What Is Bitcoin Pizza Day?
Every year on May 22, the cryptocurrency community comes together to celebrate Bitcoin Pizza Day—a lighthearted yet historically significant event that marks the first known commercial transaction using Bitcoin. On this day in 2010, a developer in Florida made history by purchasing two large Papa John’s pizzas for 10,000 BTC. While the meal itself was modest, the transaction has since become legendary—not for the food, but for what it symbolizes in the evolution of digital currency.
This moment wasn’t just about hunger or convenience; it was a groundbreaking proof-of-concept that Bitcoin could be used as real money. At the time, Bitcoin had little to no market value, and spending 10,000 coins for something as simple as pizza seemed like a fun experiment. Today, with Bitcoin’s value soaring into tens of thousands of dollars per coin, that same transaction would be worth hundreds of millions—making these arguably the most expensive pizzas ever bought.
👉 Discover how early Bitcoin transactions paved the way for modern crypto adoption.
The Origins of the Legendary Transaction
The story begins on the Bitcoin Talk forum, where Laszlo Hanyecz, a software developer based in Florida, posted a now-famous message on May 22, 2010:
“I’ll pay 10,000 bitcoins for a couple of pizzas … like maybe 2 large ones so I have some left over for the next day.”
Hanyecz wasn’t just hungry—he was testing an idea. Could Bitcoin, which at the time existed mostly as a technical experiment among cryptography enthusiasts, actually be used to buy real-world goods? His post outlined a clear vision: he wanted food delivered without having to cook or order it himself. It was less about the pizza and more about proving that peer-to-peer digital currency could facilitate everyday transactions.
A British programmer named Jeremy Sturdivant (known online as "jercos") accepted the challenge. He ordered two Papa John’s pizzas and had them delivered to Hanyecz’s home. In return, he received 10,000 BTC. At the time, Bitcoin was trading at approximately $0.0041 per coin**, meaning the entire transaction amounted to roughly **$41—a fair deal for both parties.
Why This Moment Changed Crypto History
While seemingly trivial, this event holds monumental significance in the world of blockchain and digital finance. Before this transaction, Bitcoin had only been mined and traded between tech-savvy users. There was no real-world valuation attached to it. The pizza purchase established the first known market price for Bitcoin based on tangible goods.
It proved that:
- Bitcoin could function as a medium of exchange.
- People were willing to accept it for goods and services.
- A decentralized digital currency could operate outside traditional financial systems.
This small act laid the foundation for everything from crypto payments and decentralized finance (DeFi) to non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and Web3 ecosystems.
How Much Are Those Pizzas Worth Today?
Let’s do the math. On May 22, 2010, 1 BTC ≈ $0.0041 → 10,000 BTC ≈ **$41**
By 2011, Bitcoin reached $1**, making the pizzas worth **$10,000
In 2017, during the first major bull run, they were valued at over $10 million
On May 22, 2024, with Bitcoin priced above $69,181**, those same two pizzas were worth **$691.8 million
Even adjusting for inflation or market cycles, there’s no denying this is one of the most iconic examples of opportunity cost in financial history.
Yet, Laszlo Hanyecz remains unfazed. In interviews, he’s stated that he doesn’t regret the transaction. “It wasn’t like bitcoins had any value back then,” he said. “So the idea of trading them for a pizza was incredibly cool.”
His attitude reflects the experimental spirit of early crypto adopters—people who weren’t chasing wealth but exploring a new frontier.
👉 See how far cryptocurrency use cases have evolved since the first pizza purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bitcoin Pizza Day
What is Bitcoin Pizza Day?
Bitcoin Pizza Day is celebrated annually on May 22 to commemorate the first real-world purchase made with Bitcoin: two pizzas bought for 10,000 BTC in 2010.
Who bought the Bitcoin pizzas?
Laszlo Hanyecz, a Florida-based programmer and early Bitcoin contributor, offered 10,000 BTC for two delivered pizzas via the Bitcoin Talk forum.
Who actually delivered the pizzas?
A user known online as “jercos” (Jeremy Sturdivant) accepted the offer, ordered two Papa John’s pizzas, and delivered them in exchange for 10,000 BTC.
Was 10,000 BTC a fair price at the time?
Yes. In May 2010, Bitcoin had no established market value. The transaction valued each Bitcoin at about $0.0041, making the total around $41—roughly the actual cost of the pizzas.
Does Laszlo Hanyecz regret spending 10,000 BTC?
No. He has repeatedly said he doesn’t regret it, emphasizing that Bitcoin had no real-world value at the time and that the transaction was part of an exciting experiment.
How is Bitcoin Pizza Day celebrated today?
Crypto enthusiasts celebrate by buying pizzas with Bitcoin, sharing memes, posting throwback stories, and reflecting on how far digital currency has come since its humble beginnings.
The Lasting Legacy of a Simple Meal
Bitcoin Pizza Day isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a cultural touchstone that illustrates how far cryptocurrency has come in just over a decade. From a niche project discussed in online forums to a global financial phenomenon with institutional backing and mainstream adoption, Bitcoin has transformed from an abstract concept into a powerful asset class.
That single transaction sparked a chain reaction:
- Merchants began accepting crypto payments.
- Payment processors integrated blockchain technology.
- New cryptocurrencies emerged to improve speed and scalability.
- Global remittance systems started exploring decentralized alternatives.
Today, you can use digital assets to pay for travel, luxury goods, real estate—even tuition in some countries. All of this traces back to one man’s desire for leftover pizza.
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👉 Learn how you can participate in today’s crypto economy—no 10,000 BTC required.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Slice
Bitcoin Pizza Day reminds us that innovation often starts small. What began as a quirky forum post turned into a milestone moment that helped define an entire industry. It represents more than financial gain or loss—it embodies curiosity, experimentation, and belief in a future where money moves freely across borders without intermediaries.
As Bitcoin continues to evolve—with advancements in layer-2 solutions, regulatory clarity, and wider acceptance—the legend of those two pizzas will endure as both a cautionary tale and an inspiration.
Whether you're a long-time hodler or just learning about crypto, take a moment every May 22 to reflect: sometimes, progress tastes like pepperoni and digital freedom.