Bitcoin’s long-term believers have once again tightened their grip on the digital asset. As of today, these steadfast investors hold a staggering 80% of all Bitcoin (BTC) in circulation. This hoarding habit has historically signaled bullish times ahead, with past instances of such accumulation preceding significant price surges—think gains of 72% and 84%. Could history, as it often does in the unpredictable world of crypto, be gearing up for a repeat performance?
The Power of Hodlers
Bitcoin’s loyalists—often referred to in the crypto community as “hodlers”—aren’t just sitting back and watching as their BTC stash grows dust. They’re the backbone of the cryptocurrency’s ecosystem, famously holding through thick and thin, unaffected by the market’s volatile whims. This group has once again reached a milestone, holding a whopping 80% of all Bitcoin, suggesting a vote of confidence in BTC’s future value.
“Long-term holders have consistently proven to be a stabilizing force in the market,” notes Emma Liu, a cryptocurrency analyst at CryptoSlate. “Their commitment often precedes major price rallies, as we’ve seen in previous cycles.” This phenomenon was also observed when BTC funding rates flipped red, leading to an 80% rally.
This latest data point serves as a beacon of potential bullish sentiment, particularly considering the historical context. In previous cycles, when hodlers amassed a similar percentage of BTC, the market responded with impressive rallies. While past performance isn’t a guarantee of future results, it’s hard to ignore the patterns emerging from the blockchain.
The Historical Context
To understand the current sentiment, we need to rewind the clock. In the past, when long-term investors held similar proportions of Bitcoin, the market experienced substantial upward movements. For example, back in 2020 and again in 2023, similar patterns of accumulation were followed by price increases of 72% and 84%, respectively. These bullish runs weren’t just numbers on a screen; they were periods when Bitcoin captured global attention, sparking debates about its role as a store of value and a hedge against inflation.
But what causes these price surges? According to market experts, it’s a mix of reduced selling pressure and increased demand. “When a significant portion of Bitcoin is held by long-term investors, there’s less available on exchanges,” explains Jake Thompson, a blockchain strategist at Decrypt. “This scarcity, combined with increasing demand, often leads to upward price trajectories.”
The Market’s Reaction
Despite these historical precedents, the crypto market is a notoriously fickle beast. While the current situation appears ripe for another rally, it’s not a foregone conclusion. Various factors could play a role in determining BTC’s next move, from macroeconomic conditions to regulatory developments.
However, with Bitcoin’s supply effectively locked away by long-term investors, any surge in demand could indeed spark the next bull run. In the past, similar conditions have acted as a catalyst, and many traders are watching the charts closely, waiting for signs of a breakout. As detailed in our analysis of Bitcoin’s price near ATH, even when prices approach all-time highs, hodlers often remain unswayed, continuing to hold their positions.
The broader cryptocurrency market has been no stranger to speculation and wild swings. With Bitcoin at the helm, any significant movement could ripple through altcoins and other digital assets, potentially lifting the entire market. Yet, skeptics remain, cautious of unforeseen events that could derail bullish momentum—ranging from regulatory crackdowns to technological challenges.
Looking Ahead
So, what lies ahead for Bitcoin and its holders? While it’s tempting to make bold predictions, the crypto sphere is anything but predictable. The only certainty is that the interplay between hodlers and market forces will continue to shape Bitcoin’s journey.
As we move through the summer of 2025, eyes are on Bitcoin’s price action, with many wondering if this new wave of accumulation will spark another rally. Will the hodlers’ steadfast approach pay off again, or will external forces throw a wrench into the works? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, Bitcoin continues to be a focal point in the ongoing narrative of digital finance, embodying both the promise and the pitfalls of decentralized currency. Its story is far from over, and as long as hodlers remain committed, the potential for further chapters in this saga remains.
Source
This article is based on: Bitcoin price gained 72% and 84% the last two times BTC holders did this
Further Reading
Deepen your understanding with these related articles:
- Bitcoin Whales Scoop Up BTC as Price Nears Record High in Sign of Growth Expectations
- Bitcoin ‘demand generation’ phase mirrors 2022 market bottom — Are new highs incoming?
- Standard Chartered Forecasts Bitcoin’s Strongest Half Ever | US Crypto News
Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
