Bitcoin Surge Pushes Nakamoto’s Wealth to $129 Billion

Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, is on the brink of overtaking Warren Buffett to become the world’s 10th richest individual. This shift is primarily due to the recent surge in Bitcoin’s value, which has propelled Nakamoto’s estimated stash of 1.1 million BTC to a valuation of over $129 billion. This figure now surpasses the net worth of Michael Dell, the CEO of Dell Technologies, who is valued at around $125 billion.

Nakamoto’s wealth has grown significantly due to Bitcoin’s meteoric rise, which reached an all-time high of $118,839. The cryptocurrency has seen a substantial increase, rising 26% year-to-date and gaining approximately 105% over the past year. This surge has positioned Nakamoto just behind Buffett, who currently holds a net worth of approximately $143 billion, ranking seventh globally among billionaires.

Despite creating one of the most successful digital currencies, Nakamoto has never moved or spent a single BTC from the original wallets since he disappeared from public view in 2010. This adds to the mystery surrounding his identity and the exact amount of Bitcoin he holds. Researchers have identified specific mining patterns and address clusters believed to belong to the Bitcoin creator, but the precise figure remains unknown.

According to analysts, if Bitcoin maintains its 50% annual growth rate, Nakamoto could potentially become the world’s second-wealthiest person. This projection is based on the historical growth trajectory of Bitcoin and the current value of Nakamoto’s holdings. The potential for Nakamoto to surpass Buffett highlights the growing influence of cryptocurrencies in the global financial landscape. As Bitcoin continues to gain traction and value, the wealth of its creator is poised to rise, potentially challenging the dominance of traditional investment titans.

Warren Buffett, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has been a vocal critic of Bitcoin, famously calling it “rat poison squared” in a 2018 interview. His skepticism towards the cryptocurrency has been well-documented, and he has remained unconvinced of its usefulness despite meetings with industry advocates. His best friend, the late Charlie Munger, went further, predicting that BTC’s price would crash to zero, calling it a disgusting product used by criminals.

Nakamoto’s stockpile represents approximately 5% of Bitcoin’s 21 million supply, making him the largest single BTC holder. The recent parabolic spike in Bitcoin’s value, jumping from around $108,920 to a new all-time high of $118,667, has significantly boosted Nakamoto’s wealth. This surge has brought him closer to overtaking Buffett, who has a net worth of approximately $143.2 billion as of 2025. Nakamoto would need about $14.2 billion more to surpass Buffett’s fortune.