Bitcoin Pizza: The $1 Billion Mistake

Yup, you read that right. In this video, we break down first-ever real world Bitcoin Purchase—two pizzas for 10,000 BTC. Watch now to learn more about the legendary Papa John Bitcoin pizza story.

By ZBD   •   3 days ago

Let’s talk about pizza, crypto, and one of the wildest stories in Bitcoin history—yes, we’re talking about Bitcoin Pizza Day. But what is Bitcoin Pizza Day? See how someone accidentally spent over a billion dollars on a couple of pizzas. Of course at the time, it wasn’t worth $1 billion, but now it is! This is the Bitcoin pizza story that started it all—and it's as deliciously ridiculous as it sounds.

So, What Is Bitcoin Pizza Day?

Bitcoin Pizza Day is celebrated every year on May 22, marking the date in 2010 when a programmer named Laszlo Hanyecz made the first Bitcoin purchase (pizza) in history. He paid 10,000 Bitcoin for two Papa John’s pizzas. Yup, that’s two 10000 Bitcoin pizzas.

Back then, Bitcoin was worth less than a penny. Today, that pizza would be worth over $1 billion.

Let that sink in.

Why Does This Even Matter?

You might be wondering, “Okay, but why do we still talk about this?” Well, this wasn’t just a food order—it was the first real-world transaction that proved crypto had utility. It moved Bitcoin from being a purely theoretical idea to actual money people could use.

That one pizza delivery made history.

TL;DR of the Bitcoin Pizza Story:

  • In May 2010, Laszlo Hanyecz posts on a forum offering 10,000 BTC for two pizzas
  • Another user agrees and orders the pizzas for him
  • Transaction confirmed = first Bitcoin purchase pizza ✅
  • Fast forward to now: 10,000 BTC is worth a lot more, like one billion dollars
  • May 22 is now Bitcoin Pizza Day, celebrated by crypto fans every year

It’s Not Just About Pizza 

Bitcoin Pizza Day is more than just a meme. It reminds us how far crypto has come—from obscure forum posts to a trillion-dollar ecosystem. It’s a celebration of innovation, adoption, and yes, a bit of regret (for Laszlo, at least).

People now celebrate with:

  • Pizza parties
  • Bitcoin meetups
  • Memes, lots of memes
  • And more pizza. Always more pizza.

Lessons from the 10,000 Bitcoin Pizza

  1. Don’t underestimate early tech Bitcoin seemed like a novelty in 2010. Now? It’s reshaped finance.
  2. Real-world adoption starts small That pizza purchase paved the way for Bitcoin to become a usable currency.
  3. Crypto moves fast What’s worthless today could be gold tomorrow. Or pizza. Maybe both.

Whether you’re deep into crypto or just here for the weird stories, Bitcoin Pizza Day is a reminder of how revolutionary ideas often start small—and sometimes cheesy.

So next May 22, order a slice in honor of Laszlo and his legendary purchase. And if someone ever offers you 10,000 Bitcoin for a pizza… maybe think twice. 

Want to earn some Bitcoin for yourself? Download the ZBD App. Play games, take surveys, complete offers, and more to get paid in sats. Don’t buy Bitcoin; earn it instead. 

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