With Bitcoin price steady above $100,000, it could be enough to make Satoshi Nakamoto the second-richest man in the world by next year. If the largest cryptocurrency hits $200,000, it would give him a $219 billion net worth.
Several analysts agree that this price is realistic and possible in the mid to short term. It’s unlikely that Satoshi will ever be formally recognized as an ultra-high-net-worth individual, but it would be an important benchmark of success nonetheless.
Satoshi’s Immortal Legacy
Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto has been totally off the grid for years, but he still casts a long shadow over the entire crypto industry.
His original vision is a recurring topic of discussion, and his legendary Bitcoin stockpile is an important benchmark for the industry. Satoshi holds over 1.1 million BTC, and his holdings are still growing from various donations.
Satoshi Nakamoto’s Bitcoin Wallet. Source: Arkham Intelligence
Despite a few recent stumbles, Bitcoin’s price is doing very well at the moment. Analysts can point to the asset’s strong fundamentals, and BTC is drawing institutional investment by exhibiting reduced volatility.
Satoshi Nakamoto’s wallet — or more accurately, the set of wallets attributed to him — is still receiving small amounts of Bitcoin. Some people send BTC to Satoshi’s addresses as a tribute, for attention, or as part of social or promotional stunts.
Meanwhile, Bitcoiners often send funds to Satoshi’s wallets as a sign of respect or belief in Bitcoin’s origin story. These coins are considered “burned” since the keys are assumed inaccessible.
Also, in some cases, these may be used for “dusting attacks”, where attackers send tiny amounts to trace wallet activity and identify users. However, this is less relevant for a known dormant address like Satoshi’s.
The coins owned by Satoshi in this wallet have never been moved from their original addresses since they were mined between 2009 and 2010. The fact that Satoshi has never touched these coins enhances trust in Bitcoin’s decentralization.
If they were ever moved, it could cause a significant market reaction and spark questions about Satoshi’s intentions.
At this rate, Satoshi will become the second-richest man in the world if Bitcoin keeps these trends intact.
The Undisputed Billionaire
Specifically, Satoshi holds over 1.1 million BTC, which would translate to $219 billion if Bitcoin reached $200,000. At that level, Satoshi would have a higher net worth than any current billionaire except Elon Musk, another crypto holder.
Satoshi’s identity is still a mystery, but his substantial crypto holdings are very well-documented.
The Richest Men in the World. Source: Forbes
Is this feasible? Absolutely. Over the last few weeks, several analysts, from Max Kelsier to Standard Chartered and more, have claimed that BTC could reach $200,000 by late 2025 or early 2026.
Meanwhile, Satoshi’s own Bitcoin holdings will only increase, guaranteeing that his net worth will rise in turn.
Of course, with Satoshi’s identity uncertain, it’s unlikely that many official rankings will list him regardless of Bitcoin’s worth. For all we know, he might already be dead.
Nonetheless, the crypto community has looked up to his legacy for over ten years, and that isn’t going to change. If he holds more than $200 billion in BTC at any point, we will remember it as a victory.
