In May 2010, Laszlo Hanyecz made internet history by purchasing two large pizzas for 10,000 BTC—then worth about $40, but now valued at hundreds of millions of dollars. That transaction became the first known real-world use of Bitcoin as currency and cemented Laszlo’s place in crypto lore. Over a decade later, Laszlo isn’t just remembered for spending Bitcoin on pizza—he’s still actively acquiring more of it.
Despite Bitcoin's wild volatility and shifting market sentiment, Laszlo remains committed to his long-term belief in the digital asset. In a recent Bloomberg report, he shared: “I will do whatever it takes to buy Bitcoin. When I see it dropping, I double down.” His mindset reflects a core principle among true crypto believers: buy during dips, hold through turbulence, and trust in long-term value.
From Pizza Purchase to Crypto Legend
Laszlo Hanyecz’s famous transaction took place on May 22, now celebrated annually as Bitcoin Pizza Day. At the time, Bitcoin had no established market value, and Laszlo simply wanted to test whether the nascent cryptocurrency could be used for everyday purchases. He posted on a Bitcoin forum offering 10,000 BTC for someone to order him real-world pizza.
A fellow forum member accepted the offer, bought the pizzas from Papa John’s, and delivered them to Laszlo. What seemed like a quirky experiment at the time would later become one of the most iconic moments in blockchain history.
Today, that same 10,000 BTC would be worth over $600 million, depending on current prices. Yet rather than regretting his decision, Laszlo views it as a pivotal moment that helped prove Bitcoin’s utility.
👉 Discover how early adopters are still shaping the future of digital finance.
A Lasting Belief in Decentralized Money
What sets Laszlo apart isn’t just his role in Bitcoin’s origin story—it’s his enduring faith in its purpose. While many early miners sold their holdings during price surges, Laszlo continued mining and accumulating Bitcoin even after his infamous pizza purchase.
He originally mined Bitcoin using his personal computer, taking advantage of the low difficulty levels in the network’s infancy. As mining grew more competitive, he adapted by building custom rigs and staying involved in developer communities.
Even today, Laszlo maintains an active interest in Bitcoin’s technical evolution. He supports keeping the network decentralized and accessible, advocating for solutions that prioritize security and peer-to-peer functionality over scalability at the cost of decentralization.
His philosophy aligns with Bitcoin’s original vision: a borderless, censorship-resistant form of money controlled by individuals, not institutions.
Why He Keeps Buying Bitcoin
Laszlo’s strategy is simple—buy when others are fearful. Market corrections don’t scare him; they present opportunities. This contrarian approach has served many long-term holders well, especially during events like:
- The 2018 bear market (BTC dropped from ~$20,000 to ~$3,200)
- The 2022 crypto winter (triggered by Terra collapse and FTX bankruptcy)
- Short-term volatility caused by macroeconomic shifts or regulatory news
Each downturn becomes a chance to accumulate more coins at lower prices. For believers like Laszlo, every dip reinforces their conviction.
Moreover, global trends continue to support Bitcoin adoption:
- Institutional investment through ETFs and custody solutions
- Growing acceptance as collateral in decentralized finance (DeFi)
- Increasing use in remittances and cross-border payments
- Limited supply (only 21 million BTC will ever exist)
These factors contribute to what many call digital scarcity, a key driver behind Bitcoin’s long-term appeal.
👉 Learn how smart investors take advantage of market dips to build wealth.
FAQ: Common Questions About Laszlo and Bitcoin
Why didn't Laszlo regret spending 10,000 BTC on pizza?
Laszlo has stated that he doesn’t regret the transaction because it proved Bitcoin could be used for real purchases. At the time, no one knew if Bitcoin would succeed. The pizza purchase was a practical test—and it worked. For him, demonstrating utility was worth more than hypothetical future gains.
Is Laszlo Hanyecz still involved in cryptocurrency development?
Yes. While not a public figure like some crypto entrepreneurs, Laszlo remains engaged in technical discussions and open-source development. He contributes to forums and continues to advocate for Bitcoin as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system.
Could someone really spend millions on a pizza today?
Technically yes—but symbolically. Some high-profile figures have recreated the “Bitcoin pizza” moment for charity or marketing purposes. However, most large transactions today occur off-chain or through wrapped assets to avoid high fees or public scrutiny.
How has Bitcoin changed since the 2010 pizza purchase?
Back then, Bitcoin was an experimental project with minimal user adoption. Today, it’s recognized globally as a store of value and digital gold. It has survived crashes, regulatory challenges, and technological forks—all while maintaining its core protocol integrity.
What lessons can new investors learn from Laszlo?
Patience and conviction matter. Early adoption comes with risks, but also unique opportunities. More importantly, understanding Bitcoin’s purpose—as decentralized money—is crucial for long-term holding through market cycles.
Is it too late to start buying Bitcoin now?
No. While early adopters reaped massive gains, Bitcoin’s adoption cycle is still evolving. With increasing institutional interest, global accessibility via mobile apps, and ongoing innovation in Layer 2 solutions (like the Lightning Network), there are still compelling reasons to consider Bitcoin as part of a diversified portfolio.
Staying True to the Original Vision
Laszlo Hanyecz never set out to become a crypto icon. He was simply a programmer fascinated by Satoshi Nakamoto’s whitepaper and eager to see if decentralized money could work in practice. His pizza purchase wasn’t a financial miscalculation—it was a successful experiment.
And now, over 14 years later, he’s still buying Bitcoin—not for fame or profit speculation, but because he believes in its mission.
👉 See how you can start your own journey into the world of digital assets today.
His story reminds us that behind every blockchain milestone is a human decision: to try something new, to believe in an idea before it's proven, and to keep going even when others walk away.
As Bitcoin continues to mature—from volatile newcomer to recognized asset class—the principles Laszlo embodies—curiosity, resilience, and long-term thinking—remain more relevant than ever.
Core Keywords:
Bitcoin Pizza Day, Laszlo Hanyecz, 10,000 Bitcoin purchase, early Bitcoin adoption, Bitcoin investment strategy, BTC price history, buying Bitcoin during dips