolved into a story that’s now part of US tech and food culture.
For American readers, Bitcoin Pizza Day is more than a quirky anecdote. It’s a reminder of how bold ideas, even the ones that start with dinner, can change everything.
Laszlo’s original post is still viewable on BitcoinTalk.
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