Jeremy “jercos” Sturdivant, famed for his role in the landmark Bitcoin Pizza Day transaction, recently shared that he used his 10,000 Bitcoin (BTC) to fund a road trip across the United States after running low on cash. This revelation gained traction after Adam Back, CEO of Blockstream, reposted a video of Sturdivant discussing the historic exchange, reigniting interest in one of Bitcoin’s most notable moments.
The groundbreaking transaction took place on May 22, 2010, when Sturdivant received 10,000 BTC from developer Laszlo Hanyecz in exchange for two Papa John’s pizzas ordered on Sturdivant’s credit card. This event is commemorated every year as Bitcoin Pizza Day, recognized as the first documented commercial use of Bitcoin.
Sturdivant revealed that he never viewed the BTC as an investment. Instead, he regarded the coins as a functional currency, opting to spend them as their value increased. He underscored the idea that Bitcoin was designed for use, not merely as a speculative asset. When his funds dwindled during a cross-country road trip, he turned to Bitcoin to cover the expenses.
In hindsight, Bitcoin’s value has seen astronomical growth, reaching an all-time high of approximately $126,000 in October 2025. At that peak, Sturdivant’s initial 10,000 BTC would have been valued over $1.26 billion. Even on Bitcoin Pizza Day in 2026, with BTC trading around $77,787, the worth of those coins would still amount to over $770 million.
This revival of interest also sparked a discussion about differing philosophies within the cryptocurrency community. Back, an advocate for Bitcoin’s long-term holding strategies amid weakening fiat currencies, recently encouraged investors to acquire BTC at current price levels. His choice to spotlight Sturdivant’s perspective starkly contrasts with his stance, drawing a line between two divergent viewpoints on Bitcoin’s utility and value.
Sturdivant’s approach was to utilize BTC as a medium of exchange, while Back argues for viewing it as a hard monetary asset. This distinction continues to fuel the ongoing cultural debate surrounding Bitcoin since its inception. Sturdivant expressed no regrets about his choice, recalling that the transaction was valued at roughly $41 at the time. The relevance of his philosophy may ultimately hinge on the trajectory of Bitcoin’s price in the current cycle.
