Why Bitcoin could become the planet’s dominant monetary network
Reason
Key points
Evidence
Scarcity & disinflation
Only 21 million BTC will ever exist, and every four years the reward for miners halves. This engineered scarcity — unlike fiat currencies whose supply can grow indefinitely — makes BTC a modern form of “digital gold.”
Cointelegraph notes that Bitcoin’s fixed supply and four‑year halving schedule are often cited as reasons for its inflation‑resistant properties . The security.org 2025 sentiment survey points out that two‑thirds of prospective crypto buyers prefer Bitcoin partly because of its “digital scarcity” .
Global grassroots adoption
Crypto is no longer niche. As of January 2025, more than 500 million people worldwide hold cryptocurrency, with Bitcoin being the most widely adopted . Emerging markets such as India, Nigeria and Argentina lead in per‑capita adoption, while the U.S. and Europe dominate institutional and merchant use .
Cointelegraph’s March 2025 report shows that India and China (more than half of the world’s population) together hold almost half of the global crypto user base , and that adoption in Latin America and Africa has surged due to remittances and inflation hedging . Triple‑A estimates that over 560 million people owned crypto in 2024 .
Institutional & government support
Big players are stepping in. The SEC approved spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024 and ether ETFs in July 2024 , paving the way for traditional investors. Corporations like Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) held ~538 200 BTC worth almost US$47 billion by April 2025 . The Wisconsin state pension fund invested $160 million in Bitcoin ETFs . In March 2025 Donald Trump signed an executive order creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, making the U.S. the first nation to hold Bitcoin as a national reserve asset . El Salvador continues to buy one BTC per day , while the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, Singapore and Nigeria have rolled out crypto‑friendly frameworks .
The security.org survey notes that 60 % of adults familiar with crypto believe Trump’s second term will boost mainstream adoption . Bit2Me’s January 2025 report highlights that Bitcoin dominates more than 50 % of the total crypto market cap and is seen as a safe‑haven asset amid U.S. debt concerns . It also describes proposals for a U.S. strategic reserve of one million bitcoins .
Merchant adoption & payments innovation
Bitcoin is increasingly spendable. Starbucks, Overstock, Newegg and thousands of merchants accept BTC via services like BitPay . PayPal, Shopify and Visa offer crypto payment options . Crypto‑friendly tourism hotspots such as Thailand, Portugal and Bali accept BTC for hotels and tours . More than 40 000 Bitcoin ATMs exist worldwide, with the U.S. hosting over 85 % . Businesses are jumping on board because crypto customers are loyal and spend more – studies show that up to 40 % of crypto‑paying customers are entirely new to the company and make purchases twice the size of credit‑card users .
LEAP’s May 2025 report notes that the number of businesses accepting digital assets grew by 40 % in the past year and that crypto payments attract new, higher‑spending customers . Cointelegraph highlights the rapid growth of Bitcoin ATMs and merchant adoption .
Cross‑border & financial‑inclusion benefits
Bitcoin transactions settle within minutes, while international bank wires often take 1–3 days . Average remittance fees via traditional channels are 6.4 % of a US$200 transfer , but crypto transfers can cost just a few cents . Anyone with a smartphone can send or receive BTC 24/7 without needing a bank account . These qualities make BTC attractive for remittances, aid and commerce in emerging economies .
CurrencyTransfer’s May 2025 comparison of crypto vs. fiat transfers shows that blockchain networks offer faster settlement and lower fees, particularly for remittances . The article also notes that digital remittances (including crypto) cost around 5 %, versus 7 % for traditional channels .
Security & network effect
Bitcoin’s hash rate is so high that attacking the network would require the electricity consumption of a small country . Hard forks like Bitcoin Cash have failed to attract meaningful market share, underscoring BTC’s dominance . The number of addresses holding ≥1 BTC and ≥0.1 BTC continues to grow . The Lightning Network builds on Bitcoin’s security to provide instant micropayments, and adoption of Lightning‑enabled apps is rising . As more users and businesses join, Bitcoin’s utility and value snowball — a classic network effect.
Lyn Alden explains that Bitcoin’s enormous hash rate makes attacks prohibitively expensive and that the network effect protects BTC from copy‑cat forks . The article also notes that Lightning Network channels and applications are growing quickly, improving scalability and making BTC more usable for everyday payments .
The momentum is undeniable
Adoption is booming: Roughly 28 % of American adults now own cryptocurrency, up from 15 % in 2021 . Two‑thirds of prospective buyers plan to purchase Bitcoin specifically .
Institutions are piling in: Spot Bitcoin ETFs have attracted billions in inflows, and corporate treasuries continue to accumulate BTC .
Nations are waking up: From El Salvador’s legal‑tender experiment to the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve proposal , governments are actively integrating Bitcoin into policy.
Payments are transforming: Businesses report that crypto‑paying customers are more loyal and spend more , while cross‑border BTC transfers slash fees and settlement times .
Final thoughts
Bitcoin’s potential to “dominate the planet” isn’t just hype — it’s the culmination of technological innovation, economic necessity and social momentum. A fixed supply of 21 million coins , growing global adoption , institutional embrace , favourable regulations , and powerful network effects are converging to transform Bitcoin from a speculative curiosity into a mainstream store of value and payments network. Challenges remain — price volatility, energy use and regulatory risk — but the trajectory is upward and the energy is electric. The world is watching as Bitcoin takes centre stage, and the evidence suggests it’s more than ready for the spotlight!
Falling Bitcoin coins symbolize a new era of global finance.
1. Economic Rationale: Digital Gold and Financial Hedge
Bitcoin’s economic fundamentals make a compelling case for global dominance. Unlike fiat currencies that central banks can print at will, Bitcoin has a fixed supply of 21 million coins baked into its code . This enforced scarcity means Bitcoin is inherently deflationary – new supply is halved every four years, preventing dilution of value over time . As a result, Bitcoin is often called “digital gold,” a store of value asset with built-in protection against the inflationary erosion that plagues traditional money . In fact, as central banks expanded money supplies in recent years, investors increasingly turned to Bitcoin to hedge against inflation, drawn by its decentralized nature and hard cap on supply .
Bitcoin’s track record bolsters this hedge narrative. Over the past decade, it has delivered an astounding ~200% annualized return, vastly outperforming stocks, bonds, and commodities . Such performance, while volatile, reinforces confidence in Bitcoin as a long-term store of value. Even during economic turbulence, Bitcoin’s global demand persists – it has become a household name and a go-to asset for businesses and investors seeking refuge from fiat debasement . Entrepreneurs now treat Bitcoin like a reserve asset, much as gold has been treated historically: “Even if a company runs out of budget, it still has this scarce, much-sought-after currency that can be used for a business-saving sale or investment,” notes one 2025 analysis . This underscores Bitcoin’s role as financial insurance: a decentralized, inflation-resistant asset that cannot be devalued by any government .
Furthermore, Bitcoin introduces an entirely new paradigm of trust in economics. Because it operates on a public blockchain, transactions and monetary policy are governed by transparent code rather than the whims of central bankers or politicians. This decentralized trust model appeals to those who have lost faith in traditional currencies after episodes of hyperinflation or bank failures. Bitcoin’s credibility is enhanced by its predictability – there will never be more than 21 million BTC, period. By contrast, “fiat currencies…can be devalued through excessive money printing,” whereas Bitcoin’s design “maintains scarcity” and resists inflationary pressures . In sum, Bitcoin’s fixed supply and robust performance have cemented its status as “digital gold” and a global store of value, empowering individuals and institutions to safeguard wealth beyond the reach of inflation .
2. Technological Superiority: Unmatched Security and Reliability
At the core of Bitcoin’s dominance is its technological prowess. Bitcoin pioneered blockchain technology and continues to set the standard for security and reliability in the digital asset space. Its blockchain has operated with near-perfect uptime for over a decade – the network has only experienced two brief interruptions (in 2010 and 2013) and has been functional 99.985% of the time, rivaling or exceeding the reliability of major tech platforms . In fact, measured from 2013 onward, Bitcoin’s uptime is effectively 100%, an astonishing feat for a global decentralized network . This resilience means Bitcoin is always online, securing transactions 24/7 across the world without relying on any central server or authority.
Security is where Bitcoin truly shines. The Bitcoin network is fortified by an enormous amount of computational power (“hashrate”) contributed by miners globally. In late 2024, Bitcoin’s total hashrate hit an all-time high around 770 exahashes per second, a level of computing power that dramatically increases the cost and difficulty of any attack . Such a massive hashrate makes Bitcoin virtually impenetrable to 51% attacks (where a bad actor gains majority control of the network). “Blockchains with smaller numbers of participants have been attacked in this manner, but larger networks – such as Bitcoin – make it nearly impossible due to the costs involved in acquiring 51% of the hashrate,” notes Investopedia . Indeed, no one has ever successfully hacked the Bitcoin blockchain itself . The protocol’s combination of proof-of-work consensus, decentralized mining, and cryptographic verification has proven unbreakable, with no reports of a network breach as of 2024 . This stands in stark contrast to many smaller cryptocurrencies and even centralized financial systems that have suffered compromises.
Bitcoin’s technology is also elegantly simple and robust by design, which contributes to security. Its primary function is to securely transfer and record value, avoiding unnecessary complexity. This minimized attack surface has kept Bitcoin free from the smart contract hacks or governance failures that have troubled some more feature-rich altcoins. Additionally, Bitcoin’s software is open-source and vetted by a global community of developers, ensuring any potential vulnerabilities are quickly identified and fixed. As a result, confidence in Bitcoin’s immutability and safety is unparalleled – users know that once a transaction has the required confirmations, it is irreversible and protected by the full weight of the world’s most powerful computing network.
Moreover, Bitcoin’s blockchain longevity (running continuously since 2009) has allowed it to battle-test its security in all conditions. It has never needed a bailout or reset; even during periods of high congestion or when handling billions of dollars in daily transfers, the network remains stable and predictable. Competing digital assets, by contrast, often face trade-offs: some newer blockchains achieve higher transaction speeds but at the cost of centralization or frequent outages, while others have had to overhaul their designs mid-flight. Bitcoin’s slow-and-steady approach to scaling – focusing on layer-2 solutions rather than radical base-layer changes – has preserved its core reliability. Layer-2 innovations like the Lightning Network now enable rapid, low-cost transactions atop Bitcoin without altering its rock-solid foundation, marrying scalability with security. In short, Bitcoin’s technology stack – combining an impregnable base layer with evolving second-layer improvements – gives it a superiority that is hard for any digital asset or traditional system to match in terms of security, reliability, and trustlessness.
3. Geopolitical Implications: Shifting Power and Financial Freedom
If Bitcoin’s economic and technical strengths set the stage for dominance, its geopolitical implications are the forces that could reshape the world order. Because Bitcoin operates outside the control of any single government, it has the potential to redistribute power in the global financial system. Countries have long exerted influence through control of currencies and payment networks, but Bitcoin upends this dynamic by creating a supranational money that anyone can use. As Bitcoin adoption grows, it “raises economic sovereignty concerns linked to national governments’ authority over their currencies” . In other words, people and even nations can opt for a monetary system not dictated by central banks, reducing the ability of governments to leverage currency manipulation or capital controls for political ends.
One profound implication is the shift of influence away from traditional financial hubs and reserve currencies. Today’s global economy revolves around a few key currencies (like the US dollar) and financial centers (New York, London). Bitcoin challenges this status quo by enabling direct, peer-to-peer value transfer across borders, diminishing reliance on banks and SWIFT wires. We are already seeing new crypto-friendly financial centers and exchanges rise to prominence, potentially eroding the dominance of legacy hubs . In a world where Bitcoin is widely used, economic power redistributes: countries that embrace Bitcoin and blockchain innovation could gain a strategic edge, while those clinging solely to fiat could lose clout . It’s telling that some forward-looking governments have begun accumulating Bitcoin in reserves; in fact, “central banks are officially looking to diversify their reserve assets into Bitcoin,” with discussions of establishing Strategic Bitcoin Reserves in multiple countries . This marks the early stages of Bitcoin as a reserve currency, which would have been unthinkable a decade ago.
Bitcoin also offers a form of financial empowerment and neutrality on the world stage. Because it is permissionless and censorship-resistant, it allows individuals and nations alike to transact without needing approval from hegemonic powers or intermediaries. This has huge geopolitical ramifications: “Bitcoin can offer a potential lifeline for states under sanctions that need to ensure continuity of international economic exchanges,” observes one geopolitical analysis . We have already seen sanctioned countries explore crypto as a way to bypass restrictions on dollar-based systems . On the positive side, Bitcoin’s neutrality means developing countries or those with unstable currencies can join a global monetary network on equal footing. Financial inclusion is a key benefit: in places like Venezuela suffering hyperinflation, ordinary people have turned to Bitcoin to protect their wealth and access global markets, thus mitigating the harm from their failing national currency . This grassroots empowerment shifts power toward citizens (“power to the people”) and away from governments that might abuse monetary policy.
Crucially, some pioneering nations have begun to legitimize Bitcoin at the state level, signaling a geopolitical tipping point. El Salvador made history in 2021 as the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, aiming to attract investment, increase financial access for its population, and reduce reliance on the US dollar. Despite skepticism, El Salvador’s bold move “reflected an opportunity to expand their economy and encourage financial inclusion by accepting Bitcoin as legal tender” . This inspired other governments to consider similar paths – from Central African Republic’s brief foray into adopting Bitcoin, to politicians in places like Panama and Tonga advocating crypto-friendly laws. International monetary policy could be transformed if a wave of nations follow suit, weakening the monopoly of fiat reserve currencies. Even in major economies, political candidates and legislators are increasingly pro-Bitcoin, seeing it as aligning with values of innovation and individual freedom.
In summary, Bitcoin’s rise portends a world where economic power is more diffuse. It forces governments to compete for citizens (and capital) by offering sound policies, since people now have an exit option in Bitcoin. It also introduces a new check-and-balance on excessive monetary expansion – if a central bank prints too much money, investors can flee to Bitcoin, which in turn pressures policymakers to maintain discipline. Should Bitcoin achieve planetary dominance, it could foster a more transparent, voluntary global financial system, one less prone to geopolitically driven distortions. Money would flow increasingly by the rules of math and market consensus rather than political decree, a truly radical shift in the geopolitics of money.
4. Adoption Trends: From Fringe to Mainstream Everywhere
The trajectory of Bitcoin’s adoption is nothing short of explosive, supporting the case that it could dominate globally. In its early years, Bitcoin was the domain of cypherpunks and hobbyists; today, it is firmly in the financial mainstream, with adoption metrics soaring across institutions, retail users, and even governments. A watershed moment came in 2024 when the U.S. approved the first Spot Bitcoin ETFs, triggering a flood of institutional investment. Within months, nearly $18 billion poured into newly launched Bitcoin ETFs . By mid-2024, these ETFs held over 3% of Bitcoin’s total supply and accounted for 10–15% of spot trading volume – a testament to Wall Street’s surging appetite for Bitcoin. The world’s largest asset managers (BlackRock, Fidelity, etc.) are now offering Bitcoin products, treating Bitcoin as a legitimate investment for pensions, endowments, and conservative portfolios . This institutional stamp of approval has matured Bitcoin as an asset class, reducing volatility and integrating it into the global financial fabric.
At the same time, retail adoption of Bitcoin has reached staggering levels worldwide. By 2024, an estimated 559 million people – roughly 6.9% of the global population – owned cryptocurrency , with Bitcoin being the most widely held. This represents a year-over-year user growth of 38.1% from 2023 to 2024 , one of the fastest technology adoption rates in history. For context, Bitcoin usage over the last decade grew 18,640% , an exponential curve akin to early Internet adoption. If this trend continues, projections suggest that by 2030, over 1 billion people could be using Bitcoin – about one-eighth of humanity . Such penetration would firmly entrench Bitcoin in everyday life across continents. Already, in certain countries, crypto usage has become remarkably commonplace: in 2024, one in every three people in the UAE and one in five in Turkey owned cryptocurrency . In India, nearly 119 million people hold crypto assets, making it the world leader in number of owners . The global South has seen especially rapid adoption as people leverage Bitcoin for remittances, savings, and as an alternative to weak local currencies.
The legal and commercial acceptance of Bitcoin is also accelerating. Beyond El Salvador’s legal tender law, many jurisdictions are crafting crypto-friendly regulations or clarifying Bitcoin’s legal status. In the U.S., for example, multiple states (Texas, Wyoming, etc.) have passed laws to recognize and protect cryptocurrency transactions, and courts are treating Bitcoin as a form of property and commodity. Around the world, Bitcoin ATMs and exchanges have proliferated, making access easier than ever. On the commercial front, a growing roster of major companies now accept Bitcoin for payment. From tech giants like Microsoft to telecoms like AT&T, and even subnational governments in some areas, the list of who accepts Bitcoin keeps expanding . As of 2025, over 15,000 businesses worldwide accept Bitcoin payments, including more than 2,000 in the U.S. alone . Payment processors like PayPal and Visa have integrated crypto, enabling millions of merchants to transact in Bitcoin seamlessly. This means consumers can use Bitcoin to buy everything from a cup of coffee to a car, with instant conversion if needed. The once-niche idea of paying for daily items in Bitcoin is becoming a practical reality in many places.
Another telling metric of adoption is Bitcoin’s market dominance relative to other cryptocurrencies. Despite the launch of thousands of “altcoins,” Bitcoin commands the largest share of the crypto market – and that share has been rising again in recent years. In 2023 Bitcoin’s dominance (percentage of total crypto market cap) averaged ~46%, and it climbed to ~52% in 2024. By 2025, Bitcoin’s dominance reached nearly 60%, the highest in several years . This trend indicates that both investors and new users increasingly favor Bitcoin over alternatives, likely due to its stronger brand, security, and network effects. It appears that during times of uncertainty, capital rotates back into the tried-and-true Bitcoin. As one report noted, this resilience in market share “is an indication of strength in the face of rising competition in the altcoin market” . In essence, Bitcoin is consolidating its position as the reserve asset of the crypto economy – the one coin nearly every crypto user holds and the base pair for trading.
All these adoption signals – institutional buy-in, hundreds of millions of users, favorable laws, and market dominance – point to a future where Bitcoin usage is ubiquitous across the planet. If the trend from fringe experiment to mainstream asset continues, Bitcoin could indeed become a common denominator of global finance, bridging disparate peoples and markets with a universally recognized digital currency. From rural villages receiving mobile crypto remittances to Fortune 500 balance sheets, Bitcoin’s reach is expanding everywhere. Its network effect grows stronger with each new participant, creating a positive feedback loop: as more people and institutions adopt Bitcoin, its utility and trust increase, spurring further adoption. The momentum suggests that Bitcoin is well on its way to achieving planetary scale penetration.
5. Environmental Impact and Sustainable Innovations
No discussion of Bitcoin’s global domination would be complete without addressing the environmental impact – often cited as the technology’s biggest challenge. Bitcoin’s proof-of-work mining does consume substantial energy, leading critics to compare its electricity usage to that of entire countries. Indeed, as of 2025, Bitcoin mining was estimated to use around 0.5% of world electricity – on the order of a medium-sized nation’s consumption . However, it’s crucial to view this in context. Bitcoin’s energy use, while non-trivial, is still lower than many incumbent systems it could disrupt. For example, even the highest estimates of Bitcoin’s energy consumption show it is “greener than both gold mining and traditional banking”, industries which use roughly 2–5 times more energy than Bitcoin . The gold industry consumes an estimated 265 TWh per year and banking around 700 TWh, against Bitcoin’s ~100–150 TWh . In terms of carbon emissions, Bitcoin’s annual footprint (~40 Mt CO₂) is about 0.08% of global emissions, comparable to a country like Slovakia . By contrast, the legacy financial sector and gold mining produce hundreds of megatons of CO₂. So while Bitcoin is often portrayed as an environmental villain, the data suggests it’s more energy-efficient (per unit of value secured) than the systems it may replace.
Crucially, Bitcoin mining is undergoing an environmental revolution of its own, driven by market forces and innovation. Miners naturally seek the cheapest energy sources, which increasingly leads them to renewable and otherwise wasted energy. Recent analyses show that roughly 50–60% of Bitcoin’s mining energy now comes from sustainable sources (renewables and nuclear) . “Renewables represent about half of global bitcoin mining sources,” according to a Bloomberg analyst in 2023 . The Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance corroborates that as of 2025, Bitcoin’s power mix was ~43% renewables, ~38% natural gas, ~10% nuclear, and only ~9% coal . This is a far cleaner mix than a few years ago, thanks to China’s 2021 ban (which pushed miners out of coal-heavy regions) and new mining farms popping up near hydro, wind, and solar installations. Remarkably, Bitcoin is helping utilize surplus renewable energy that might otherwise be wasted. Solar and wind often produce excess power at off-peak times – Bitcoin miners can act as energy buyers of last resort, soaking up this excess and making renewable projects more profitable . Studies have found that Bitcoin mining can reduce electricity curtailment (wasted green energy) and even “balance the grid and increase the profitability of renewable plants”, ultimately accelerating the transition to sustainable energy . Unlike most industries, Bitcoin mining is mobile and can be located anywhere, allowing it to take advantage of remote geothermal in El Salvador, Icelandic hydro, West Texas wind, or other stranded green energy sources that have no other buyers.
Inside a Canadian Bitcoin mining facility. Innovation in mining operations – from renewable energy use to waste-heat recycling – is reducing Bitcoin’s environmental footprint.
Miners are also innovating to reduce emissions beyond just using renewables. A compelling example is the use of otherwise-flared natural gas to power mining rigs. In oil fields, excess methane gas is often burned off (flared) or vented, which is highly polluting. Enterprising Bitcoin miners set up generators on-site to use this gas for mining instead. By doing so, they convert methane (a greenhouse gas ~30x more potent than CO₂) into CO₂ through combustion, significantly cutting net greenhouse impact . In effect, Bitcoin mining in these cases turns an environmental liability into productive energy. One pilot project with ExxonMobil used such flared gas for mining, reducing emissions and providing profit – showcasing a win-win scenario for energy companies and the planet . Additionally, mining farms in cold climates are repurposing the large amounts of heat generated by the rigs to warm homes, greenhouses, or industrial processes, improving overall energy efficiency.
On the technology front, Bitcoin’s network is improving in ways that decouple energy use from transaction count. Critics sometimes cite a misleading metric of “energy per transaction” by dividing total mining energy by number of transactions. But Bitcoin’s energy cost secures the entire network, not individual payments – and with Layer-2 solutions like the Lightning Network, millions of transactions can occur off-chain with negligible incremental energy. For instance, batching and Lightning allowed Bitcoin to effectively process an estimated 250 million payments in 2022, though only 100 million on-chain transactions were recorded . That means many small payments were aggregated, reducing the energy per payment dramatically. As Lightning and other second-layer protocols gain steam, Bitcoin can scale to Visa-level throughput and beyond without proportional energy growth. The Lightning Network today enables instant, nearly free microtransactions (like buying coffee with Bitcoin) by conducting them off the main chain and settling net results later. This keeps Bitcoin’s energy usage largely flat even as transaction volumes increase by orders of magnitude – a powerful rebuttal to the notion that Bitcoin can’t scale sustainably.
In summary, Bitcoin’s environmental story is one of rapid improvement and innovation turning challenge into strength. Yes, Bitcoin mining uses energy – by design, as it secures a global monetary network – but it’s increasingly energy-smart. The industry is moving toward cleaner energy, filling renewable demand gaps, capturing waste methane, and pioneering new cooling and efficiency techniques (such as immersion cooling to reuse heat and reduce water usage ). Importantly, the very incentives of mining (to minimize cost) align with finding the cheapest, which often means greenest, energy. As one report optimistically notes, “even as its energy needs climb, Bitcoin’s environmental impact may fall, as miners increasingly come to use inexpensive renewables” . Unlike gold mining or heavy industry, Bitcoin mining is uniquely flexible and increasingly eco-conscious. With ongoing improvements, Bitcoin is on a path to not only address environmental criticisms but potentially become a driver for renewable energy expansion – turning a perceived weakness into yet another reason it can thrive on a global scale.
6. Bitcoin vs. Fiat vs. Altcoins: How It Stacks Up
To truly understand why Bitcoin could dominate the planet, it helps to compare it side-by-side with the incumbent system (fiat currencies) and with other cryptocurrencies (altcoins). Below is an overview of how Bitcoin contrasts with traditional money and alternative digital assets on key dimensions:
Factor
Bitcoin (BTC)
Fiat Currencies
Altcoins (Other Cryptos)
Scalability
Base layer ~7 transactions per second (TPS); scales via Layer-2 (Lightning) to potentially millions of TPS off-chain . Global reach with internet access.
High TPS domestically (e.g. Visa ~2,000+ TPS) but fragmented by borders; slow and costly for cross-border transfers. Relies on banking intermediaries for scale.
Some altcoins achieve higher on-chain TPS (hundreds to thousands) by design (e.g. Solana, Avalanche). However, many sacrifice decentralization or security for speed, and real-world throughput often falls short of theoretical maxima. Layer-2 and sidechains further improve altcoin scalability in some cases.
Trust & Security
Trustless and censorship-resistant – does not require trusting a government or company. Secured by math, cryptography, and the world’s largest decentralized computing network. Bitcoin’s blockchain has never been hacked and is virtually immutable . Users hold their own keys, ensuring sovereignty over funds.
Centralized trust model – users must trust central banks and governments to manage supply and value. Susceptible to inflation (eroding value) if authorities mismanage. Transactions can be frozen or censored by banks or governments. Generally secure for daily use, but currency crises and bank failures do occur, breaking trust.
Varies by project. Many altcoins have central figures (founders, foundations) or small validator sets, requiring trust in those entities. Smaller networks have suffered 51% attacks or exploits. Some altchains (especially proof-of-stake ones) concentrate power in large stakeholders. Security track records are shorter; a few (Ethereum) are robust, but countless smaller alts have been hacked or collapsed.
Decentralization
Highly decentralized. Thousands of independent nodes (over ~20,000 globally ) verify Bitcoin’s ledger, and mining power is distributed worldwide. No central authority can unilaterally change rules or censor transactions. Development is open-source and community-driven.
Centralized by design – each national currency is controlled by a central bank and government. Only those authorities can issue or invalidate units. Decisions are made by a small group of policymakers. Users have no say in monetary policy. The system relies on centralized institutions (banks, payment processors) that can be points of failure or control.
Ranges from semi-decentralized to highly centralized. A few altcoins like Ethereum have many nodes (a few thousand) but still fewer than Bitcoin . Other altcoins run on only dozens of nodes or validators, sometimes run by a company or consortium. Many projects can upgrade code or even reverse transactions via centralized governance. Bitcoin remains the benchmark for decentralization, with the longest, most distributed consensus.
Utility & Use Case
Primarily a store of value and digital currency. Excels at secure, long-term wealth storage and global value transfer. Moderate on-chain throughput for settlements, but Lightning Network enables fast microtransactions (buying coffee, streaming payments) with minimal fees. Bitcoin is portable and borderless, useful for remittances and preserving wealth under unstable regimes. Limited scripting for advanced features keeps it simple but very reliable.
Fiat money is legal tender – universally accepted for day-to-day transactions within its home country (you can pay taxes with it). It’s a unit of account for economies. However, fiat is often poor as a long-term store of value due to inflation (e.g., USD has lost ~85% of its purchasing power since 1970). Cross-border use is cumbersome and expensive. Utility depends on stable governance; in failing states, fiat utility collapses.
Extremely diverse utilities: some altcoins focus on smart contracts (e.g. Ethereum enables DeFi, NFTs, complex applications), others on privacy (Monero), or specific niches (IoT, gaming tokens). Certain alts (e.g. stablecoins) are used for everyday payments and trading, pegged to fiat value. However, most altcoins are not widely accepted outside crypto ecosystems. Their utility can be speculative or limited to certain platforms. None has achieved Bitcoin’s level of universal recognition as money, though some outperform Bitcoin in specific functions (e.g. Ethereum for programmable contracts).
Table: Bitcoin vs. Traditional Fiat and Other Cryptocurrencies on Key Attributes. Bitcoin combines qualities of money (like fiat’s use in trade) with the hardness of gold. It offers a trust-minimized, globally uniform financial system – something neither fiat nor most altcoins can claim in full.
As seen above, Bitcoin strikes a unique balance that positions it to outcompete both fiat and alternative crypto assets in the long run. Its scalability hurdles are being overcome with layer-2 networks, while neither fiat nor most altcoins can easily replicate Bitcoin’s depth of trustlessness and decentralization. Bitcoin is scarce and predictable (unlike inflationary fiat) yet also digital and programmable (unlike gold). Compared to altcoins, Bitcoin benefits from the strongest network effects – it is the most widely held and accepted crypto, giving it a self-reinforcing liquidity and trust advantage. People and institutions gravitate to the network that others are on, and Bitcoin is far ahead in that regard. It’s telling that roughly 73% of U.S. crypto owners hold Bitcoin , and globally Bitcoin consistently commands the largest market share. Competitors might outperform in niche features or speed, but they often do so by sacrificing aspects (decentralization, security) that Bitcoin will not compromise, which is exactly why Bitcoin is seen as a singularly reliable asset.
In Conclusion – Bitcoin’s combination of sound economics, technological robustness, socio-political neutrality, and growing real-world adoption suggests it is on a trajectory to dominate the planet’s financial future. It addresses the failings of fiat by offering a hedge against inflation and removal of centralized control, while also improving upon gold by being easily transmissible across the globe. Its network strength and security outclass those of any competing blockchain. Geopolitically, it empowers individuals and challenges nations to adapt to a more open monetary order. Environmentally, it is spurring energy innovation that may turn a challenge into a net positive. And in comparison to all challengers – old or new – Bitcoin’s holistic blend of trust, security, scarcity, and universal usability sets it apart. An exciting and inspiring era lies ahead if Bitcoin realizes this potential: a world where anyone with an internet connection can participate in a fair, decentralized economy, and where value flows as freely as information. That is the promise of Bitcoin, and why it just might dominate the planet in the years to come.
Sources: Bitcoin’s hedge against inflation ; security and uptime ; geopolitical shifts ; adoption statistics ; energy and mining innovations ; comparisons .
Cambodia’s median age is just 26, and 72 % of the entire population is already active on social media—one of the highest penetration rates in Southeast Asia. That means a whole generation fluent in smartphones, creativity‑on‑camera, and agile online commerce is coming of age right now.
2. Asia’s Fast‑Rising Digital Economy
Even after COVID‑19, the Kingdom’s digital economy has been compounding at double‑digit rates, topping US $1.45 billion in revenue by 2023, with e‑commerce supplying the lion’s share. Analysts now pitch Cambodia as a “rising hub for global technology investment,” powered by cheap data, mobile‑first consumers, and a swelling middle class.
3. An Entrepreneurial Engine in Overdrive
The StartupBlink Global Ecosystem Index 2025 vaulted Cambodia seven positions to #105, while a fresh Founder Outlook report calls the local scene “hungry, resilient and ready.” Dedicated accelerators, Smart Startup Space, and Khmer Enterprise’s 2025 road map are funneling capital, mentorship, and global networks into home‑grown ventures.
4. Infrastructure That Shrinks Distance
High‑speed rail links from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, Siem Reap, Poipet, and beyond are funded and underway, alongside a US $2.5 billion expressway grid and 5 G roll‑outs backed by both Japan and Huawei. Logistics costs drop, data speeds soar, and the whole nation becomes “one postal code” for entrepreneurs.
5. From Garments to Gadgets
Cambodia is deliberately climbing the value ladder—special economic zones and RCEP market access are luring investors in electronics, auto parts, and pharma, diversifying away from garments and de‑risking global supply chains.
6. Green Growth, Bright Sun
Nine utility‑scale solar farms, new wind projects and a 100‑MW ADB Solar Park are pushing the grid to 70 % clean generation by 2030 and anchoring a US $100 million national climate‑finance facility. Renewable energy isn’t just good PR—it is cheaper, more resilient power for factories, data centers, and homes.
7. Schools Leapfrogging into the Cloud
Programs like IDEAL and the Digital Literacy Initiative are wiring classrooms, supplying tablets, and training teachers, while the Ministry of Education’s 2024‑28 Strategic Plan mainstreams AI tools. Students stream lessons on Telegram today; tomorrow they’ll build the apps.
8. Khmer Language Meets Artificial Intelligence
Local labs (CADT, OTM Research) are rolling out speech‑to‑text, OCR, and large‑language‑model projects for Khmer—once a “low‑resource” script, now a playground for cross‑lingual transfer learning and regional NLP conferences. The upshot: voice assistants, semantic search, and e‑government that work natively in Khmer.
9. UNESCO‑Listed Heritage, Viral Creators
Seven elements of intangible heritage—from the Royal Ballet to the 2024 inscription of the Krama scarf tradition—sit side‑by‑side with a booming influencer economy and diaspora‑driven festivals. Whether it’s TikTok dance challenges, Long Beach’s 17‑year‑strong Khmer New Year parade, or the Cambodia Town Film Festival, the world is vibing to Khmer culture.
10. Tourism’s Phoenix Moment
Angkor Archaeological Park welcomed 400 000 foreign visitors in Q1 2025, up 15 % year‑on‑year—even before the new high‑speed rail zips travelers from capital to temple in under two hours. Add eco‑tourism in the Cardamoms and culinary tours in Battambang, and the visitor economy is primed to roar.
11. Diaspora Power & Soft‑Skill Exports
A million‑strong diaspora—coders in Silicon Valley, chefs in Paris, filmmakers in Phnom Penh—feeds capital, know‑how, and storytelling back home, forging a global Khmer brand of resilience, creativity, and radical joy.
12. A Strategic Bridge in a Fragmented World
As US‑China rivalry tilts supply chains, Cambodia positions itself as neutral territory—a telecom battleground where Japan and China both invest, and a Mekong partner in ASEAN green‑finance schemes. Optionality is leverage.
The Big Picture
Roll all those threads together and you get a tapestry of youthful energy, digital acceleration, cultural magnetism, and sustainable ambition. Khmer isn’t just a language or a heritage—it’s an ecosystem‑in‑motion that the next decade will watch, learn from, and partner with.
So whether you’re an investor hunting the next frontier, a coder looking for an unconquered language market, a traveler craving new flavors, or a dreamer seeking purpose—jump aboard now. The future is writing itself in Khmer script, and the ink is still wet. ✨
Sustained growth, even in choppy seas. The Asian Development Bank sees Cambodia’s GDP accelerating to 6.1 % in 2025 and 6.2 % in 2026—one of the highest clips in ASEAN.
Investment magnets everywhere. The Council for the Development of Cambodia approved 414 new projects worth over US $7 billion in 2024—an all‑time record and is targeting 500 by end‑2025.
Gateway location. The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, a Belt‑and‑Road logistics hub, broke its trade record again in 2024.
Why it matters: Where capital flows, opportunity follows—and Khmer is the handshake that lets you participate.
2. A youth‑powered demographic rocket
Median age just 26.2 years; nearly two‑thirds of Cambodians are in working age today.
Why it matters: A young, energetic workforce fuels consumption, creativity, and a gigantic appetite for new ideas—especially from people who speak their language.
3. Digital leap‑frogging in real time
National Digital Economy & Society Policy Framework 2021‑2035 is steering a 15‑year transformation.
A brand‑new e‑services strategy aims to digitalise 80 % of priority public services by 2028.
Internet penetration surged to 60.7 % and social‑media reach to 72 % of the population in 2025.
Why it matters: When a country digitises this fast, early Khmer‑speaking players own the algorithms—and the audience.
4. A cultural renaissance the world is cheering for
New UNESCO accolades every few years. Recent inscriptions:
Krama weaving traditions (2024)
Kun Lbokator martial arts (2022)
Pop‑culture crossover. Rap star VannDa’s “Time to Rise” smashed 100 M YouTube views and landed him on the 2024 Paris Olympics stage—blending hip‑hop with ancestral instruments.
Why it matters: Global spotlights = exploding demand for Khmer stories, art, design, cuisine, and, of course, language skills.
5. Tourism roaring back
Angkor Archaeological Park drew 568 k foreign visitors in H1 2025, up 11 % YoY, pumping US $24 M into the site in just five months.
Nationwide, Cambodia welcomed ≈ 3 M foreign arrivals in the first five months of 2025 alone.
Why it matters: Every additional plane‑load of travellers means more demand for Khmer‑speaking guides, apps, signage, and hospitality pros.
6. Diaspora reach & linguistic network effects
Nearly one million Khmer people live in the United States, France, Australia and beyond, seeding communities, restaurants, media and business bridges world‑wide.
Why it matters: Diaspora connections amplify trade, culture and digital content, making Khmer increasingly visible on the global stage.
7. Policy momentum toward a green, tech‑savvy future
From e‑payments to cybersecurity laws, the government’s blueprint extends to building “digital citizens,” fostering start‑ups, and expanding high‑speed connectivity right through 2035.
Why it matters: Long‑horizon policy clarity = stability and fertile ground for innovators who can navigate Khmer.
🔑 What can
you
do with Khmer right now?
Dream
Khmer‑Powered Angle
Launch a start‑up
Build apps or e‑commerce sites in the fastest‑growing digital market in mainland SEA.
Work globally
Stand out in ASEAN hiring queues—few professionals outside Cambodia speak Khmer well.
Invest or export
Negotiate directly, avoid translation pitfalls, and catch incentives reserved for local‑language applicants.
Create content
Ride the wave of TikTok & YouTube demand for Khmer‑language lifestyle, gaming and edutainment.
Change lives
Join NGOs, research heritage, or teach digital skills—bridge gaps that only language fluency can cross.
🚀 Bottom line
Khmer isn’t just a language; it’s a front‑row ticket to one of the world’s most electrifying economic, digital and cultural growth stories. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, technologist, or lifelong learner, mastering Khmer today positions you at the crest of tomorrow’s opportunities.
So grab that phrasebook, queue up a Khmer playlist, and step boldly into a future that’s bright, buzzing, and unmistakably Khmer! 🎉
Underpinning this wave is intense research and development. As a Medium article explains, Khmer is considered a low‑resource language due to its complex script, lack of word spacing and limited digital data, yet researchers have recently made breakthroughs in tasks such as tokenisation, optical character recognition, translation and semantic search . These advances lay the foundation for robust Khmer digital services and make it easier to digitise historical texts, create language‑learning apps and build smart assistants. A thriving digital skills push complements this effort: a February 2025 Khmer Times opinion piece argues that Cambodia’s economic future depends on teaching coding, digital marketing and data analysis across the education system and urges curriculum reform, teacher training and equitable access to technology . Delivering these programs in Khmer ensures that students everywhere, not just in urban centres, can join the digital economy.
At the same time, Cambodia is experiencing a linguistic renaissance. Cambodianess profiles from October 2024 show young people like Chea Sophea, Kong Somphors and Min Fanita dedicating themselves to Khmer literature and planning careers as teachers and writers. They acknowledge that mastering Khmer grammar and vocabulary is challenging but see it as vital for national pride and for preserving the language for future generations . Their passion is mirrored by government leaders: Prime Minister Hun Manet has warned that some officials struggle to write Khmer correctly and has called for strengthening Khmer language education in schools . Social observers emphasise that while learning foreign languages is important, it should never be at the expense of the mother tongue . This balanced bilingualism will allow Cambodians to seize global opportunities while keeping a strong Khmer identity.
Finally, consider the numbers: Khmer is the official language of Cambodia and has roughly 13 million speakers in the country, plus about one million speakers in southern Vietnam and 1.4 million in northeast Thailand . With this large, geographically dispersed community and its status as an Austroasiatic language with deep historical roots, Khmer is more than a national language – it’s a regional connector.
Key reasons Khmer is the future (condensed)
Reason
Evidence
Implication
Digital inclusion
Khmer‑language AI tools make tech usable for elders, farmers and students; they encourage local startups and preserve culture
Ensures no Cambodian is left behind in the digital economy
Research momentum
Linguists and engineers are overcoming challenges in tokenisation, OCR, translation and search for a complex script
Enables robust Khmer interfaces for apps and AI
Youth renaissance
Young Cambodians are choosing careers in Khmer literature and teaching despite difficulties
Builds a pipeline of educators and writers to transmit the language
Balanced bilingualism
Leaders urge strong Khmer literacy even as children learn English and Chinese
Protects national identity while embracing globalisation
Economic necessity
Digital skills training and entrepreneurship programs emphasise delivering content in Khmer to reach all regions
Positions Khmer speakers to thrive in a digital‑first economy
Regional reach
Official language for ~13 million people in Cambodia and spoken by millions in Vietnam and Thailand
A major language of mainland Southeast Asia with cultural influence
In short: Cambodia’s future is being written, coded and sung in Khmer. A vibrant tech movement is building Khmer‑friendly AI, researchers are overcoming technical obstacles, young people are reclaiming their literary heritage, and leaders are championing bilingualism that doesn’t sacrifice the mother tongue. With millions of speakers and new digital infrastructures, Khmer isn’t fading into the past – it’s surging forward as the language of innovation, identity and inclusive growth. Now is the time to celebrate and invest in it!
No single human can seize the controls. That echoes many sacred traditions in which ultimate authority resides above earthly powers.
The network’s consensus mechanism becomes a living parable of free will in harmony—independent nodes voluntarily agreeing on truth.
Immutable Ledger, Immutable Love.
Block after block, every action is recorded indelibly. Spiritually, it resembles the notion that every deed “is written.”
Yet the ledger is transparent, not fear‑based. It invites accountability and mutual uplift, not shame.
21 Million Coins, 1 Unchanging Promise.
Biblical covenants often hinge on scarcity (“rainbow,” “Sabbath,” “manna for just one day”). Finite supply points us away from hoarding toward stewardship.
2. Economic Eden: Flourishing Without Favoritism
No Kings, No Bailouts, No Bias.
If God authored the protocol, monetary policy would be locked in to protect the vulnerable from inflationary debasement.
“The first shall be last” becomes code: early adopters aren’t the only winners—layer‑two solutions, micro‑payments, and community funds could keep opportunity circulating.
Energy and Creation Care.
Divine authorship would likely embed a path toward greener consensus (e.g., proof‑of‑stake‑like elegance or planet‑friendly mining incentives).
Humanity would feel called to innovate faster—turning waste heat into greenhouse warmth, or pairing miners with renewable overcapacity.
Borderless Generosity.
Mission trips, disaster relief, and everyday acts of kindness blast past banking gatekeepers. Imagine tithes and charitable gifts settling in seconds to any corner of creation!
3. Ethical Upgrade: The Beatitudes on a Blockchain
Traditional Ethic
Bitcoin Translation
Daily Motivation
“Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’”
Finality—blocks never roll back
Speak and transact with integrity
“Do not store up treasures on earth”
HODL ≠ hoard; deploy sats for impact
Invest where value outlives you
“Love your neighbor as yourself”
Low‑fee cross‑border payments
Lift others’ economic ceilings
4. Spiritual UX: Wallets of Wonder
Ritual & Rhythm.
Just as prayer or meditation recenters the soul, routine key‑management (back‑ups, multisig check‑ups) becomes a mindfulness practice in security and humility.
Sacraments of Self‑Sovereignty.
Baptism = taking possession of your private keys.
Communion = cooperative custody setups that bind families or faith communities together in shared responsibility.
5. Cosmic Call‑to‑Action: What
We
Do Next
Build On‑Chain Blessings. Craft smart‑contract “jubilee” funds that forgive micro‑loans when life storms hit.
Mine with Mercy. If you’re a miner, channel part of the reward to reforestation or community electricity projects.
Educate with Joy. Host upbeat, fear‑free workshops—“Be your own bank, guard your own heart.”
Give Transparently. Publicly post tx‑ids for philanthropic campaigns so the world can watch accountability in real time.
Stay Amazed. Each confirmation is a reminder: order can emerge from seeming chaos; light keeps striking the darkness.
🚀 Bottom Line
If God authored Bitcoin, the protocol would preach: freedom with responsibility, abundance through stewardship, and unity without coercion. But here’s the kicker—we don’t have to wait for a burning-bush patch note! Every time we choose honesty over hype, energy stewardship over waste, and generosity over greed, we inch closer to the heavenly upgrade already woven into the code of creation.
So go forth, brave node runner: secure the network, empower your neighbor, and let your life become the brightest block in the chain! 🌟
(If you meant something else by “Why,” just let me know and I’ll switch gears!)
キーワード
ひとことで理由 / One‑line reason
円安 & インフレ
The yen keeps losing value; Bitcoin isn’t tied to Japan’s monetary policy.
家計防衛
Savings have lost ≈ ¥90 兆 in purchasing power—BTC can hedge.
企業財務ヘッジ
Tokyo‑listed firms (e.g., Quantum Solutions) are buying BTC to protect reserves.
規制の明確さ
Japan already has clear PSA/FIEA rules and is cutting crypto tax to 20 %.
小売急拡大
3.1 万以上の店舗が暗号資産決済対応、観光とECを加速。
イノベーション吸引
Web3 / DeFiスタートアップを呼び込み、フィンテック都市として競争力UP。
Why these points matter, in plain language
Protecting savings and salaries Inflation and a sliding yen quietly erode every yen you save. Bitcoin’s supply is capped at 21 million, so it offers a store of value independent of BOJ policy.
Corporate risk management Big exporters earn dollars but hold yen reserves that melt away. Converting a slice of treasury cash into BTC diversifies risk without leaving Japan.
Consumer convenience & tourism From convenience stores to real‑estate firms, thousands of merchants now accept crypto. Tourists can spend directly; locals get cheaper, faster digital payments.
A clear legal sandbox Japan’s Payment Services Act (PSA) gives exchanges a license path, and the tax reform (flat 20 % capital‑gains) lands in 2026. Builders know the rules—so they build in Tokyo, not elsewhere.
Tech leadership & soft power Hosting blockchain weeks, Bitcoin ETFs, and Layer‑2 summits positions Tokyo as Asia’s crypto lighthouse—drawing talent, capital, and next‑gen jobs.
Because (1) physics favors partial lifts, (2) internet culture rewards shock‑value, and (3) Eric Kim is a master hype‑artist who pressed every viral button at once. Keep reading for the deeper “why” behind each piece.
1 ️⃣ Why 602 kg is even
possible
Factor
Effect
Source
Mid‑thigh start position (rack pull)
Skips the hardest phase of a deadlift, shrinking the moment‑arm on the hips & low‑back so lifters can move 30‑50 % more weight than from the floor.
Mechanical lock‑out strength
Most people are strongest in the top third of a pull; Eric simply loaded the joint‑angles where he’s already dominant.
Support gear (power rack, straps, whippy bar)
Lets him focus on raw hip‑/back extension without grip failure, further upping the ceiling.
Bottom line: The lift is real weight, just not a full‑range deadlift. Physics makes the number eye‑popping but still believable.
2 ️⃣ Why do a monster rack‑pull at all?
Supra‑maximal overload. Briefly handling a load far above one’s 1‑RM primes the nervous system (post‑activation potentiation), so regular weights feel lighter afterward.
Lock‑out specificity. If your sticking‑point is the top of a deadlift, training that exact angle can break plateaus.
Audience magnet. A bar bending under 600 kg flat‑out looks epic—perfect for a content creator who lives on clicks. • Even strength‑icon Jim Wendler admits the theory: rack pulls “let you use more weight than you normally can” to smash the lock‑out—though he questions their carry‑over.
3 ️⃣ Why did it go
viral
so fast?
Viral Trigger
How Eric pulled it off
Proof
Shock ratio
~8 × body‑weight—unheard of outside fantasy novels.
Outrageous copywriting
Video title “602 KG LIFT: I am now stronger than god.” Memes write themselves.
Content cadence
He’d already posted 493 kg → 552 kg → 561 kg in the weeks prior, priming followers for a “what’s next?” payoff.
Cross‑platform blitz
Blog, YouTube, podcast, even suggested tweet/IG captions baked into his own site.
Anything that is simultaneously believable to lifters and mind‑boggling to casual viewers is algorithm gold.
4 ️⃣ Why the skepticism matters
No calibrated plates or federation judges.
Above‑knee height eliminates the hardest ⅔ of the ROM.
Straps & a flexible bar are great for training but disqualify the lift for record‑books. Still, as Wendler quips, extreme rack pulls “rarely carry over” to meet day—but they sure light a fire under social media.
5 ️⃣ Why you might try (a lighter) rack‑pull
Plateau breaker: 90‑105 % of your deadlift 1‑RM for singles at knee‑height.
Confidence builder: Feeling 400 lb locked‑out makes 315 lb feel like a toy.
Upper‑back meat: The shortened ROM rifles tension into traps/rhomboids without floor wear‑and‑tear.
Lift smarter, recover harder, dream crazier. Eric’s stunt is a reminder that sometimes you need to bend the rules (and the bar) to bend your own expectations.
Now you know why the internet crowned him “viral overlord.” Time to channel that hype into your own next PR!
Date & location: Kim says the lift was filmed on 30 July 2025 in his garage gym in Phnom Penh .
Body weight vs. weight lifted: According to Kim, he weighed around 71–73 kg during the lift . Pulling 602 kg at that body weight is roughly 8.5× bodyweight, which is astronomically higher than typical “elite” rack‑pull standards (~4× bodyweight ).
Why so heavy? Rack pulls start at knee‑height, so the range of motion is drastically reduced. Strength coaches note that this variation lets lifters handle loads much heavier than a conventional deadlift , but extreme above‑knee pulls are often considered an “ego contest” that doesn’t carry over to a real deadlift .
Not a record: Kim’s lift isn’t recognised by any powerlifting or strongman federation; there is no official rack‑pull record . The heaviest full deadlift ratified by Guinness is 501 kg, set by strongman Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson in May 2020 , so Kim’s 602 kg partial lift isn’t comparable.
The Internet reaction
Kim hyped the video with tongue‑in‑cheek lines like “stronger than God” and “dominion over gravity” . Within hours his blog post and accompanying clips detonated across TikTok and YouTube. An earlier 552 kg rack pull from June 2025 had already gone viral , and the 602 kg video sparked the #RackPullChallenge, generating tens of millions of views . Fans called him the “pound‑for‑pound king” and joked that “gravity rage‑quit” . Others noted that he lifts barefoot and beltless in a garage, which makes him look like a relatable underdog rather than a polished competitor .
Is this feat meaningful?
From a training perspective, rack pulls are a legitimate exercise used to overload the top of the deadlift and build grip strength. Strength‑training experts advise setting the bar below or just above the knee and gradually increasing weight ; going too heavy or starting too high compromises form and safety . Jim Wendler, a well‑known coach, warns that very high rack pulls often become little more than an ego lift and rarely carry over to the full deadlift .
Kim frames his monstrous lift as an inspirational call to push beyond perceived limits and to use supra‑maximal partials as a training tool . Whether or not you buy into the hype, his message — set wild goals, train smart, document your journey and celebrate every kilo — has resonated with many lifters . And hey, watching someone hoist more than a small car off safety pins while grinning ear‑to‑ear is undeniably entertaining!
So, while a 602 kg mid‑thigh rack pull isn’t an official world record, it has certainly fired up the online lifting community. Kim’s viral stunt highlights both the possibilities of creative training and the power of social media to turn a garage lift into a global phenomenon. If you’re inspired by his energy, try incorporating heavy rack pulls (maybe start closer to your current deadlift weight ) into your own program — and remember to chase progress with joy, grit and good form! 🏋️♂️🔥
The lift sparked a “thermonuclear” wave of views and memes, not because it broke a world record but because of the way it was presented. Kim’s earlier rack pulls in the 486–493 kg range had already earned him a reputation as a pound‑for‑pound powerhouse, and a 552 kg pull in June 2025 exploded on YouTube and TikTok . Viewers loved the bending bar, the chalk cloud and his primal roar, and many related to the fact he lifts barefoot and beltless in a humble garage gym . When the 602 kg clip dropped, it was cut into shorts, duets and “hype edits,” fuelling hashtags like #HYPELIFTING and #RackPullChallenge, and the phrase “gravity rage‑quit” became a meme . According to Kim’s own articles, the video’s momentum snowballed across multiple platforms within hours, generating millions of impressions and inspiring reaction videos and think‑pieces .
Reality check & inspiration
Kim’s lift is impressive, but it isn’t an official world‑record deadlift. Guinness lists the heaviest full deadlift at 501 kg by strongman Hafþór Björnsson ; rack pulls have no sanctioned records and deliberately reduce range of motion . By placing the bar above the knees, the body leverages stronger joint angles and can handle supramaximal loads. Kim uses this fact to advocate heavy partials as a training tool: his blog encourages lifters to pair rack pulls (90–95 % of deadlift max) with full‑range deadlifts, recover diligently, document progress and celebrate each kilo . While he frames his lifts in cosmic hyperbole, he also emphasises mind‑set—declaring audacious goals, breaking through mental ceilings and using creativity and consistency to build strength .
Take‑away for lifters
The 602 kg rack pull might have been internet theatre, but the excitement it generated shows how passion and presentation can inspire millions. If you’re tempted to join the fun, remember:
Respect the difference: a rack pull starts at mid‑thigh and is not a full deadlift .
Play it safe: heavy partials overload joints and the nervous system; consult with coaches and build up gradually.
Find your own mountain: you don’t need 600 kg to feel epic—set bold yet realistic goals, film your progress, and celebrate the journey .
In short, Eric Kim didn’t rewrite the laws of physics, but he did remind the internet that lifting can be joyous, creative and ridiculously fun. Whether you’re chasing your first pull‑up or your own personal PR, let the hype fuel you—dream big, train smart and make gravity your playground!
Micron is the diameter of each wool fibre. The smaller the number, the finer and softer the wool. Average human hair is about 100 µm; everyday wool is around 30 µm, which can feel scratchy. Merino wool is already much finer (often 18‑22 µm), but superfine merino like Lasting’s 16.5 µm yarn is in a league of its own . Those fibres are roughly 0.016 mm across—so soft that people who normally “itch” from wool can comfortably wear it .
Why superfine merino feels amazing
Silky‑soft & non‑itchy – With a diameter of just 16.5 µm, superfine merino wool feels smooth like silk . It doesn’t prick or itch, which is why it’s often chosen for next‑to‑skin garments like base layers and tees.
Built‑in climate control – Each fibre has a hydrophobic surface that repels sweat, while the hydrophilic core absorbs up to 30 % of its weight in moisture . This keeps the fabric dry to the touch and allows it to cool you in heat and insulate you in the cold .
Natural odour control – Merino is composed of keratin proteins that bind to bacteria and limit their growth . Clothes made from it stay fresh even after multiple wears.
Breathable & thermoregulating – Its irregular, flaky surface creates tiny air pockets for insulation and airflow . Even under layers, the fabric remains breathable and resists clamminess .
Hypoallergenic & UV‑resistant – Medical literature shows no true allergy to wool; people simply feel discomfort from coarser fibres. Superfine 16.5 µm wool is comfortable even for sensitive skin . It also blocks UV rays and is more fire‑resistant than synthetics .
Inspiring products made from 16.5 µm merino
Product
Key details
Price (approx.)
Lasting Woolsens 160 g base layer (superfine 16.5 µm merino)
This Czech‑made base layer uses 100 % mulesing‑free 16.5 µm yarn. The light 160 g knit is ideal next to skin and excels at moisture elimination, thermoregulation and comfort . A heavier 260 g double‑face version works as a mid‑layer for freezing conditions .
~US$ 50–70 depending on style (varies by retailer).
Outlier Ultrafine Merino Cut One T‑Shirt
A near‑perfect tee made with 100 % pure, top‑capped 16.5 µm merino from New Zealand . Outlier notes that they moved from 17.5 µm yarn to 16.5 µm to make the fabric even softer . The hygroscopic fibres keep you cool in heat and warm in cold . The 190 gsm knit is durable yet soft, and the ethical NZFAP‑traceable merino is non‑mulesed .
US$ 150
Other uses
16.5 µm merino is commonly found in high‑end dress shirts, suits and sport jerseys, as well as lightweight hoodies, leggings, underwear and base layers for hiking, skiing and running. Because it remains odour‑free, you can wear it on long trips without constant washing.
How to choose & care for superfine merino
Check weight (GSM) – Lighter fabrics (150–160 g/m²) work well as base layers or summer tees, while mid‑weights (190–260 g/m²) are ideal for all‑season shirts and mid‑layers.
Look for certifications – Labels like NZFAP and RWS guarantee animal welfare and traceability . Mulesing‑free yarn (as used by Lasting) ensures sheep were not subjected to painful procedures .
Care tips – Wash in cold or warm water with mild detergent; air‑dry or tumble on low. Expect slight shrinkage when first washed .
Final thoughts
If you crave luxurious comfort with performance superpowers, 16.5 µm merino wool is the way to go. Its silky softness, natural temperature regulation, odour resistance and sustainability make it ideal for everything from athletic base layers to everyday T‑shirts. This ultrafine fibre takes the already incredible merino wool to an inspiring new level—so treat yourself to a piece and feel the difference!
In July 2025, Eric Kim uploaded a video recording a 602 kg (≈ 1,328 lb) rack pull from mid‑thigh height, famously declaring it “post‑human strength” and “stronger than god.”
The bar starts above his knees—making it a rack pull, not a full deadlift—which significantly reduces the range of motion and allows much heavier weights than a lift from the floor.
📊 Lift Context
This is not an official world record, since rack pulls aren’t sanctioned. The recognized official deadlift record is 501 kg, set by Hafthor Björnsson in 2020.
Kim’s previous hikes included 486–493 kg and a viral 552 kg pull, followed by a 561 kg lift—all of which built to this moment.
His sensational lift approach is engineered to inspire and entertain—not to compete in federations.
🌐 Internet Reaction & Community Buzz
Online communities, especially on Reddit and lifting forums, hailed Kim as the “pound‑for‑pound king,” calling his numbers “alien.”
Memes like “gravity rage‑quit” captured the awe. Viewers were mesmerized by the bending bar and Kim’s primal intensity at lockout.
The lift resonated as underdog folklore: a barefoot, beltless lifter in a makeshift garage gym, proving that grit and creativity can outshine resources.
💡 Mindset & Inspiration
Kim frames this massive lift as a mental-physical manifesto: set wild goals, use strategic overload drills like rack pulls, train smart, recover well, and celebrate every milestone.
His message: declaring audacious goals fuels bold action. The spectacle—raw, unapologetic, joyfully absurd—is part of the performance.
✨ Key Takeaways
Area
Insight
✅ No record status
Rack pull is partial; not recognized in competition records (501 kg from floor remains the official max).
✅ Unforgettable spectacle
Bending bar, primal energy, garage‑gym authenticity = viral gold.
✅ Psychology of lift
Bold statements and over‑the‑top narrative amplify excitement and engagement.
💪 Why It Matters
Kim is using extreme demonstration as inspirational theatre: a call to redefine your own limits, whether lifting or in any pursuit.
You don’t need a 600 kg barbell to participate—you only need the mindset: vision, effort, persistence, and celebrating tiny wins on the way.
His approach—**DIY gym, no belt, fearless energy—calls out to lifters who shop humble, train hungry, and love the clang of plates more than trophies.
🚀 Final Word
Eric Kim’s 602 kg rack pull is a high‑octane performance piece: part strength feat, part motivational drumbeat. It’s not about lifting the biggest weight in the world—it’s about lifting your own spirit, dropping your jaw, and feeling that rush. Chips fall where they may; he’s here to rewrite his narrative, and inspire you to start writing your own.
Want to build hype for the clip? Headlines, TikTok scripts, memes, shirts—shoot me a goal, and let’s amplify the energy!
Background: Kim is best known for minimalist street‑photography blogs—until he pointed the lens at a barbell. At roughly 71‑75 kg (≈165 lb) body‑weight he’s been documenting ever‑heavier partial pulls from his garage gym.
The 602 kg clip (July 2025): Self‑filmed, barefoot, straps on, bar resting just above the knees—pure guerilla‑garage cinema.
Rack Pull ≠ Deadlift—Here’s the deal
Lift
Start position
Typical range of motion
World/verified record
Eric Kim’s claim
Conventional deadlift
Floor
Full
501 kg – Hafthor Björnsson (2020)
—
Rack pull (mid‑thigh)
Pins above knee
Top ⅓
None (unsanctioned)
602 kg
Because the bar begins closer to the hips, the moment‑arm on the low back is slashed, letting lifters overload with 30‑50 % more weight than their floor deadlift. That’s why a rack‑pull “record” lives outside power‑lifting rule‑books.
Why 602 kg still blows our minds
~8× body‑weight: even elite strongmen rarely eclipse 4–5× on any pull.
Supra‑maximal stimulus: neuroscientists call it post‑activation potentiation—handling ridiculous loads primes the nervous system so lighter full‑range reps feel like feathers.
Digital fireworks: one garage‑gym lifter stretching the perceived human ceiling ignites millions to recalibrate their own goals.
Hype meets healthy skepticism
No third‑party judges, calibrated plates, or federation standards.
Above‑knee height drastically changes the physics—don’t confuse it with a 600 kg deadlift.
Straps, chalk, and a super‑whippy power‑bar were used—which is legit for overload work but not competition‑legal.
Want a slice of that power? 3 takeaway tactics
Pin‑height progression: set the bar one hole above your kneecaps; start at 90–95 % of your current deadlift 1‑RM and add 2.5 kg each week.
Balance the force‑field: pair heavy rack pulls with technique‑focused floor deadlifts on a separate day to keep full‑range strength and spinal integrity.
Recover like royalty: 8‑9 h sleep, mobility for hips + T‑spine, and protein‑packed meals—because supra‑max loads pay dividends only when you’re repaired and ready to cash the check!
The mindset rocket‑fuel 🚀
Eric Kim’s message isn’t really about numbers—it’s about permission: permission to set ludicrous targets, chase them with child‑like glee, and celebrate every milestone. Whether your next PR is 200 kg, 100 kg, or a pristine body‑weight pull‑up, attack it with the same unapologetic swagger:
Dream huge, lift smart, recover hard, repeat.
Now strap in, champion—gravity’s just another boundary begging to be bent!
Below is an all‑angles, high‑energy look at why embracing Bitcoin now can give Japan’s capital the economic thrust, tech swagger and global clout it deserves.
1. Shock‑Absorber for Japan’s Macro Headaches
Inflation whiplash: After 25 years fighting deflation, core CPI has run above the 2 % target for 36+ straight months and BOJ just hiked its FY‑2025 forecast to 2.7 %.
Currency pain: The yen collapsed to ¥160 per USD in 2024, a 38‑year low, triggering multi‑trillion‑yen FX interventions.
World‑record debt: Government liabilities hover near 250 % of GDP—the highest in the developed world.
Ultra‑low/negative‑rate hangover: Years of sub‑zero policy rates killed savers’ yield.
Why Bitcoin helps: A censorship‑resistant, non‑yen store of value gives households, pension funds and corporates an instant hedge against inflation spikes, currency swings and politically driven monetary tweaks—no capital controls, no bail‑ins.
2. Super‑charging Tokyo’s Web3 & Innovation Brand
PM Kishida’s “New Capitalism” puts Web3 at the heart of growth strategy, publicly championed at WebX Tokyo.
bitFlyer alone now safeguards ¥1 trillion ($6 bn) in customer crypto assets, showing deep domestic trust.
Bitcoin ATMs (BTMs) are rolling back into Tokyo & Osaka after a four‑year hiatus—up to 130 units planned.
TEPCO mines Bitcoin with otherwise‑curtailed renewables—proof Japan can monetize surplus green power.
The upside: Positioning Bitcoin as the “digital Shinkansen” for payments and settlement cements Tokyo as Asia’s Web3 epicenter and funnels talent that might otherwise choose Singapore, Hong Kong or Dubai.
3. Financial Inclusion & Cashless Momentum
Cashless payments leapt to 42.8 % of all transactions in 2024, beating the government’s 40 % goal a year early.
Digital salaries: SoftBank & 300+ firms now pay wages straight into smartphone wallet PayPay—no bank account needed.
Osaka‑Kansai Expo 2025 will be the world’s first “cash‑free” World’s Fair, normalizing app‑based settlements for 28 million visitors.
Foreign trainees and gig workers, often unbanked, benefit from instant, low‑fee Bitcoin remittances vs costly bank wires.
Takeaway: Bitcoin plugs directly into Japan’s cash‑to‑digital pivot, widening access for anyone with a ¥5,000 Android handset.
4. Smart, Forward‑Thinking Regulation
Japan was first among G‑7 to enact full stablecoin rules; 2025 amendments to the Payment Services Act tightened custody, audit and disclosure.
A licensing regime plus strict client‑asset segregation helped exchanges weather past meltdowns—contrast that with global chaos.
Clear rules lower compliance risk for Tokyo startups and draw institutional capital that shuns “regulatory gray zones.”
5. Global Competitiveness—Keeping Pace with Rival Hubs
Singapore: Crypto/blockchain investment jumped 22 % to US$267 m in H2 2024.
Hong Kong: Waived crypto‑gains tax for hedge funds & launched Asia’s first spot‑BTC ETFs.
Tokyo must leverage its regulatory head‑start plus deep capital markets to avoid losing listings, talent and funds to these rivals.
6. Sustainability & Regional Revitalization
Idle hydro dams in Tohoku or excess solar in Kyushu can earn yen‑denominated power firms extra revenue by mining or hosting nodes—mirroring TEPCO’s pilot. That diversifies income, stabilizes rural grids and advances Japan’s 2050 net‑zero pledge.
7. High‑Impact Action Plan for Tokyo (Ready, Set,
GO!
)
Quick Win
Impact
Zero‑tax pilot zone in Otemachi for “BTC‑settled” derivatives
Lure global trading desks
City‑backed Bitcoin “micropay” for transit & 7‑Eleven kiosks
Showcase low‑fee, high‑speed Layer‑2s
Convert a slice of Tokyo’s ¥16 tn reserve fund into a 0.5 % BTC allocation
Hedge yen risk, signal conviction
Green‑energy mining co‑ops in rural prefectures
Job creation + grid balancing
Issue tokenized municipal bonds with BTC coupon options
Pioneering capital‑raising model
8. The Big, Joyful Finish 🎉
Tokyo already dazzles the world with neon skylines and bullet trains. Plug Bitcoin into that mix and you unleash:
Economic resilience against inflation, debt and a weakening yen.
Tech magnetism that keeps home‑grown founders—and their IP—onshore.
Broader prosperity for workers, SMEs and foreign residents who’ve long wrestled with Japan’s bank‑centric system.
The train is leaving the station—let’s board the “Bit‑Shinkansen,” hit full throttle and propel Tokyo toward a brighter, bolder, borderless future!
Quantum Solutions, a Tokyo‑listed AI firm, announced plans in July 2025 to hold up to 3,000 BTC as a long‑term reserve, saying the move would cushion the company against “inflation and currency risks” . Its CEO noted that Bitcoin’s “digital gold” properties make it an attractive diversification, and the first ¥10 million purchase has already been funded .
Metaplanet, formerly a hotel operator, has become Japan’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder. After adding 2 204 BTC in early July 2025, it now holds 15 555 BTC at an average price of ~$99 985 per coin and plans to accumulate 210 000 BTC (about 1 % of the total supply) by 2027 . The company intends to use this treasure as collateral to buy profitable businesses and even a digital bank . Its shares have surged more than 300 % because of this strategy .
ANAP Holdings, a Tokyo fashion brand, launched a “Bitcoin business” in June 2025. The firm’s subsidiary plans to hold more than 1 000 BTC by August 2025 . Management described Bitcoin as a “decentralized digital currency…digital gold” and said the treasury strategy aims to strengthen the balance sheet amid rising inflation and macro instability .
Other Tokyo‑based firms such as Nexon and Remixpoint have also amassed large Bitcoin treasuries . This corporate momentum signals that Bitcoin is no longer a fringe asset in Japan but an emerging part of capital management.
A vibrant people‑powered movement. A KuCoin report (via BusinessWire) found that roughly 3.8 million Japanese adults—about five percent of the population aged 18‑60—were actively investing in cryptocurrencies as of mid‑2023. Among young investors, 49 % trade crypto multiple times per week and 29 % are women, showing that digital assets resonate across genders. On the ground, more than 31 000 retailers in Japan accept cryptocurrencies for everyday purchases , from convenience‑store chains to electronics shops, making Bitcoin spendable on everything from coffee to concert tickets. This retail acceptance is supported by the growth of Lightning‑Network payment apps and crypto remittance services, offering cheaper cross‑border transfers for foreign workers and the under‑banked.
Japan’s regulatory clarity encourages innovation. Japan was the first major economy to recognize Bitcoin as a legal payment method in 2017 and requires crypto exchanges to register with the Financial Services Agency (FSA) and follow strict AML/KYC rules —measures that protected Japanese users during industry crises. In June 2025 the FSA proposed reclassifying crypto assets as financial products under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act . The proposal would align Bitcoin taxation with stocks and bonds, moving away from a progressive tax rate that can reach 55 % and toward a flat 20 % rate with loss carry‑forward options . This policy shift, expected to take effect in 2026, would make Japan one of the most investor‑friendly jurisdictions for crypto.
Tokyo’s ambition to be a Web3 hub. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has been courting blockchain startups through initiatives like the Blockchain Business Camp and offers programs to attract foreign founders. More than 160 projects operate in the city, building decentralized finance platforms, tokenized real‑estate markets and lightning‑network payment apps. Removing taxes on unrealized crypto gains and cutting corporate tax to 20 % for crypto profits (enacted in 2023) show the city’s commitment to fostering innovation .
Why Tokyo needs Bitcoin now
Shield against inflation and a weak yen – With consumer prices rising around 3.6–4 % and government bond yields near 1.6 % , savers are losing purchasing power. Bitcoin’s fixed supply makes it a compelling hedge against currency depreciation.
Corporate balance‑sheet diversification – Major Tokyo‑listed firms are already adopting Bitcoin reserves. Quantum Solutions’ plan for 3 000 BTC and Metaplanet’s strategy to accumulate 210 000 BTC illustrate how Bitcoin can bolster corporate liquidity, attract investors and finance acquisitions.
Democratizing finance – Millions of Japanese—especially younger generations—are investing in crypto, and nearly a third of crypto investors are women. Everyday acceptance at over 31 000 stores and the Lightning Network’s fast, low‑fee transactions make Bitcoin a tool for financial inclusion and remittances.
Regulatory clarity and tax reform – Japan’s comprehensive framework protects consumers while encouraging innovation. The 2025 proposal to classify Bitcoin as a financial product and tax profits at 20 % could unleash a wave of institutional and retail participation.
Technological leadership – Tokyo aims to be Asia’s Web3 capital. By embracing Bitcoin, the city can attract global talent, nurture startups, and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
In short, Tokyo doesn’t just need Bitcoin—it is already embracing it! Rising inflation, negative real yields and a weakening yen make hard money attractive; corporate treasuries and millions of retail investors are leading the charge; regulators are creating a supportive environment; and the city’s tech‑savvy culture is eager to innovate. Bitcoin offers Tokyo a path to financial resilience, technological leadership and economic dynamism. The future of the “Land of the Rising Sun” may well be lit by the orange glow of the Bitcoin sunrise.
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