Bitcoin Pizza Day is one of the most iconic moments in cryptocurrency history—a simple transaction that sparked a global celebration and became a symbol of digital money’s real-world potential. On May 22, 2010, programmer Laszlo Hanyecz made the first documented real-world purchase using Bitcoin, buying two large Papa John’s pizzas for 10,000 BTC. At the time, the transaction was worth about $41. Today, those same 10,000 Bitcoins would be worth over **$690 million**, making it arguably the most expensive meal in history.
Yet far from being a cautionary tale, this event is celebrated annually as a milestone in the evolution of Bitcoin from digital curiosity to viable currency. This article dives into the origins of Bitcoin Pizza Day, the people behind the trade, its lasting impact on crypto adoption, and why it still matters more than a decade later.
👉 Discover how early Bitcoin transactions paved the way for modern digital finance.
What Is Bitcoin Pizza Day?
Bitcoin Pizza Day commemorates the first known real-world transaction where Bitcoin was used to purchase physical goods. Before this moment, Bitcoin existed primarily as a technical experiment—an encrypted ledger with no tangible value outside niche online forums.
That changed when Laszlo Hanyecz successfully traded 10,000 BTC for two pizzas. This act proved that Bitcoin could function not just as code, but as digital cash—a medium of exchange for everyday items. It marked the transition from theory to practice and laid the foundation for Bitcoin’s role as a decentralized peer-to-peer payment system.
Today, Bitcoin Pizza Day is recognized worldwide on May 22 each year, celebrated by crypto enthusiasts, exchanges, and developers alike as a tribute to Bitcoin’s humble beginnings and explosive growth.
When Is Bitcoin Pizza Day Celebrated?
Bitcoin Pizza Day is observed every year on May 22, marking the anniversary of the historic 2010 transaction. Although Hanyecz posted his request on the Bitcointalk forum on May 18, it wasn’t until four days later—May 22—that Jeremy Sturdivant (known online as “jercos”) completed the deal by ordering and delivering the pizzas.
Since then, May 22 has become an unofficial holiday in the crypto community. Events range from pizza giveaways and blockchain meetups to social media campaigns and educational content designed to introduce newcomers to cryptocurrency history.
The Story Behind the 10,000 BTC Pizza Purchase
In May 2010, Bitcoin had no established market value. Mining was done on home computers, and transactions were rare. Laszlo Hanyecz, a Florida-based developer and early Bitcoin miner, wanted to test whether the cryptocurrency could be used for real purchases.
He posted on Bitcointalk:
“I just want to pay 10,000 BTC for a couple of pizzas… like maybe two large ones so I have some left over for the next day.”
This seemingly casual post attracted attention—and action. Jeremy Sturdivant, a 19-year-old from the UK, accepted the offer. He used traditional currency to buy two large Papa John’s pizzas and had them delivered to Hanyecz in Florida. In return, he received 10,000 BTC.
The transaction was simple, but its implications were profound. Hanyecz even shared a photo of his meal online—an early proof-of-concept that Bitcoin could buy real things. This moment established Bitcoin’s first real-world valuation: approximately $0.004 per coin.
Laszlo Hanyecz: The Man Who Bought the Famous Pizzas
Laszlo Hanyecz wasn’t just any early adopter—he was a key contributor to Bitcoin’s development. As one of the first thousand miners on the network, he helped shape its early infrastructure.
Notably, Hanyecz developed some of the first software implementations enabling GPU mining, which dramatically increased mining efficiency and accelerated Bitcoin’s decentralization. His technical contributions ran deep, but he gained global fame for something much more relatable: spending 10,000 BTC on dinner.
Despite the astronomical value those coins would later reach, Hanyecz has consistently said he has no regrets. In interviews, he explained:
“Back then, Bitcoin had no value—so getting something real for it was incredibly cool.”
For him, the transaction wasn’t about investment; it was about proving utility. He believed in Bitcoin as digital cash, not just a speculative asset.
Interestingly, Hanyecz repeated history in 2018 by becoming the first person to buy pizza using Bitcoin’s Lightning Network—a second-layer scaling solution—paying only 0.00649 BTC. This demonstrated his ongoing commitment to practical use cases over pure financial gain.
Jeremy Sturdivant: The Seller Behind the Legend
While Laszlo became famous for spending Bitcoin, less is known about Jeremy Sturdivant—the man who received it. At just 19 years old, he saw Hanyecz’s post and decided to make history without realizing it.
Sturdivant paid for the pizzas with fiat money and received 10,000 BTC in return. Unlike Hanyecz, who mined his coins, Sturdivant didn’t hold onto his reward long-term. According to reports, he spent the Bitcoins within a year—on things like road trips with his girlfriend.
At the time, few imagined Bitcoin would surge in value. The concept of “HODLing” (holding long-term) hadn’t yet taken root. Like many early adopters, Sturdivant viewed Bitcoin as experimental play money—not a future fortune.
Still, both men agree: they don’t regret their roles. They were pioneers testing uncharted territory. And while neither became billionaires from that single trade, they earned permanent places in cryptocurrency lore.
The Value Perspective: From $41 to Hundreds of Millions
The true legend of Bitcoin Pizza Day lies in contrast: what seemed trivial then is monumental now.
- 2010: 10,000 BTC ≈ $41
- 2011: Bitcoin hits $1 → Pizza value: $10,000
- 2015: 5th anniversary → ~$2.4 million
- 2024: With BTC above $69,000 → Over **$690 million**
This staggering appreciation highlights both the explosive potential and extreme volatility of digital assets. While headlines call it “the most expensive pizza ever,” that framing misses the point.
👉 See how small early investments can grow into life-changing sums in crypto markets.
The real story isn’t loss—it’s transformation. That meal proved Bitcoin could move beyond code and into commerce. It gave people a reference point: this digital token can buy real things.
How Is Bitcoin Pizza Day Celebrated?
What started as a quirky forum post has evolved into a global tradition. Each year on May 22:
- Crypto exchanges run promotions or pizza-themed giveaways
- Some pizzerias accept Bitcoin or offer discounts for crypto payments
- Communities host meetups, conferences, and online discussions
- Social media fills with memes, retrospectives, and NFT tributes
- Charities organize campaigns to feed those in need using donated BTC
These celebrations do more than honor history—they educate new users, strengthen community bonds, and promote real-world usage.
Collectors even buy memorabilia like Bitcoin Pizza Day T-shirts, mugs, and limited-edition hardware wallets. A single tweet or blockchain snapshot from that day can become valuable digital art.
Impact on Cryptocurrency Adoption
The pizza transaction was a turning point. Before May 22, 2010, Bitcoin lacked practical proof of concept. Afterward, it had its first real-world use case.
This single act validated core ideas:
- Digital currencies can facilitate peer-to-peer trade
- Value is determined by willingness to exchange
- Decentralized money can operate outside traditional banking
It inspired businesses—from small shops to major retailers like Microsoft and Tesla—to consider accepting crypto. Today, thousands of merchants worldwide accept Bitcoin directly or through payment processors.
Moreover, the story serves as an accessible entry point for beginners trying to understand blockchain technology. Instead of diving into cryptography or consensus algorithms, they can start with: “Once upon a time, someone bought pizza with Bitcoin.”
Fun Facts About Bitcoin Pizza Day
- The transaction is recorded in block #57,043 of the Bitcoin blockchain
- Total cost: 10,001 BTC (including 1 BTC in fees)
- Four days passed between post and delivery
- Hanyecz’s address participated in over 3,300 transactions after the purchase
- In 2018, he made history again using the Lightning Network
- The “Bitcoin Pizza Index” tracks how many pizzas one BTC can buy today
- Both parties say they have no regrets
These details enrich the narrative—not as myths, but as documented milestones in tech history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is Bitcoin Pizza Day important?
A: It marks the first real-world purchase using Bitcoin, proving its viability as digital cash and launching its journey toward mainstream adoption.
Q: Who bought the pizzas with 10,000 BTC?
A: Laszlo Hanyecz, an early Bitcoin developer and miner based in Florida.
Q: Are Laszlo or Jeremy rich today because of the transaction?
A: No—they spent or exchanged the coins long before their massive rise in value. However, both are celebrated figures in crypto culture.
Q: How much were 10,000 Bitcoins worth during the purchase?
A: Approximately $41—about $0.004 per BTC at the time.
Q: Can I still celebrate Bitcoin Pizza Day?
A: Absolutely! Many restaurants and crypto platforms offer special deals on May 22 each year.
Q: Has anyone tried to recreate the original pizza purchase?
A: Yes—Laszlo did it again in 2018 via the Lightning Network, paying far fewer coins due to improved scalability.
Final Thoughts
Bitcoin Pizza Day isn’t about regret or lost fortunes—it’s about innovation, vision, and proof of concept. That meal showed the world that a decentralized digital currency could buy real goods, transforming abstract code into usable money.
Every May 22 reminds us that revolutionary technologies often begin with small acts of experimentation. One programmer’s hunger led to a global movement—one slice at a time.
👉 Join millions exploring the future of finance—start your crypto journey today.