Guide
Bitcoin Pizza Day: The Story of Two Pizzas Bought for 10,000 BTC
The Answer: Celebrating Two Pizzas Bought for 10,000 BTC — the First Real-World Payment
Bitcoin Pizza Day is an annual celebration held every May 22. On May 22, 2010, a Florida-based programmer named Laszlo Hanyecz bought two pizzas for 10,000 BTC. It is widely recognized as the first time Bitcoin was used to buy a real-world good, and communities around the world commemorate it every year.
Key takeaways
- On May 22, 2010, two pizzas (from Papa John's) were purchased for 10,000 BTC.
- It was the first time Bitcoin was used to pay for a real-world good.
- At the time, 10,000 BTC was reportedly worth about $41.
- It's celebrated every May 22 as the historic moment Bitcoin "actually worked as money."
What Actually Happened
On May 18, 2010, Hanyecz posted on the forum "BitcoinTalk," offering "10,000 BTC to anyone who orders me two pizzas." A few days later, another user placed a pizza order on his behalf and received 10,000 BTC in return. Hanyecz described his motivation simply: he thought it would be fun to be able to say he'd bought a pizza with Bitcoin.
Why It Matters Historically
Until then, Bitcoin had almost never been used for a practical payment. This pizza transaction was the first symbolic moment in which Bitcoin functioned as "money you could actually exchange for goods." Because the price of Bitcoin later rose so dramatically, the event is also remembered as the story of "the world's most expensive pizza."
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | May 22, 2010 |
| Payment | 10,000 BTC |
| What was bought | Two pizzas (Papa John's) |
| Value at the time | About $41 |
The Deeper Lesson
The story is often told as a tale of regret — "if only he'd held on to it." But the more essential point is that it marks the first time Bitcoin was ever used as a currency. It's an episode that captures Bitcoin's history: a reminder of how volatile the price has been, and how no one at the time could have predicted the rise that followed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is Pizza Day? A. Every May 22. The pizzas were purchased on that day in 2010.
Q. How many pizzas were bought? A. Two pizzas. The payment totaled 10,000 BTC.
Q. How much was it worth at the time? A. Reportedly about $41.
Q. Why is it commemorated? A. Because it was the symbolic event in which Bitcoin was used to pay for a real-world good for the first time.
Sources
- Laszlo Hanyecz (Bitcoin Wiki): https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Laszlo_Hanyecz
- History of bitcoin (Wikipedia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_bitcoin
A note on investing
This article is for informational purposes only and is not investment advice. Bitcoin carries risks including price volatility, hacking, and loss. Make investment decisions at your own responsibility and only with funds you can afford to lose. Because tax rules and regulations can change, always confirm the latest details with official primary sources.
Sources
FAQ
- When is Pizza Day?
- Every May 22. The pizzas were purchased on that day in 2010.
- How many pizzas were bought?
- Two pizzas. The payment totaled 10,000 BTC.
- Why is it commemorated?
- Because it was the symbolic event in which Bitcoin was first used to pay for a real-world good.
This article is informational only and is not financial, investment, or trading advice. Prices are reference snapshots and may be outdated. Always do your own research.
