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Twelve years ago, in a largely empty room, a moment of Bitcoin history was quietly recorded. At the time, Bitcoin was trading for roughly $100, a mere fraction of its present worth, and only a few individuals were paying notice. However, what happened that day would subsequently be regarded as one of the greatest speeches in Bitcoin's history.
Bitcoin historian Pete Rizzo resurfaced that moment in a tweet, sharing a clip of Andreas Antonopoulos passionately explaining Bitcoin to an audience of just a few. Despite the sparse turnout, Rizzo referred to it as "one of the greatest speeches in BTC history."
While Bitcoin has since gone on to reach six figures and entered the mainstream, throwbacks like this serve as a reminder of how far the movement has come. They also highlight the role of pioneers such as Antonopoulos, who championed Bitcoin before it became popular or even understood.
To many in the crypto space, this 12-year-old speech remains a symbolic milestone. It embodies the early zeal and conviction that laid the groundwork for what is seen today in the crypto industry.
Bitcoin goes mainstream
Bitcoin is currently trading at $117,963, down from a historic surge that briefly sent the world's largest cryptocurrency above $123,000 for the first time.
Despite the downturn, the cryptocurrency is still trading at roughly double its value from a year ago.
Structural demand, shifting macro positioning and a real-time wave of Wall Street adoption have propelled Bitcoin further into the six-figure range.
In May, the Department of Labor cleared the way for 401(k) plans to provide access to Bitcoin ETFs, allowing for retirement savings allocations and expanding the institutional base.
The GENIUS Act was signed into law on July 18, 2025, and is regarded as a big win for the crypto industry, which has long advocated for a regulatory framework to gain greater legitimacy.
Vladislav Sopov
U.Today Editorial Team