Over 35,000 Attendees, High-Profile Speakers, and Groundbreaking Bitcoin Transactions Mark Historic Event

Las Vegas, NV – The Bitcoin Conference 2025, held from May 27-29 at The Venetian Convention and Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, solidified its status as the world’s largest and most influential gathering of Bitcoin enthusiasts, developers, policymakers, and industry leaders. With a record-breaking attendance of over 35,000 participants from 120+ countries, 400+ speakers, and a slew of groundbreaking announcements, the event marked a pivotal moment for Bitcoin’s global adoption and innovation. Organized by BTC Inc., the team behind Bitcoin Magazine, the conference also confirmed its return to Las Vegas for Bitcoin 2026, set for April 27-29 at The Venetian.

Record-Breaking Attendance and Global Impact

Bitcoin 2025 surpassed all previous records, drawing over 35,000 attendees, a significant leap from the 22,000 who attended Bitcoin 2024 in Nashville. This made it the largest Bitcoin Conference to date, with more than 5,000 companies represented and millions tuning in via Bitcoin Magazine’s livestream. The event’s scale underscored Las Vegas’s growing reputation as a Bitcoin-friendly hub, with Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo welcoming attendees and praising the state’s role as a financial and technological innovator

The conference’s global reach was evident, with participants from over 120 countries, including developers, miners, institutional investors, and policymakers. David Bailey, CEO of BTC Inc., described the event as “a reunion, a signal, and a statement,” emphasizing its role as a mission-driven summit for the Bitcoin community.

Groundbreaking Bitcoin Transactions

One of the most significant milestones at Bitcoin 2025 was the unprecedented volume of Bitcoin transactions facilitated during the event. The conference saw a record-breaking number of payments made via the Bitcoin Lightning Network, with local businesses, including Steak ‘n Shake, adopting Bitcoin payments and reporting a 50% reduction in transaction fees compared to traditional payment systems. This real-world adoption highlighted the Lightning Network’s efficiency and scalability, a key focus of the conference.Additionally, the event showcased advancements in Bitcoin’s Layer 2 (L2) solutions, particularly BitVM2 bridges, which promise to unlock decentralized finance (DeFi) capabilities on Bitcoin’s blockchain. Tether’s integration of USDT on the Lightning Network via Taproot Assets was a major talking point, with experts predicting it could accelerate mainstream adoption by making transactions faster and cheaper.

Star-Studded Speaker Lineup

Bitcoin 2025 boasted an impressive roster of over 400 speakers, blending high-profile policymakers, industry pioneers, and cultural figures. Key speakers included:

• Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr.: The brothers spoke on Bitcoin’s alignment with capitalism and economic freedom, emphasizing its potential to reshape financial systems. Their involvement underscored the growing political interest in cryptocurrency.
• Michael Saylor: The CEO of Strategy and a prominent Bitcoin advocate, Saylor discussed corporate Bitcoin adoption and treasury strategies, reinforcing his influential role in the space.
• Ross Ulbricht: In his first public appearance since his release from prison, the Silk Road founder spoke emotionally about personal liberty and Bitcoin’s ethos, resonating deeply with the community.
• Bryan Johnson: The former Venmo CEO and longevity pioneer delivered a provocative keynote on Bitcoin’s parallels with self-sovereignty and challenging the fiat system.
• Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss: The Gemini co-founders shared insights on regulated crypto exchanges and Bitcoin’s role in financial freedom.
• Senators Marsha Blackburn, Jim Justice, and Cynthia Lummis: These policymakers discussed Bitcoin’s regulatory landscape, with Blackburn highlighting her commitment to defending Bitcoin mining and self-custody rights.
• David Sacks: As the White House AI and Crypto Czar, Sacks outlined national efforts on stablecoin legislation and digital asset strategy.

Key Themes and Announcements

The conference agenda was packed with discussions on Bitcoin’s evolving ecosystem. Major themes included:

• Layer 2 Solutions: Sessions explored BitVM2, Lightning Network advancements, and Taproot Assets, with a focus on scaling Bitcoin for mass adoption.
• Bitcoin Capital Markets and Tokenization: Industry leaders discussed Bitcoin-based financial products, spot ETFs, and decentralized lending platforms.
• Governance and Privacy: Debates on mempool policy, covenant activation, and privacy tools like Samourai Wallet highlighted Bitcoin’s commitment to decentralization and civil liberties.
• Mining and Sustainability: Panels addressed Bitcoin mining’s energy impact and the potential for a U.S.-based mining resurgence, with companies like Hut 8 and CleanSpark leading the conversation.

A significant announcement was the launch of Code & Country on Industry Day (May 27), a new initiative bringing together policymakers, technologists, and industry leaders to strengthen Bitcoin’s role in national strategy and regulatory clarity.

Cultural and Networking Highlights

Beyond technical and policy discussions, Bitcoin 2025 was a cultural celebration. The “Art of Freedom” gallery featured Bitcoin-inspired art, including a diamond-embedded steak sculpture and an Ordinals Dome for on-chain art. Exclusive events like the Whale Night Party, after-parties at venues like Omnia and Encore Beach Club, and the VAULT Lounge for Whale Pass holders fostered community and networking. The conference also introduced a free Student Pass to engage the next generation of Bitcoiners, reinforcing its commitment to education and open-source development.

Bitcoin 2026 Returns to Las Vegas

On May 28, BTC Inc. announced that Bitcoin 2026 will return to The Venetian in Las Vegas from April 27-29, 2026, following the overwhelming success of this year’s event. Organizers anticipate even greater attendance, with early estimates suggesting over 50,000 attendees, cementing Las Vegas as the “Bitcoin capital of the world” for another year.

Market Impact and Future Outlook

The conference coincided with Bitcoin trading near its all-time high of $119,732, with some experts predicting a surge toward $125,000 fueled by the event’s momentum and bullish macroeconomic factors. Discussions around a potential U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve added to the optimism, signaling growing institutional and governmental support

Bitcoin 2025 was more than a conference—it was a global checkpoint for a movement driving financial freedom and technological innovation. As the Bitcoin community looks toward 2026, the event’s record-breaking attendance, high-profile speakers, and transformative announcements have set a new standard for the future of decentralized finance.