As Bitcoin Nears $100,000, What’s Satoshi Nakamoto’s Net Worth?

Rightfully, Bitcoin is once again making history. Today’s biggest crypto rose above $98,000, bringing Satoshi Nakamoto, its anonymous creator, even closer to the global top of the richest list.

Nakamoto reportedly owns 1.1 million BTC, and as of today, its value exceeds $96 billion. As Bitcoin historian Pete Rizzo shared on X, this has put Nakamoto in the 18th position in the global rich list.

Bitcoin Hits $98,370, Eyes $100K

On Thursday, Bitcoin zoomed to a record high of $98,370, extending its winning streak to four straight days. The cryptocurrency has since risen by more than 40% in the last few weeks, boosted by optimism in gaining a better understanding of regulation and the added involvement of institutions.

Bitcoin enthusiasts refer to this milestone as a significant turning point for cryptocurrency holders; few, however, have seen the benefit as much as the currency’s unknown developer. Nakamoto’s coins have never been sold since the creation of Bitcoin, and their hypothetical value increases with rising prices.

Rizzo confirmed Nakamoto’s updated ranking in a recent tweet:

“At $97 Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto is now the 18th richest person in the world.”

Nakamoto’s estimated holdings of 1.1 million BTC represent nearly 5% of the cryptocurrency’s total supply. At $98,000 per Bitcoin, their fortune stands at over $107 billion. This wealth leapfrogs them over prominent billionaires, cementing their place among the financial elite.

Who Is Satoshi Nakamoto?

Even now, with billions of dollars, the true identity of Nakamoto is still unknown. He formally launched Bitcoin in 2008 by publishing a paper outlining its design and mined the first Bitcoin the following year. Nakamoto was last active in early 2011 and vanished from the forums, although they left a parting message saying they had “moved on  to other things.”

Nakamoto’s BTC stash has never been transferred or sold. Whether these funds will be claimed remains a subject of speculation within the crypto industry.

A Legacy Shrouded in Mystery

Bitcoin is now changing the trajectory of global finance and has made Nakamoto one of the wealthiest people on paper without doing anything. This mystery cipher is still inert, making one wonder whether the consequences on the various markets should the code be cracked.

Based on the experts’ expectations, Bitcoin is now just $2,000 from the $100,000 mark. As the cryptocurrency advances towards this psychologically significant digit, all attention remains paid to its creator’s increasing authority in the financial field—albeit remaining anonymous.

Whether Bitcoin crosses $100,000 today or in the coming days, the surge has immortalized Nakamoto’s legacy. A creator who left the scene over a decade ago is now among the wealthiest figures of modern times, thanks to the assets they built.

The question remains: What happens if Nakamoto’s fortune ever moves?