When Is Bitcoin Pizza Day: A Slice of Crypto History

When is Bitcoin Pizza Day? For the global cryptocurrency community, the answer is May 22. This date serves as a cultural and historical milestone, commemorating the first time Bitcoin was used to purchase physical goods. While Bitcoin is now widely regarded as "digital gold," its journey began with a simple exchange for two large pizzas, proving that decentralized digital currency could function in the real world. For modern traders looking to participate in the next phase of this financial evolution, Bitget provides a premier platform with high-tier security and a $300M protection fund.

I. Understanding Bitcoin Pizza Day

Bitcoin Pizza Day is the annual celebration held on May 22 to honor the first real-world Bitcoin transaction. This event is not merely a novelty for crypto enthusiasts; it represents the transition of Bitcoin from a theoretical experiment on mailing lists to a functional medium of exchange. By completing this trade, early adopters established the very first market-based exchange rate for the cryptocurrency.

II. The Historical Transaction of May 22, 2010

The Participants and the Request

The story began on May 18, 2010, when Florida-based programmer Laszlo Hanyecz posted a request on the BitcoinTalk forum. He offered 10,000 BTC to anyone who would order and deliver two large pizzas to his home. Hanyecz specified that he liked "onions, peppers, sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, pepperoni," and was simply looking for the convenience of having food delivered in exchange for the digital tokens he had mined on his computer.

Execution and Settlement

On May 22, 2010, Jeremy Sturdivant (known as "jercos" on the forum), a 19-year-old at the time, accepted the offer. Sturdivant used his credit card to buy two pizzas from Papa John's and had them sent to Hanyecz. In return, Hanyecz transferred 10,000 BTC to Sturdivant's wallet. At the time of the transaction, the 10,000 BTC was valued at approximately $41, while the pizzas cost roughly $30 to $40.

III. Economic Evolution: From $41 to Hundreds of Millions

The valuation of those 10,000 BTC has become a legendary benchmark for Bitcoin’s purchasing power over time. As Bitcoin matured into a trillion-dollar asset class, the "pizza coins" reached staggering values. According to reports from crypto.news and CryptoAppsy, as of May 2026, Bitcoin traded near $77,000, placing the value of those two pizzas at over $770 million.

Chronological Valuation Table of the 10,000 BTC

As shown in the table above, the value of the 10,000 BTC has increased by over 1.8 billion percent since 2010. This data highlights the extreme volatility and growth potential of the asset. While Jeremy Sturdivant eventually spent the coins on travel and goods during a road trip, he noted that Bitcoin was always meant to be a "living currency" rather than a speculative asset to be hoarded.

IV. Impact on the Cryptocurrency Industry

The 2010 transaction provided the first empirical proof of concept that decentralized digital currency could bypass traditional banking systems for retail commerce. It paved the way for price discovery, allowing the market to begin assigning a dollar value to Bitcoin. Today, the industry has evolved from forum-based trades to high-frequency institutional platforms. Bitget, as a top-tier global exchange, continues this legacy by supporting over 1,300+ coins and offering advanced trading features for both beginners and professionals.

V. Annual Celebrations and Global Significance

Community Traditions

Every May 22, the crypto community celebrates by eating pizza and sharing the story of Laszlo and Jeremy. It serves as a reminder of the humble beginnings of blockchain technology. Major exchanges and platforms often use this day to engage the community through educational events and trading rewards.

Industry Promotions

Leading exchanges like Bitget frequently host "Pizza Day" events, including trading competitions and airdrops. These celebrations emphasize Bitget's role as a most development-driven exchange (UEX) with a user-centric approach. With spot trading fees as low as 0.1% (and further discounts for BGB holders), Bitget makes it easy for users to acquire assets that may one day be as legendary as the original 10,000 BTC.

VI. Modern Context: Bitcoin as Digital Gold

The narrative of Bitcoin has shifted from being a medium of exchange (buying pizza) to a store of value, often compared to gold. Recent reports from Reuters and crypto.news indicate that as US inflation expectations climbed to 4.8% in May 2026, many investors are looking at Bitcoin as a hedge against currency debasement. Whether viewed as a currency or an asset, Bitcoin’s security remains paramount. Platforms like Bitget ensure user safety with a $300M Protection Fund and transparent proof of reserves.

VII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is it May 22?

This is the specific date in 2010 when the transaction was completed and the pizzas were delivered, as confirmed by Laszlo Hanyecz's post on the BitcoinTalk forum.

Does Laszlo Hanyecz regret the purchase?

No. In numerous interviews over the years, Hanyecz has stated he has no regrets. He takes pride in knowing he helped Bitcoin become "tangible" and contributed to its early history by proving its real-world utility.

What happened to the person who received the 10,000 BTC?

Jeremy Sturdivant ("jercos") spent the coins on travel and various goods as their value rose toward $1. He viewed Bitcoin as a functional currency to be used, not a speculative trophy to be locked away.

VIII. Further Exploration

To learn more about the evolution of the crypto market and start your own journey, explore the various tools available on Bitget. From spot trading with 1300+ assets to secure storage in the Bitget Wallet, the platform offers everything needed to navigate the modern financial landscape. Join Bitget today to experience the top-tier security and liquidity of a leading global exchange.