Bitcoin 2025: Bigger Than Bitcoin Culture
Reflections on the World's Largest Bitcoin Conference
Greetings, everyone!
I’ve arrived home from the whirlwind that was Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas and am in recovery mode, so I will keep today’s edition of the newsletter short.
To begin, I’d like to thank everyone who tuned in to the livestream (links via the hyperlink above) and who sent me messages of love and support as I hosted the live desk.
I can’t tell you how much that meant to me; it’s part of what kept me going for three days straight.
As for how the conference went, I wish I could fill you in on all of the details, but there were far too many to share here. Also, I spent most of my time at the venue at or by the live desk, which took me away from many of the happenings at the event.
Still, I can say beyond the shadow of a doubt that the conference was awesome. And by “awesome,” I’m referring to the literal definition of the word in that it was “extremely impressive” and that it “inspired awe.”
The event was not something that any one person who attended could wrap their head around. And I believe it was designed to have such an effect, as I learned at the event that my boss — the CEO of BTC Inc., the umbrella company for Bitcoin Magazine and The Bitcoin Conference — studies theme parks and aims to make these conferences a theme park-like experience.
He surely succeeded with this one.
With 30,000 attendees and nearly an infinite amount things to do both at the event and at satellite events, the three days of Bitcoin 2025 simply felt like a wild ride, one best experienced by just going with the flow of it instead of trying to wrap your head around it.
The size and scope of the event as well as the status of some of the speakers at it — including the Vice President of the United States of America — reflected the notion that Bitcoin has gone mainstream, and, in doing so, some of the culture (or maybe “counterculture” is the better word) around it has dissipated.
Bitcoin: From Countercultural Phenomenon to Mainstream Topic
Now, before I made the case for why it’s okay that “Bitcoin culture” is dying on some levels, I will say that I, too, am a bit saddened by this.
It’s like watching your favorite band go mainstream.
There’s no question that something gets lost in this process, and I can empathize with all who feel that loss of Bitcoin as a countercultural phenomenon.
However, I will take this opportunity to say that if Bitcoin only ever remained a countercultural movement, the project would fail.
For Bitcoin to win, it needs to become widely adopted, and we’re now in the early stages of that happening.
As we enter this phase, the challenge will be to fight for our legal right to use Bitcoin non-custodially and privately. And part of that process will involved engaging with politicians. (More on that here for those who would like to help with that.)
The Politicians Are Here
Speaking of politicians, they’re here and they’re interested in Bitcoin.
As I mentioned, the VP of the U.S. spoke at Bitcoin 2025, and he wasn’t the only major political figure there. A number of U.S. Senators and Congresspeople spoke at the event, as well.
This made some people uncomfortable, as many have come to Bitcoin because it is the separation of money and state.
While this is undeniably one of Bitcoin’s most important attributes, it doesn’t mean that the state wasn’t eventually going to acknowledge Bitcoin and have something to say about it.
And, personally, I’d rather have discussions with politicians on stage with Bitcoin enthusiasts at a major Bitcoin event than have those conversations happen behind closed doors with people who don’t understand Bitcoin.
I’d also encourage all of you to advocate for Bitcoin with your elected officials:
My Interview With Nigel Farage
It wasn’t just U.S. politicians who spoke at Bitcoin 2025. We were also joined by politicians and political figures from Pakistan, Panama and the UK.
I had the pleasure of speaking with British MP Nigel Farage, seemingly the only pro-Bitcoin politician in the UK, who is planning to run for Prime Minister with Bitcoin at the forefront of his campaign.
I know that Farage is a polarizing figure. If he’s not your cup of tea and you’re based in the UK, I’d recommend that you speak with politicians from other parties in the country and get them to incorporate Bitcoin into their platform, as well.
25% of the population in the UK owns either bitcoin or crypto. In not acknowledging that some percentage of these voters may be single-issue Bitcoin or crypto voters, you’re ceding ground to those like Farage who are paying attention.
That said, I got to spend some time with Farage before my talk with him, and I can that he’s both 1.) a down-to-Earth guy and 2.) quite the character. I’m glad that the UK has someone like him who is saying the quiet part out loud, and I’m grateful that he’s embraced Bitcoin.
I highly recommend watching the talk.
Okay, that’s all the juice I’ve got in me for this week.
Thank you as always for reading, and thank you again to all of you who reached out with words of encouragement this past week.
I truly appreciate it!
Here’s to an awesome week ahead. Let’s goooooooooooo!
Best,
Frank
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A deep thank you for all the dedication you put into the space and especially into the Las Vegas conference. Can’t imagine the live desk and the main stage without you !! 👏👏🙏🙏