Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin's $120K Surge Makes 1 BTC Ownership a 0.01% Global Status

By 2025, owning a full Bitcoin has become an achievement reserved for an elite minority. Blockchain data reveals that approximately 800,000 to 850,000 individuals hold at least 1 BTC, a figure representing just 0.01%-0.02% of the global population. This exclusivity is further underscored by the uneven distribution of Bitcoin, with the top 1.86% of addresses controlling 90% of the supply. Four accounts alone, each holding between 100,000 and 1 million BTC, collectively own 14% of the total supply, while the top 100 addresses account for over 58%. The scarcity of Bitcoin—capped at 21 million coins—has only intensified this concentration, as nearly all newly mined coins have already been distributed. With less than 1.2 million BTC remaining to be mined, the path to accumulating a full Bitcoin grows increasingly challenging.

The economic barriers to entry are substantial. At prices exceeding $120,000 per BTC in mid-2025, acquiring a single Bitcoin requires both significant capital and tolerance for volatility. Fewer than 900,000 people globally hold 1 BTC or more, a number dwarfed by the 16 million millionaires worldwide. This disparity highlights Bitcoin’s exclusivity as an asset class. For context, 6.8% of the global population owns cryptocurrency, but most hold less than 0.01 BTC. Structural hurdles, including 1.4 billion unbanked adults and restrictive regulatory frameworks, further limit access in regions where digital infrastructure is underdeveloped. Even in markets with robust mobile money systems, high on-ramp fees and uncertain tax policies deter mass participation.

Psychological and behavioral factors compound these challenges. Bitcoin’s notorious volatility—exemplified by swings from over $109,000 to the mid-$70,000s in weeks—has deterred many potential buyers. High-profile critics, including Nobel laureate Robert Shiller and Warren Buffett, have labeled Bitcoin a speculative bubble, reinforcing its reputation as a high-risk asset. For most investors, the fear of short-term losses outweighs the long-term potential of Bitcoin as a store of value. This skepticism is not unfounded: cases of market manipulation and regulatory scrutiny have further muddied its perceived legitimacy. Yet, for those who do commit, Bitcoin’s scarcity and growing institutional adoption present a compelling case for its role in diversified portfolios.

Strategies to accumulate 1 BTC exist but demand patience, discipline, or scale. Dollar-cost averaging—consistently investing fixed amounts over time—remains a popular approach to mitigate volatility. For high earners, converting disposable income into Bitcoin or leveraging corporate treasury allocations, as seen with companies like Tesla, offers faster pathways. Regulatory developments, such as the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2024, have also lowered barriers for mainstream investors by enabling purchases through traditional brokerage platforms. Meanwhile, employees in the Web3 sector can gradually build BTC holdings by converting portion of salaries paid in stablecoins like USDT. These innovations signal a gradual shift toward broader accessibility, though the journey to 1 BTC remains arduous for the average individual.

As the Bitcoin ecosystem evolves, the question of whether owning 1 BTC equates to financial security grows more nuanced. While the asset’s elite status is undeniable—its value in 2025 surpassing even millionaire status—the broader economic and social divides it reflects remain unresolved. For now, the 1 BTC milestone remains a testament to both wealth and conviction, a rare achievement in a world where Bitcoin’s scarcity and volatility continue to define its narrative.