When Laszlo Hanyecz Bought Pizza: The Bitcoin Transaction That Changed Everything

In the early days of cryptocurrency, few people believed Bitcoin could ever be used for real-world purchases. That changed on May 22, 2010, when Laszlo Hanyecz decided to test this possibility. What started as a simple transaction between two Bitcoiners has become one of the most iconic moments in digital currency history. Hanyecz offered 10,000 BTC to anyone willing to buy him two pizzas—a modest sum at the time, worth just $41. Today, his decision to spend those coins represents a fortune lost… or perhaps wisely preserved.

The Historic Transaction That Sparked Pizza Day

Laszlo Hanyecz’s decision to purchase those two pizzas wasn’t just a casual experiment. It was a proof-of-concept that Bitcoin could function as a legitimate payment method in real-world commerce. At the time, most cryptocurrency enthusiasts dismissed Bitcoin as a theoretical curiosity. By converting his digital coins into tangible goods, Hanyecz demonstrated that Bitcoin had practical value beyond speculation.

The pizzas arrived at his doorstep on that May afternoon in 2010, marking the birth of what would later be called “Bitcoin Pizza Day.” The cryptocurrency community celebrates May 22 annually to commemorate this milestone. It’s a reminder of Bitcoin’s journey from niche experiment to financial phenomenon. That transaction laid crucial groundwork for broader adoption, showing merchants and consumers alike that digital currencies could facilitate actual commerce.

The Value That Got Away: Or Did It?

The real intrigue surrounding Laszlo Hanyecz’s story emerges when you examine the staggering appreciation of those 10,000 BTC. At the transaction’s time, they represented $41 worth of value. By 2024, when Bitcoin surged toward $100,000, those same coins would have been worth approximately $1 billion—the most expensive pizza purchase in human history.

Currently, as of February 2026, Bitcoin trades at $67.56K, which recalculates the pizza value to around $675 million. Regardless of price fluctuations, the core question remains: Does Laszlo Hanyecz still hold Bitcoin today?

The answer remains shrouded in mystery. Hanyecz has never publicly disclosed his current holdings or what happened after that historic purchase. Speculation runs rampant. Perhaps he recognized Bitcoin’s potential and retained his coins, making him a billionaire many times over. Alternatively, he may have sold during earlier price rallies at $100 or $1,000, believing the market had peaked. Others in Bitcoin’s early community lost access to wallets entirely—coins locked forever due to forgotten private keys.

Why This Moment Mattered More Than Just Two Pizzas

Laszlo Hanyecz’s transaction represented far more than a quirky cryptocurrency novelty. It was a validation moment. Before his purchase, Bitcoin existed in theoretical space—a technical achievement without proven real-world application. His willingness to spend digital coins for physical goods demonstrated that the currency could bridge the gap between virtual and tangible value.

This single transaction catalyzed a broader conversation about Bitcoin’s potential as a medium of exchange. It inspired developers, merchants, and innovators to build infrastructure around cryptocurrency payments. Today’s multi-trillion-dollar digital asset market can trace its roots partly to moments like this—when early adopters risked their holdings on Bitcoin’s promise.

Whether or not Laszlo Hanyecz still owns Bitcoin, his legacy remains secure. Those two pizzas symbolize cryptocurrency’s transformative potential. They remind us that every revolutionary technology begins with someone willing to take a chance, to believe in something others dismiss, and to prove its worth through action.