Bitcoin is a household name that is recognised by just about everyone around the world. But in 2010, that wasn’t the case. BTC was still a minor blip on the crypto radar. However, it wasn’t long before that would change, all because of a fun interaction and a crazy idea about buying pizza.

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“I'll Pay 10,000 Bitcoins For a Couple of Pizzas…”

This was a strange but fascinating request from Laszlo Hanyecz that was left hanging for nearly a full day on the BitcoinTalk.org forum. After a few less-than-helpful exchanges between Laszlo and curious pessimists, he proudly announced, "I just want to report that I successfully traded 10,000 Bitcoins for pizza" on the 22nd of May 2010, with pictures as proof.

It sounds crazy, but this bizarre exchange is known to be the first real-world transaction made with Bitcoin, which led to the birth of a tradition called Bitcoin Pizza Day.

 Bitcoin Pizza Day: A Slice of History

On May 22, crypto enthusiasts worldwide come together to celebrate Bitcoin Pizza Day. This holiday commemorates the first-ever real-world purchase bought with Bitcoin. The story goes back to 2010 when Laszlo Hanyecz, a programmer and early Bitcoin adopter, made an extraordinary offer on the Bitcointalk forum.

Hanyecz was willing to trade a whopping 10,000 bitcoins for two large pizzas, setting in motion a now historical event. Imagine this, trading something that is unseen, unknown, and unheard of for a couple of regular pizzas. At the time, many believed it was a crazy idea that didn't merit consideration. Little did they know it would kickstart a decentralised finance revolution that would sweep the planet!

The Quest For Pizza… And Toppings!

Hanyecz's post on the forum was simple but enticing. He wanted two large pizzas delivered to his doorstep in exchange for Bitcoin. Laszlo even made sure to specify his preferences for toppings, emphasising his fondness for common ingredients:

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“I like things like onions, peppers, sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, pepperoni, etc.”

He also mentioned his appreciation for regular cheese pizzas, "which may be cheaper to prepare or otherwise acquire." This addition to his request makes the whole event even funnier, especially considering how many more pizzas he could have enjoyed today if he had held onto his precious Bitcoin.

 The Value of the Bitcoin in 2010

At the actual time of this fascinating transaction, the value of 10,000 bitcoins was relatively low. In fact, according to some estimates, Hanyecz could have exchanged his Bitcoins for a meagre $41. This fact puts the price per bitcoin at a mere $0.004, highlighting how early this transaction occurred in Bitcoin's history.

To Hanyecz's surprise, his offer was met with a response from Jeremy "Jercos" Sturdivant, another Bitcoin user. Sturdivant agreed to the trade, and the deal was sealed. Two Papa John's pizzas made their way to Hanyecz's home, making history as the first documented commercial transaction with Bitcoin.

 Beyond the First Two Pizzas: Play It Again, Sam!

While the story of Hanyecz's purchase of two pizzas is well-known, an interesting aspect often goes unnoticed. This unconventional purchase was not a once-off event. Laszlo repeated this exchange several times, multiplying the value of the Bitcoins he spent.

Focusing on this overlooked detail becomes a unique and exciting aspect of Bitcoin Pizza Day. Laszlo's repeated exchanges highlight the potential and innovative spirit of Bitcoin users. The remarkable growth in Bitcoin's value over the years adds an element of unparalleled excitement to this day.

Fast forward to today, and the value of those 10,000 Bitcoins Laszlo used to purchase the pizzas would be worth a staggering $690 million. This unconventional and pioneering approach by Laszlo adds an extra layer of intrigue to Bitcoin Pizza Day. Bitcoin Pizza Day is a momentous occasion that celebrates the transformative power of cryptocurrency.

 Exciting Events and Pizza Celebrations

Bitcoin Pizza Day is not just about reminiscing over past transactions. It has evolved into a vibrant celebration with various in-person and online events. Binance, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, hosts a range of activities to mark the occasion.

In-person events include a pizza-making contest in Naples, Italy, the birthplace of pizza. Attendees can enjoy their own Binance pizza and participate in a community meetup in locations like Cambodia, Uruguay, Argentina, and Mexico. Binance Pizza vans also make appearances in Brazil, Bahrain, and Vietnam, offering free pizza to lucky participants.

Online celebrations are equally thrilling, with Binance organising a Collect & Win campaign. Participants can trade, deposit funds, refer friends, and engage in social media activities to collect virtual pizzas. By completing the collection, participants have a chance to win a year's supply of pizza in Bitcoin.

What started as a small pizza purchase in 2010 has grown into a global celebration, showcasing the adoption and acceptance of Bitcoin as a legitimate form of payment. Whether you attend in-person events or participate online, Bitcoin Pizza Day is an opportunity to engage with the thriving Bitcoin community, celebrate its history, and enjoy a slice of the digital revolution.