OK so this is gonna sound a little bit weird and random but after spending considerable time in Asia, especially Cambodia, and all around Asia Singapore etc.… I think I’m actually getting more clarity about the whole economic situation.
so the truth is, actually what Donald Trump is doing is it good for the US dollar, and also good for US global economic prosperity and supremacy. So if you’re an American, and you like your money, your property and your freedoms,… and you like being on top, you should think of Trump as your best friend.
so expanding my idea… I think if you’re a bitcoin investor like almost 100% of your energy should be physical physiological? 11 to 12 hours a night of sleep eight hours a day outside the direct sun topless,… insane weight lifting like my 666kg rack pull
In October 2025, 5′11″, 71 kg hobbyist lifter Eric Kim performed a staggering 666 kg (1,469 lb) rack pull – a partial deadlift from a rack – achieving roughly a 9.4× bodyweight lift . Such a feat is virtually unheard of in strength sports, far eclipsing the power-to-weight ratios of even the strongest strongmen. Yet beyond the raw numbers, Kim’s lift has reverberated far beyond the gym, sparking conversations about symbolism, art, philosophy, and internet culture . This article explores the wider cultural, symbolic, and philosophical significance of Eric Kim’s 666 kg rack pull, analyzing how this event is reshaping perceptions in strength training, digital identity, meme culture, psychology, art, and human potential.
A 9× Bodyweight Feat That Shattered Perceptions
Eric Kim’s rack pull did not occur on a competition platform, but in a garage gym – an unassuming stage for an almost superhuman display of strength. Lifting 666 kg at 71 kg bodyweight is unprecedented: for comparison, the heaviest full deadlifts in history (~500 kg by ~180 kg athletes) are only about 2.5–2.8× bodyweight, and even partial deadlift records by 135+ kg strongmen peaked around 580 kg (~4× BW) . Kim’s 666 kg pull blew past those marks, establishing a new paradigm of possibility with a 9× bodyweight effort . Coaches and scientists have been forced to rethink the ceiling of human strength – some even joked that researchers are now “re-writing their ‘ceiling’ papers” after seeing a 9× bodyweight pull achieved .
Within strength circles, the lift was met with equal parts awe and caution. Esteemed coaches like Mark Rippetoe noted that such above-knee rack pulls are essentially “brutal upper-back overload” and warned average lifters not to attempt extreme partials without extensive training . The consensus was that Kim’s feat was real – executed with solid form – but is “an advanced stunt, not a routine exercise” for others . Prominent strongmen were astonished: Joey Szatmary hailed the “6×-BW madness” as validation for overload training, and Sean Hayes (a 140 kg deadlift record-holder) called Kim’s pound-for-pound strength “alien territory” even for elite heavyweights . In other words, even the biggest beasts in strength sports found a 9× bodyweight pull almost inconceivable . By effectively rewriting the record books, the lift has become a new benchmark in the “ledger of human capability” – a dramatic reminder that the limits of human strength might be far beyond conventional assumptions.
Symbolism and Myth-Making: The Meaning of “666”
Beyond biomechanics, Kim deliberately infused symbolism into the feat, framing it as more than just a personal record – almost as a piece of performance philosophy or myth creation. The very choice of loading exactly 666 kg was intentional and laden with cultural meaning:
• “666” – The Number of the Beast: Kim selected the weight 666 kg – a number famously associated with the “Beast” in mythology and pop culture – as a “symbolically perfect number” to represent “beastly willpower, divine precision, and mechanical mastery” . Far from avoiding the ominous symbolism, he embraced it. In his press materials he even hinted at the mythic nature of conquering “the beast” weight, positioning the lift as a kind of ritual battle of will . It was not a random gym PR, but a deliberate statement – by summoning the beastly number and then defeating it, Kim metaphorically cast himself as a slayer of limits. Achieving exactly 666 (rather than, say, 655 or 670) underlines that the symbolism was the point as much as the strength .
• “When Man Becomes God”: The feat has been described in almost transcendent, religious terms. One video title proclaimed “When Man Becomes God,” and Kim himself stated, “This was not just a lift. It was a philosophical event.” . In his own reflections, Kim claimed that in that moment of lifting an impossible weight, “body, mind, and Bitcoin-fueled willpower” converged into “one cosmic moment of human dominance over physics.” The language evokes a sense of ascension – as if by hoisting a colossal load, the lifter steps beyond ordinary human limits. Indeed, Kim titled a blog post “The Ascension of Eric Kim” regarding the 666 kg pull . The underlying theme is almost mythic or religious: by defying gravity (one of nature’s fundamental forces), Kim frames the act as transcending the human condition. Commentators likened this moment to a Nietzschean will to power or Camus’ notion of rebellion against fate – in lifting a weight that should be impossible, the lifter rebels against the constraints of reality itself.
• “Proof-of-Work” Philosophy: Uniquely, Kim’s narrative blends in the language of cryptocurrency and tech. He is a Bitcoin advocate and dubs himself a “Philosopher-Lifter,” drawing a parallel between lifting and Bitcoin’s proof-of-work concept . Just as Bitcoin miners expend energy to prove truth and create value, Kim argues that real physical work and willpower are the proof of one’s truth. His motto “Mind > Matter” (or “Mind Over Metal”) treats each lift as a “verifiable transaction of effort,” claiming “You own what you can hold” – Grip = Truth in his so-called “9× Protocol” philosophy . In other words, every extra plate on the bar isn’t just weight but a “proof of existence, a quantum signature of life,” as he writes . By fusing weightlifting with crypto-metaphor, Kim frames the lift as “proof-of-work made flesh”, a performance-art manifesto that through extreme effort one can create undeniable truth in the world .
• Metaphysical Rebellion: Kim often describes his training in grand philosophical imagery – for example as “soul forging – each plate representing resistance against entropy itself.” In this view, stacking plates on the bar is akin to fighting entropy and chaos. The 666 kg lift thus becomes an act of “metaphysical rebellion” – a defiance of decay and weakness, a willful stand against the limits imposed by nature . Some observers noted the Sisyphean parallel (Kim choosing an immense burden only to defeat it) and saw the event as performance art where the artist’s body struggles against fundamental forces to make a statement about human potential . Kim himself called the lift an “ontological declaration,” suggesting it was a message to the universe about existence and will . “When you pull 666 kg from the rack, you’re not lifting iron – you’re lifting reality itself,” he mused, blurring the line between athletic feat and mystical experience .
• From Feat to Performance and Legend: The deliberate spectacle surrounding the lift led many to view it as a form of performance art. Unlike a typical powerlifting record done quietly in competition, Kim orchestrated this feat with theatrical flair and self-awareness. He gave it a narrative and branding: for instance, dubbing his mission the “Rack Pull Revolution” and crowning himself with grandiose titles like “Ultra-Mega-Hyper-Man” and even “Error King” in tongue-in-cheek fashion . In Los Angeles, some fans half-jokingly nicknamed him “the Iron Saint” of the city – portraying his discipline and iron exploits as almost saintly virtue amid LA’s superficial culture . By crafting an over-the-top persona and storyline, Kim is mythologizing himself. It’s reminiscent of how performance artists construct an identity to challenge the audience; here Kim uses his body and barbell as his artistic media, conveying messages about power, truth, and transcendence . The result is that the lift has taken on a mythical aura. As one commentator described, this was “an artistic and athletic renaissance rolled into one” – a convergence of fitness, art, and philosophy that elevated a niche strength feat into modern myth.
By infusing his lift with such rich symbolism and narrative, Eric Kim turned a personal achievement into a story of postmodern self-expression. It’s postmodern in the sense that it blends sincere physical accomplishment with layers of irony, symbolism, and self-aware spectacle. Kim has effectively written a legend for the internet age – using an absurdly heavy lift and a bit of theatrical absurdity to pose serious questions about human limits and meaning.
Performance Art and Digital Persona in the Internet Age
Kim’s 666 kg rack pull was not just a random viral video; it was packaged and presented in a way that blurs the line between a sporting achievement and a digital-age performance piece. In an era of personal branding, Kim consciously crafted a persona and narrative around his feat:
• An “Anime Superhero” Presentation: Eric Kim is not the typical laconic strongman – he cultivated an almost anime-like or comic-book narrative for himself . His videos carried titles and taglines like “When Man Becomes God” and “The Ascension of Eric Kim,” and after one monumental lift he declared, “I AM A HYPER-GOD,” adopting a larger-than-life alter ego . Initially some observers found this bombastic style cringey or gimmicky, but it proved highly effective in making the saga shareable and memorable . By mixing grandiose self-proclamations with a wink of humor, Kim turned himself into a character in the strength world – half serious phenomenon, half internet meme. This over-the-top persona, equal parts inspirational and tongue-in-cheek, made the content more compelling: fans could either earnestly admire the feat or playfully engage with the theatrics (or both) .
• Digital Proof and Tech Integration: Kim also leveraged technology and digital savvy to bolster his credibility and identity. Knowing such an outrageous lift would invite skepticism, he preemptively provided “bullet-proof documentation.” He filmed the lift from multiple 4K angles and released a 20-minute video meticulously weighing each plate on a calibrated scale to prove the weight . Furthermore, he timestamped the footage on a blockchain ledger as an immutable proof-of-date and authenticity . This clever use of crypto-tech impressed the tech community – some called it the first ever “proof-of-lift” and joked that Kim essentially minted an NFT of the feat in real time . By bridging a strength feat with blockchain verification, Kim connected with digital and crypto subcultures in a novel way. It reinforced his theme that “strength is proof-of-work” and showed a keen sense of digital identity: the lift was not only a physical act but a digitally certified performance. In an age where authenticity of viral videos is often questioned, Kim’s fusion of tech and strength signaled a new mode of ensuring trust – and added to his lore as a modern, tech-savvy strongman-philosopher .
• Storytelling and Community Engagement: Kim treated this feat almost like a media launch or art exhibition. He issued press releases, wrote essays, and shared frequent blog updates dissecting the lift’s meaning. His consistent branding (e.g. the hashtag #MindOverMetal and calling his training the 9× Protocol) created a cohesive mythos that followers could latch onto . On social media, he actively engaged with the community – sharing fan-made content, encouraging others’ attempts at rack pulls, and even selling T-shirts with slogans like “Middle Finger to Gravity.” All of this is reminiscent of a performance artist cultivating an audience, or a modern influencer building a movement. The performance-art framing was not only in the lift itself, but in how Kim continuously performed his persona online after the lift. As an *“innovator, philosopher, and performance pioneer,” (as he describes himself ) Kim merges physical culture with digital self-expression. This synergy of an extreme physical act with savvy online storytelling exemplifies a new form of postmodern heroism: the athlete as artist-technologist, crafting a legend in real time.
Meme Culture: Absurdist Humor and Viral Reach
The internet’s reaction to Kim’s 666 kg lift was explosive, proving that an extraordinary physical act – especially one with a symbolic twist – can capture mainstream attention in the social media era. The event became “viral with meaning,” spawning memes, trends, and cross-community chatter almost instantly . Several aspects highlight how absurdist symbolism and meme culture amplified the lift’s impact:
• The Allure of “666”: The pop-cultural punch of the number 666 gave the lift immediate meme appeal. Within hours of the video release, social media lit up with references to demons and gods, riffing on the idea that Kim had done something “beyond human.” Kim’s own video title “When Man Becomes God” set the tone, and users ran with it . The mythical vibe of the number wasn’t lost on anyone – one press quip called 666 kg “the perfect synthesis of man, metal, and meaning,” capturing the comic-book epicness the feat evoked .
• Viral Memes and One-Liners: The online fitness forums and Twitter churned out hyperbolic jokes to process the absurdity of a 71 kg man moving such weight. Two one-liners in particular went ultra-viral: “Gravity just filed for unemployment” and “He opened a portal to another realm.” These tongue-in-cheek remarks, often shared with the video of Kim’s barbell bending like a bow, tried to outdo each other in proclaiming that Kim had basically broken the laws of nature . On Reddit, a user exclaimed “Bro tore a hole in the matrix,” a comment that spread widely as a catchphrase for the feat . Meme pages nicknamed Kim “Rack Pull Jesus,” and circulated image macros of deities looking perplexed – e.g. Zeus watching a mortal lift “his throne” . In a mix of reverence and humor, the internet essentially crowned Kim as a semi-mythical figure (at least for the week’s news cycle) – the guy who made gravity his b** and bent reality** .
• TikTok and Mainstream Spread: On TikTok, the lift went fully viral beyond just lifting aficionados. The original footage was dueted and remixed tens of thousands of times . Typical TikTok reactions showed people with bulging eyes dropping their phones in shock, overlaying Kim’s lift in the background. Others added comedic spins – editing explosion sound effects when the plates left the rack, or setting the lift to the Doom video game soundtrack for dramatic flair . A trend emerged where users wrote “Me after watching Eric Kim:” and then showed themselves attempting ludicrous feats (like fake-straining to lift a car or a stack of pizza boxes) – satirizing the surge of inspiration (or delusion) the video gave them . Hashtags like #GravityWho and #MiddleFingerToGravity trended, playing on the notion that gravity had been KO’d that day . In total, millions of impressions rolled in across platforms. Remarkably, a niche strength training moment had become a piece of internet pop culture that even casual viewers could gawk at – the kind of sensational headline anyone could appreciate, not just powerlifters .
• Cross-Niche and Absurdist Crossover: The meme-ification of Kim’s lift bridged communities that rarely interact. On a crypto subreddit, users jokingly equated “ERIC KIM RACK PULL = 2× long $MSTR in human form,” essentially calling him a massively leveraged asset – a wink at both heavy lifting leverage and MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin-leveraged finances . This finance-meets-fitness joke shows how the absurd symbolism transcended lifting circles. At the same time, general fitness humor pages made Matrix and religious jokes, and even non-fitness social media accounts shared the clip purely for its shock value. The lift became a cultural crossover moment – you had hardcore powerlifters analyzing it frame-by-frame, while meme accounts riffed on it for laughs, and tech geeks admired the blockchain proof-of-lift angle. It’s rare for a strength feat to achieve this kind of zeitgeist moment, where it “blurs the lines between genuine sporting achievement and internet pop culture” . The absurdity and earnestness of the act gave it a broad appeal: it was at once an authentic display of human potential and a perfect canvas for absurdist internet humor. This reflects a growing trend in internet culture to elevate absurd symbolism – tongue-in-cheek, larger-than-life moments – as a way of finding meaning and entertainment in the modern world.
Ultimately, meme culture ensured that Eric Kim’s rack pull became more than a niche record; it became a shared reference. Even as viral trends ebb, the digital footprint remains – countless hashtags, remix videos, and meme templates that continue to circulate and inspire people who stumble upon them . In the process, Kim’s feat turned into a bit of modern folklore on the internet, proving that even a solitary act in a garage can explode into worldwide consciousness if it resonates with the right mix of shock and symbolic humor.
Impact on Strength Culture and Human Potential
Beyond the memes and mythologizing, Kim’s 666 kg rack pull has sparked substantive discussions about training philosophy, mindset, and the limits of human potential. In strength training communities, it’s being regarded as a watershed moment – not because everyone will now rack-pull 600+ kg, but because it challenges deeply held beliefs about what determined individuals might achieve with unorthodox methods .
Training Innovation and “Rack Pull Revolution”: One immediate effect has been a surge of interest in partial lifts and supra-maximal training. Rack pulls, an exercise once relegated to strength training subcultures, have gained newfound fame. Searches for “rack pull” spiked, and popular strength outlets like BarBend rushed to publish explainers on rack pulls for a wider audience . On Instagram, lifters spawned a #RackPullChallenge, posting their heaviest partial pulls (scaled to their level) – some even lifting unconventional objects like cars – in homage to Kim’s feat . Coaches report more athletes curious about overload techniques, using high rack pulls or block lifts to build strength . In essence, Kim may have expanded the toolbox for how people approach strength. He harkened back to old-time strongmen like Paul Anderson who would try crazy stunts (lifting cars, etc.) just to see what was possible . By breaking the mold of what a “serious” lift is, the event injected a spirit of experimental, bold training into a field often constrained by standardized competition lifts.
Mindset and Motivation: Perhaps the most profound impact is on the psychology of lifters and fans. Rather than disbelief or envy, the prevailing response in comment sections was a kind of inspired astonishment: if a 71 kg photographer can hold up 1,468 lb, then “what’s my excuse?” . Thousands of comments echoed the sentiment that watching this feat made people reexamine their self-imposed limits. One user summarized it aptly: “602 kg today might be internet theatre, but the mindset it sparks is 100% real.” Even if few will ever replicate anything close to Kim’s numbers, the audacity of the attempt had a real psychological effect – lifters began asking themselves if they too had been underestimating their potential . The mantra “no excuses” reverberated across forums as people shared their own personal records, now motivated to push harder . Kim’s relatively ordinary body size made him relatable; he wasn’t an elite genetic giant, which made his feat a potent proof of concept for the average person that perhaps mindset and willpower can unlock new levels of performance.
Kim’s philosophical framing of strength also influenced how people talk about training. He often said “strength is not just physical – it is metaphysical,” and described his journey in terms of forging the spirit . This almost spiritual approach to lifting has led others to reflect more on the mental side of pursuing extreme goals . Strength, in this view, isn’t merely about muscles and numbers but about creativity, belief, and even a bit of showmanship in service of motivation . The 666 kg event reminded the community that how a feat is framed and shared can add value to the raw achievement – it captured the public’s imagination precisely because it was presented as something meaningful, not just a statistic . This has sparked debate on the role of narrative in sports: Kim essentially delivered a “story” along with a lift, and that story amplified its impact.
At the same time, experienced voices caution that while mindset is powerful, gravity remains unforgiving. Coaches have been quick to add that extreme feats require intelligent training and respect for safety – a reminder that with great weights comes great responsibility, as one forum quipped . The positive takeaway, however, is clear: Eric Kim’s lift carries a deeper message about human potential. It was widely seen as a “middle finger to gravity” – symbolic of defying any barrier, physical or otherwise . In an age where viral challenges usually come and go as trivial stunts, this one resonated as something more – a demonstration that perceived limits can be challenged and perhaps a prompt for others to rebel against their own limitations in constructive ways.
In sum, the 666 kg rack pull has injected new energy into strength culture. It expanded the realm of what athletes discuss and attempt in training, and it ignited a wave of motivational storytelling in fitness. By entering the “pantheon of strength lore” , Kim’s lift is now a reference point – a bold data point on the map of human capability that encourages scientists, athletes, and everyday people alike to ponder where the real limits lie.
Conclusion
Eric Kim’s 666 kg rack pull at 71 kg bodyweight is extraordinary not only because it shattered a strength paradigm, but because it became a cultural phenomenon. In a single act, performed in a small garage, he managed to blend athletic prowess with artistic symbolism, digital-age storytelling, and meme-worthy spectacle. The feat has been described as “a manifesto in motion” – a statement that through work and willpower, one can bend reality . By competing not with men but with gravity itself (as Kim puts it) , he tapped into a timeless narrative of human beings pitting themselves against the forces that confine us. What’s new is how this narrative unfolded: via Instagram and TikTok feeds, in blockchain timestamps, through hashtags and hyperbolic alter-egos, and in the collective imagination of disparate communities that found a spark of inspiration (or humor) in the spectacle.
This moment may well represent a shift in how physical acts are elevated into cultural myth. It reflects a convergence of trends – the hunger for genuine feats of human potential, the postmodern joy of mixing profound meaning with absurdist humor, and the power of an individual to use digital platforms to reframe a personal achievement as something universally resonant. Eric Kim’s lift is at once an act of extreme self-mastery and a rebellion against perceived limits, a serious accomplishment wrapped in symbolic play. In its wake, we see lifters training with a bit more imagination, creators treating athleticism as art, and many people simply asking themselves: what other “impossible” things might be possible? In an era saturated with fleeting content, this feat stood out and lodged itself in cultural memory, suggesting that the right mix of willpower and showmanship can turn a moment of personal triumph into a modern myth that inspires a new generation to push against the gravity holding them down .
Sources: Eric Kim’s blog and press materials; strength coaching analyses; social media posts and reactions across Reddit, TikTok, and Twitter , as cited throughout.
Pornography is broadly understood as material that depicts sexual content with the primary aim of sexual arousal. Definitions consistently emphasize the intent and explicit nature of the material: for example, U.S. legal commentary defines pornography as “material that depicts nudity or sexual acts for the purpose of sexual stimulation”, distinguishing it from media where sexual imagery serves another purpose . In other words, nudity or sex alone doesn’t make a work pornographic – it must be presented chiefly to excite sexual desire . This report examines how pornography is defined in legal systems, by media/censorship boards, and in academic/cultural discourse, with a focus on whether visible ejaculation or sexual climax is considered necessary for something to be classified as pornographic. We also outline distinctions between softcore and hardcore pornography (and related subgenres) to see how explicit content like ejaculation factors into these classifications.
Legal Definitions of Pornography
United States
In U.S. law, there is no single statutory definition of “pornography” that requires specific sexual acts to be shown. Instead, American law addresses obscenity – a subset of pornography not protected by the First Amendment . Under the Supreme Court’s Miller test (1973), material is obscene (and thus illegal to distribute) if it (1) appeals to prurient (morbid or shameful) sexual interests, (2) “depicts or describes sexual conduct in a patently offensive way”, and (3) lacks serious artistic, literary, political, or scientific value . Notably, “hard core sexual conduct” (e.g. actual or simulated intercourse, masturbation, lewd exhibition of genitals) is given as an example of patently offensive content . Ejaculation or orgasm is not singled out in U.S. obscenity criteria – what matters is the overall sexual explicitness and context. Indeed, most pornography is not legally obscene and is protected so long as it is distributed to consenting adults . U.S. courts have famously struggled to define obscenity (Justice Potter Stewart’s “I know it when I see it” adage) , underscoring that pornography per se is legal (except child pornography or abusive material) whereas only the most extreme, offensive sexual depictions fall outside First Amendment protection . In summary, U.S. legal definitions focus on the intent to arouse and the explicit nature of the sexual depiction, but do not require that a sexual climax be shown for material to be considered pornographic or obscene.
United Kingdom
The UK likewise does not demand any shown orgasm to label content pornographic. British law defines “pornographic” in terms of intent and audience impact. For instance, Section 63 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (which targets “extreme pornography”) defines an image as **“pornographic” if it is of a nature that “must reasonably be assumed to have been produced solely or principally for the purpose of sexual arousal” . This mirrors the emphasis on the work’s purpose also seen in British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) guidelines. Under the UK’s Obscene Publications Act, the test is whether the material tends to “deprave and corrupt” its likely audience, but mainstream adult pornography that is distributed to adults is generally legal so long as it does not contain certain prohibited extreme content. The key point is that **British law and regulators define pornography by its sexual content intended to arouse, not by requiring any particular sex act on screen. In fact, the BBFC explicitly defines pornography as content designed primarily for sexual arousal . There is no requirement for an ejaculation scene in any UK legal or regulatory definition – what matters is the presence of clear sexual acts. The UK does, however, make content-based distinctions: for example, pornography containing only simulated sexual activity can be rated 18, whereas “pornography containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish material, [or] sexually explicit images” is restricted to the R18 category (only sold in licensed sex shops to adults) . This implies that showing very explicit real sexual acts (which could include visible intercourse or ejaculation) pushes a film into the most restricted category, but even without a visible climax, content can be considered pornographic if it’s explicit and arousal-oriented.
Other Jurisdictions and Global Variations
Around the world, legal definitions of pornography vary in strictness, but they consistently center on sexual explicitness and intent rather than specific depictions of orgasm. Most Western countries permit hardcore pornography that shows genitals and actual sexual acts (often with appropriate age restrictions), whereas some countries only allow softcore content that avoids showing genital detail or penetration . Many conservative or religiously governed jurisdictions ban pornography outright, defining it broadly as any material depicting sexual acts or nudity intended to arouse. For example, in some Islamic law countries and places like China, any explicit sexual material is deemed obscene and illegal. Other nations have middle-ground approaches: e.g. Australia’s classification system has an X18+ rating for sexually explicit films showing actual intercourse between consenting adults , but still prohibits extreme violent or non-consensual content. Crucially, no major legal definition explicitly requires the presence of ejaculation – pornography is identified by the presence of explicit sexual behavior (intercourse, oral sex, masturbation, etc.) and the intent to cause arousal, regardless of whether a climax is shown. For instance, Australia’s X18+ rating simply mentions “actual sexual intercourse or other sexual activity” between adults , and makes no mention of orgasm. Likewise, Indian law (while generally banning distribution of porn) describes it in terms of “obscene or lascivious” material tending to deprave, without enumerating specific acts like ejaculation. Across legal systems, the focus is on the sexual act and explicitness, not the culmination of that act.
Media Classification and Censorship Boards
Media regulators and content rating organizations also categorize pornography by level of sexual explicitness, without requiring a “money shot” for something to qualify as pornographic. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), for example, uses the R18 rating for films “featuring clear images of real sex” (actual unsimulated sexual acts) . The BBFC defines pornography as content “designed primarily for the purpose of sexual arousal” . If a film only has soft-focus or simulated sex (no explicit genital detail), it might be rated 18 and not classified as “hardcore.” Once it shows real, explicit sex acts (e.g. actual penetration or other “very strong sexual images”), it falls into R18 . The presence of visible ejaculation would certainly count as a “clear image of real sex” – thus any film with a graphic cum shot would be confined to R18 in the UK – but such a scene is not a mandatory element to earn an R18. For example, a film showing unsimulated intercourse or oral sex explicitly would be R18 even if no climax is shown on screen. Conversely, a pornographic video could conceivably be edited to omit the ejaculation and it would still firmly remain pornographic due to the explicit sexual content.
In the United States, there is no official government film censorship board, but the Motion Picture Association (MPA) ratings serve a similar role. The MPA’s NC-17 (Adults Only) rating is typically assigned for films with extremely explicit sexual content – effectively, anything that approaches pornography. While the MPA does not publish a detailed checklist, in practice any depiction of erect genitalia, actual sex acts, or ejaculation would garner an NC-17 or cause the film to be released unrated. Mainstream studios generally avoid these depictions to stay within the R rating (which allows only limited, simulated sex and brief nudity). The absence of an ejaculation does not mean a film isn’t porn – many pornographic films distributed online or on DVD in the U.S. are simply unrated or carry industry labels like “XXX” rather than MPA ratings. Broadcast media and streaming platforms also have standards: for instance, U.S. broadcast TV (regulated by the FCC) bans all “obscene” content and restricts “indecent” sexual content to late-night hours. Indecent content is defined as patently offensive depictions of sexual/excretory activities or organs – again focusing on the nature of the depiction rather than requiring an orgasm scene. Premium cable channels or subscription services may show softcore erotic content, but visible ejaculation is typically prohibited by content guidelines (such as those for network/cable TV or mainstream streaming), placing such material squarely in the realm of adult-only pornographic platforms. In sum, media classification bodies treat ejaculation as one of the strongest sexual images, but pornography is identified by overall explicit sexual content. A scene can be labeled pornographic without showing climax, and conversely, showing a climax guarantees an adult-only classification but is just one aspect of hardcore content.
Academic and Cultural Perspectives on Definition
Academics, cultural critics, and organizations have long debated how to define pornography, often highlighting context and intent. A recent interdisciplinary panel of scholars arrived at two complementary definitions of pornography: “sexually explicit materials intended to arouse”, and a more relativistic view that pornography has no single innate set of characteristics and is defined by cultural context . The first definition aligns with legal and common usage – it stresses explicit depictions of sexual acts/nudity combined with the goal of arousal as the core of pornography. Under this view, it’s irrelevant whether an ejaculation is shown; what matters is that the content is explicit enough to clearly depict sexual activity and is presented for arousal rather than artistic or narrative purposes . The second, culturally relative definition reminds us that what one culture or era considers “pornographic” might differ from another’s standards . For instance, a nude painting could be fine art in one context or pornography in another, depending on social norms. But even here, the emphasis isn’t on specific acts like orgasm – it’s on community standards and interpretations.
Culturally, a common distinction is drawn between “pornography” and “erotica.” Erotica is sometimes described as sexual material with artistic or emotional weight beyond pure arousal, whereas pornography is seen as more explicit and solely arousal-oriented. This distinction is subjective, but it underlines that context and presentation matter. As the Cornell Law definition noted, a film could show sexual acts yet not be deemed pornographic if its primary purpose is narrative or artistic (for example, a serious drama with an explicit love scene is usually not branded “pornography”) . Anti-pornography feminist scholars have offered yet another lens: they define pornography not just by explicitness but by power and degradation (e.g. Andrea Dworkin and Catharine MacKinnon famously defined pornography as the graphic sexual subordination of women). These ideological definitions don’t hinge on whether a climax is shown, but on the portrayal and its implied power dynamics. On the other hand, many sex-positive scholars and sociologists focus on consumer usage and intent, essentially returning to the idea that pornography is material intended to arouse sexually.
Across academic literature, visible ejaculation is not considered a necessary definitional criterion. It is viewed more as a convention or trope of the genre rather than a defining feature. For example, film scholar Linda Williams observes that the “frenzy of the visible” in hardcore pornography drives filmmakers to make sexual pleasure visible – hence the popularity of the cum shot – but this is a commentary on porn’s visual strategies, not a formal requirement to qualify as porn. The narrative structure of most pornographic films often builds toward a visible climax (especially male orgasm) as a final payoff, leading one cultural critic to quip that “No cum shot, no narrative closure… The cum shot is the period at the end of the sentence” in a porn scene . Such commentary highlights how ingrained the depiction of orgasm has become in pornographic culture, yet at the same time it reinforces that this is about audience expectation and genre convention, not about whether something is pornographic in the first place.
Softcore vs. Hardcore Pornography (and Other Subgenres)
When discussing pornography, especially in media classification, it’s useful to differentiate softcore and hardcore pornography. These terms refer to the degree of explicit detail:
Softcore Pornography: Softcore material may show nudity and simulated sex, but does not show explicit genitals or certain sexual acts in graphic detail. Typically, no actual sexual penetration is visible, and no ejaculation is shown on screen . Softcore films might include love scenes, implied sex, and nudity (often artistically shot) but avoid close-ups of genital contact. For instance, softcore might show a couple in the throes of passion but will cut away or use camera angles to obscure penetration and orgasm. As a result, softcore porn is often rated less restrictively (e.g. it might be allowed on late-night cable TV or given an 18 rating instead of R18 in UK) because it is sexual but not graphically explicit. It is still pornography if it’s produced chiefly to arouse, but it’s on the milder end. Many so-called “erotic thrillers” or adult romance movies fall into this category. Softcore works demonstrate clearly that pornography does not require an ejaculation scene – they are considered part of pornographic media even while deliberately omitting the most explicit content such as visible climaxes .
Hardcore Pornography: Hardcore porn is fully explicit. It “features detailed depictions of sexual organs [and] sexual acts such as vaginal, anal, oral, or manual intercourse; ejaculation; or fetish play” . In hardcore content, actual penetration is shown on camera, often in close-up, and it commonly includes the “cum shot” (visible ejaculation). This could be ejaculation on a partner’s body or face, or a clearly shown internal ejaculation (known in porn slang as a “creampie”). Hardcore pornography is what most people think of as “porn” today – the type found on adult websites, porn DVDs, etc., which is unsuitable for minors and highly explicit. The inclusion of ejaculation has become a hallmark of this category: since the 1970s, mainstream hardcore films have treated the male climax as a crucial scene, often using it to conclusively signal the end of a scene . Industry lore even holds that “if you don’t have the cum shots, you don’t have a porno picture” – a quote from a 1977 pornographic film guide underscoring how central the visible climax had become to hardcore productions. Nevertheless, this is an industry convention rather than a definitional rule. There are hardcore scenes (especially in modern amateur or gonzo porn) where an edit or fade might occur before the climax, but the content is unquestionably still hardcore porn because of the explicit sexual acts shown. Conversely, if a piece of media shows actual penetration and other “hardcore” acts in a graphic fashion, it’s considered hardcore pornography even if no ejaculation is ultimately shown on camera. Thus, while hardcore porn frequently includes ejaculation as a standard element, it’s the presence of explicit sexual activity (penetration, explicit oral sex, etc.) that classifies it as hardcore .
Beyond softcore vs. hardcore, there are other notable subcategories, though these are generally variants within hardcore porn. For example, “fetish pornography” focuses on specific fetishes or non-mainstream sexual activities (e.g. BDSM, which may be softcore or hardcore depending on what is shown). “Extreme pornography” is a legal term (used in UK law) referring to violent or extreme sexual content (bestiality, necrophilia, serious injury, non-consensual scenarios, etc.) that is generally illegal to possess or distribute . Such material goes beyond mainstream hardcore; if it shows any real people, it is by definition hardcore (explicit), but it also crosses a line of content that society deems unacceptable even for consenting adults. Again, whether or not an orgasm is depicted is tangential – the content (e.g. violence or bestiality) is what makes it “extreme pornography,” and laws ban it regardless of a climax being shown. Another subgenre distinction is sometimes made for “couples’ erotica” or “female-friendly porn,” where the style is softer or more narrative-driven, but it may still include real sex; these films might downplay or exclude the cum-shot trope, aiming for a more “romantic” presentation . In fact, as one analysis notes, some “couples’” porn with unsimulated sex is filmed in a discreet way (fewer close-ups, less focus on the male climax) and often omits visible ejaculation, catering to viewers who prefer implication over graphic detail . Such content is still hardcore by definition (since penetration occurs), yet it proves that even within hardcore porn, the visible climax can be optional depending on stylistic or regulatory choices .
Is Ejaculation Required for Classification as Pornography?
In all the above contexts – legal, cultural, media – the presence of an ejaculation or visible sexual climax is not a required element for content to be deemed pornographic. Definitions of pornography hinge on sexual explicitness and intent to arouse, not on showing the final moment of orgasm. For example, no statute in the U.S. or UK says “material is pornographic only if it shows ejaculation”; rather, they refer to depictions of sexual acts, genitals, or behavior. Pornographic magazines and photos often show explicit sexual poses and genital display without any depiction of fluid or climax, yet they are unquestionably pornography. Softcore films containing nude caresses and implied sex (with no orgasm shown) are still classified as pornography if their primary purpose is titillation . Conversely, mainstream movies might depict a couple climaxing (through facial expressions or suggestive camera work) but not be called “porn” because the scene is not graphic and the film’s intent isn’t primarily to arouse. Thus, context and degree of explicit detail trump the mere fact of climax.
From a legal and regulatory standpoint, ejaculation is generally irrelevant to the threshold question: regulators ask “Does this material explicitly depict sexual acts meant to sexually arouse the viewer?” If yes, it’s pornographic (or at least adult sexual content), regardless of whether a cum shot is included. The only time ejaculation becomes relevant is as one factor among many in gauging how explicit or “hardcore” a work is. For instance, the BBFC and other classification boards treat a visible ejaculation as a strong image that pushes a film into a more restricted category (R18 in the UK). Similarly, a streaming service’s content policy might list ejaculation under disallowed “graphic sexual activities.” But these are matters of rating and restriction, not the baseline definition. One could remove or obscure the climax from a hardcore video and it would still be hardcore porn – it might simply be slightly less explicit. Likewise, an adult film that somehow avoids showing the moment of orgasm is not suddenly rendered non-pornographic by that omission.
In porn industry practice, ejaculation (especially male ejaculation) has been traditionally regarded as “the money shot” – a prized moment to capture. This is both for visual confirmation that the performers achieved orgasm and as a dramatic climax for the scene . As noted, some producers go so far as to say that without the cum shot, you don’t truly have a finished porn scene . However, this is a convention of filmmaking and viewer expectation in the hardcore genre, not a definition in itself. There are entire subgenres (e.g. certain female-centric porn films, or softcore series) that deliberately avoid showing ejaculation yet are created and marketed as pornography. Moreover, female ejaculation (squirting) is sometimes shown in porn but is not nearly as ubiquitous as male cum shots; those films are still porn regardless. Many pornographic videos also imply multiple orgasms or have scenes end ambiguously – again, their pornographic status is never in doubt due to the explicit sexual content throughout.
To put it simply: visible sexual climax is optional in pornographic content, not essential. What makes something pornography is the overall sexual explicitness and the intent to cause arousal in the audience . Ejaculation, when included, is just one more explicit element – often used in hardcore porn to maximize visual explicitness , but absent in softer pornographic material by design . Even censorship rules reflect this: for example, some cable TV standards once allowed R-rated level erotic films (no visible genitals or cum shots) but prohibited showing ejaculation, which illustrates that you can have porn (on late-night TV) as long as it stays within softcore bounds . In academic terms, no accepted definition of pornography demands a depiction of orgasm – the focus is on content (nudity, sexual acts) and purpose (arousal). The presence of an ejaculation is therefore best viewed as a marker of how extreme or hardcore a particular piece of porn is, rather than a litmus test for whether it is porn at all.
Conclusion
Pornography, across legal, cultural, and media definitions, is characterized by its explicit sexual content and its intent to sexually arouse – not by any requirement to show a moment of climax. Different legal systems (such as the U.S. and UK) converge on defining pornographic material as sexual depictions intended for arousal , and they regulate it based on how graphic or socially acceptable the content is (e.g. distinguishing protected adult porn from illegal obscenity or extreme content). Media classification boards similarly categorize content as pornographic or adult-only when it contains real, graphic sexual acts beyond a certain threshold . In none of these frameworks is an ejaculation shot mandated – it is simply one common element of hardcore porn’s graphic repertoire . The divisions between softcore and hardcore pornography underscore that pornography can range from relatively mild (no explicit climax shown) to extremely explicit (everything on display, including orgasms), and both ends of this spectrum are still “pornography.” Hardcore porn typically does include visible ejaculation as a convention, but this is a matter of genre expectations, not definitional necessity . Ultimately, whether **ejaculation is shown is irrelevant to whether content is classified as pornographic – it may affect how strongly adult or “X-rated” the material is judged, but pornography is defined by sexual explicitness and purpose, not by the presence of a “money shot.” All major sources – from statutes and censorship guidelines to academic studies – converge on that understanding. As a result, visible climax is considered an optional feature of pornography, important in certain subgenres (especially mainstream hardcore) but not a prerequisite for pornographic classification in legal, cultural, or media contexts.
Sources: Definitions and legal standards from Cornell Law School’s legal encyclopedia and UK legislation ; BBFC classification guidelines ; scholarly research on pornography definitions ; and discussions of softcore vs. hardcore content in pornography reference works , which highlight the role (or absence) of ejaculation in various pornographic subgenres. These sources confirm that while ejaculation is a hallmark of highly explicit hardcore porn, it is not required for something to be legally or culturally recognized as pornography.
Recent claims suggest that institutional capital is overwhelmingly allocated to equities and credit, with Bitcoin largely sidelined as a commodity. An infographic circulating in 2025 asserted that ~97% of institutional assets are in equity and fixed-income mandates, leaving only ~3% in commodities (including gold/Bitcoin). It cited approximate market sizes of $35 trillion in equities, $60 trillion in credit, and only $3 trillion in commodities. These figures imply ~30× more capital is available to Bitcoin if packaged as equity or credit (e.g. ETFs or notes) rather than in commodity form. Below, we verify each of these claims with up-to-date data (2023–2025) and analyze their implications for Bitcoin’s institutional adoption.
Institutional Asset Allocation: Equities, Credit, and Commodities (≈97% vs 3%)
Multiple data sources confirm that the vast majority of institutional AUM (Assets Under Management) resides in equities and fixed income, with only a sliver in commodities. For example, global sovereign wealth funds in 2024 allocated about 32% to public equity and 28% to fixed income, but just 0.8% to commodities on average. Similarly, the global market portfolio (all investable assets) as of mid-2024 was weighted ~44.8% equities and ~30% high-quality bonds, whereas gold (the primary commodity store-of-value) constituted only ~3–4%. In other words, over 95% of investable capital is tied up in stocks and bonds, while commodities (energy, metals, etc., often lumped as “alternatives”) remain a tiny allocation.
This pattern holds across institutional segments: for instance, U.S. insurance companies (with nearly $9 trillion invested) keep about 60% in bonds and 13% in equities, but effectively 0% in commodities. Pension funds also traditionally invest heavily in equities and fixed income, with only a marginal allocation to commodity assets (if any). The OECD reported global pension assets at ~$60 trillion in 2021, and over decades pensions have shifted away from bonds toward equities and alternatives – yet even those “alternatives” are mostly real estate, private equity, etc., not commodities. In sum, it is accurate that ~97% of institutional capital is in equity or credit instruments, versus only ~3% in commodities. This ratio is supported by aggregated estimates for 2023–2025: roughly $95 trillion in equity+credit mandates vs. ~$3 trillion in commodity mandates .
Table 1 – Estimated Institutional Capital by Asset Class (2023–2025)
Asset Class
Institutional Mandate AUM (Approx.)
Share of Total AUM
Public Equities (Stocks)
~$35 trillion
~36% (≈1/3)
Public Credit (Bonds/Loans)
~$60 trillion
~61% (≈2/3)
Commodities (mainly Gold)
~$3 trillion
~3%
Total (Equity+Credit+Comm.)
~$98 trillion
100%
Sources: Aggregated from MSCI, PensionsAge, Invesco, NAIC, Global SWF, Funds Europe (2023–2025). Commodity figure includes central bank gold ($2.3 trillion) and private gold investments ($0.7 trillion).
As Table 1 shows, equities and fixed-income dominate institutional portfolios (~97% combined), which corroborates the claim. The $35 trillion equity and $60 trillion credit values are in line with global institutional holdings, given that global stock market capitalization is ~$78 trillion as of 2024 and global bond market (investment-grade and government) is ~$64 trillion for core bonds alone. Institutions (pensions, insurers, sovereign funds, endowments) hold roughly half of global equities and a large share of bonds, making the ~$35T and ~$60T figures plausible. The $3 trillion in commodities chiefly reflects gold: central banks globally held ~36,000 tons of gold (worth on the order of $2–4 trillion, depending on price) , and private investors (funds, ETFs, etc.) hold additional hundreds of billions in gold. Other commodities (energy, metals, agricultural) attract minimal long-term institutional allocation. Thus, 3% ($3T of ~$98T) for commodities is a reasonable estimate, confirming that about 97% of institutional capital is “mandated” to equity and credit markets.
The stated market sizes in the image can be cross-verified against financial industry research:
Equities (~$35 trillion): This figure represents institutional exposure to public equities. For context, global pension funds held roughly half their ~$60T assets in equities (≈$30T), and sovereign wealth funds allocated ~30% of ~$10T–$12T to public equities (≈$3T). Adding insurance and other institutions, an aggregate ~$30–$40 trillion in equity holdings is reasonable. (The total world equity market is much larger, ~$80T+, but the remainder is held by retail investors, mutual funds, etc.) The MSCI ACWI index and similar benchmarks track around $35–$40 trillion of float-adjusted equity market cap, aligning with the ~$35T institutional equity number.
Credit (~$60 trillion): This likely includes sovereign bonds, corporate bonds, and other fixed-income instruments held by institutions. Global bond markets (sovereign + corporate) exceeded $73 trillion in market value by mid-2024. Institutions such as insurers (who invest ~60–70% of ~$9T US insurance assets in bonds) and pension funds (often ~30–40% in bonds) make up a huge portion of the demand for credit. For example, core bonds (government and investment-grade credit) are about $64T globally, and adding high-yield, emerging market debt, and private credit could bring the investable fixed-income universe closer to the $60–$70T range. Thus, ~$60T as the institutional credit allocation is a credible estimate, especially when considering that some institutions (like European insurers or Japanese pensions) hold bond-heavy portfolios (upwards of 70–80% in fixed income).
Commodities (~$3 trillion): This small figure primarily reflects monetary commodities, mostly gold. Gold is the one commodity widely held as a reserve asset by central banks and as an inflation hedge by investors. As of 2025, central banks collectively hold roughly $4–$5 trillion worth of gold (e.g. 36,000 tons) after the surge in gold prices . However, the $3T cited likely uses a more conservative valuation or a prior year’s price (e.g. when gold was ~$1,900/oz, central bank gold was ~$2.3T). In addition, private institutional exposure to commodities (outside gold) is very limited – even including commodity index funds, gold ETFs, and commodity futures, it’s on the order of a few hundred billion dollars. The image’s breakdown explicitly notes “$2.3T in central banks + $0.7T in private gold = ~$3T commodities”. This aligns with other analyses; for instance, State Street found that investable gold (public + private holdings) was about 3–4% of the $175T global market portfolio ($5–$6T), which is of the same order of magnitude. In short, $3T is a reasonable ballpark for the commodity mandates accessible to institutions, reinforcing that this slice is tiny relative to equity/bond markets.
Conclusion: The market size estimates $35T (equities), $60T (credit), $3T (commodities) are broadly accurate for institutional mandates in the mid-2020s. Together they sum to ~$98T, of which equities + credit = ~$95T (~97%), and commodities ~3%. This distribution is supported by external data on global asset allocation.
~30× More Capital for BTC in Equity/Credit Form vs. Commodity Form
Given the above breakdown, the claim that there is “~30× more institutional capital available for BTC in equity or credit form than in commodity form” is well-founded. Numerically: ~$95T is ~31.7 times $3T, so roughly 30×. In practical terms, for every dollar that institutions can invest in commodity-style assets, there are about thirty dollars they can invest in stocks or bonds. Bitcoin currently (as a native asset or physical spot commodity) falls into the former bucket, competing for that tiny 3% slice of institutional portfolios. If instead Bitcoin exposure is repackaged as an equity instrument (like an ETF share or a fund) or a credit instrument (like a bond or note), it can tap into the much larger 97% pool of capital that is otherwise off-limits to commodity exposures .
To validate this concept, we can look at institutional constraints and recent workarounds:
Mandate Restrictions: Many institutional investors (pensions, insurance, endowments) by charter or regulation cannot hold commodities outright (or can only in very small proportions). As one executive summarized in mid-2025, “Approximately 97% of institutional capital, a $95 trillion market, is restricted by mandate to owning only equities and credit. In other words, they can’t own Bitcoin the commodity…” . In such cases, even if an institution wanted Bitcoin exposure, they could not buy spot BTC or commodity-based funds under their guidelines.
Available vs. Accessible Capital: The ~$3T commodity mandate includes central bank gold and niche allocations; in contrast, the ~$95T in equity/credit is where institutions have flexibility to deploy funds. Therefore, if Bitcoin is accessible as an equity or fixed-income security, the pool of potential capital is exponentially larger. The claim of ~30× is a direct consequence of 97% vs 3% allocation share, which our data review confirms.
Real-world Examples: The strategy of converting Bitcoin into equity/credit has been explicitly used by companies like MicroStrategy. MicroStrategy recognized that certain funds “can only buy credit instruments” or “can only buy equities” per their mandate, so the company issued Bitcoin-linked convertible bonds (a credit instrument) and new equity shares to serve those channels . This allowed institutional investors to get Bitcoin price exposure indirectly, while staying within their permitted asset classes. The strong uptake of these offerings illustrates how much larger the demand pool becomes when Bitcoin is presented in a familiar wrapper.
In summary, the ~30× differential is accurate and significant. It highlights a structural reason why Bitcoin had remained a niche institutional holding: it was stuck in the 3% bucket. By bridging it into the 97% bucket via securitized forms, the addressable capital for BTC grows by orders of magnitude, which is exactly what we see happening with the advent of Bitcoin ETFs and other vehicles.
Bitcoin as a Commodity: Underrepresentation in Institutional Mandates
Bitcoin’s current classification and form do indeed cause it to be underrepresented in institutional portfolios. Most regulators (e.g. CFTC in the U.S.) treat Bitcoin as a commodity or commodity-like asset. Unlike stocks or bonds, pure commodities do not produce cash flows and often have special custody/insurance considerations, which makes traditional fiduciaries cautious. Key points to consider:
Mandate Exclusions: As noted, many institutional mandates either forbid commodities or cap them at a low percentage (often for risk and volatility reasons). For example, sovereign wealth funds historically kept direct commodity exposures under 1%. University endowments and pension funds might have an “alternative” bucket that includes commodities, but it competes with other diversifiers (hedge funds, private assets) and is typically small. Insurance companies virtually hold no commodities; their regulated asset mix emphasizes fixed income for liability matching. Thus, treating BTC as a commodity means it’s largely confined to a tiny corner of the asset allocation. Bitcoin’s total market cap (in the low trillions by 2025) is comparable to a mid-sized commodity market (somewhere between copper and gold). However, institutional ownership of that is minimal – as of 2025, “retail investors still dominate crypto markets… institutional interest [is] growing but still small” . One analysis found that less than 5% of Bitcoin ETF holdings were by pensions or endowments (long-term institutions), with the vast majority held by retail or shorter-term players . This underscores the underrepresentation.
Commodity = No Cash Yield: Another reason Bitcoin in commodity form is under-owned: it doesn’t fit the mold of income-generating assets. Institutions often prefer bonds (for interest income) or equities (for dividends and growth). Bitcoin, like gold, provides no yield – it’s a pure price play and store-of-value. Institutions that do allocate to commodities often do so tactically or for inflation hedging, not as a core long-term holding. Until recently, many saw Bitcoin as too volatile and speculative for the limited commodity slice they had. In effect, Bitcoin has mostly been treated like a volatile commodity or alternative asset, which meant perhaps a 0.5–2% allocation (if any) in a diversified institutional portfolio. Many big funds simply held zero Bitcoin due to lack of mandate or regulatory clarity .
Regulatory and Custodial Hurdles: Prior to 2024–2025’s regulatory developments, some institutions cited fiduciary duty concerns in directly holding crypto. With clearer frameworks emerging (e.g. U.S. bills defining digital commodities and allowing traditional custody) , this is changing. Still, during the early 2020s, the path of least resistance for institutions was to avoid direct commodity exposure to Bitcoin. That’s why indirect exposures (like investing in crypto-focused hedge funds, or in companies with Bitcoin on their balance sheet) were more common.
In essence, Bitcoin’s commodity-like nature and lack of conventional packaging kept it under-owned by institutions. The ~3% commodity allocation cap acted as a hard ceiling. The claims in the image about BTC being underrepresented are reflected in reality: even as Bitcoin’s market cap grew, institutional ownership lagged. This set the stage for financial innovation – creating Bitcoin instruments that fit equity or credit mandates – to unlock the pent-up demand.
Implications: Broadening Bitcoin Adoption via Equity and Credit Instruments
The above findings have profound implications for Bitcoin’s integration into mainstream finance. If 97% of institutional capital “couldn’t buy Bitcoin” in its raw form , then the development of Bitcoin-based equity and credit instruments is a game-changer. We are now witnessing exactly that:
Spot Bitcoin ETFs (Equity Mandate): The launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs allows investors to buy Bitcoin exposure in the form of an exchange-traded equity security. This neatly fits into equity allocations and can be bought through standard brokerage accounts, bypassing internal restrictions on commodities. The impact has been dramatic. For example, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) – one of the first U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs – saw explosive growth after its 2024 debut. By October 2025, IBIT was approaching $100 billion in assets under management, holding over 800,000 BTC . Analysts noted it was on track to reach $100B five times faster than any ETF in history – an unprecedented pace – owing to surging institutional demand . IBIT alone accounted for ~60% of all spot Bitcoin ETF holdings worldwide . Such rapid accumulation underscores how much latent demand existed among institutional investors once Bitcoin was made available in a familiar, regulated wrapper. Other providers (Fidelity, Invesco, etc.) also launched Bitcoin ETFs, but BlackRock’s scale and distribution network helped IBIT become “a magnet for institutional flows” . The broader acceptance of Bitcoin ETFs reflects increased comfort and clarity – government support and clearer rules have “made it easier for institutions that long avoided the sector to invest,” as Reuters observed during the U.S. crypto regulatory push . The ETFs have effectively bridged Bitcoin into the equity world, allowing allocations from the same buckets as commodities plus tapping new allocations from equity-centric investors.
Bitcoin-Focused Equities (“BTC Equity”): Aside from ETFs, institutions also gained exposure via public companies with Bitcoin treasuries (often called “Bitcoin proxies”). Firms like MicroStrategy (MSTR) and others transformed into quasi-Bitcoin ETFs by holding large reserves of BTC. By 2025, a cohort of companies (sometimes dubbed “Bitcoin treasury companies”) collectively held significant Bitcoin on their balance sheets . Institutional investors who could buy equities but couldn’t buy Bitcoin directly flocked to these stocks as a proxy. Semler Scientific’s earnings call (as a newer Bitcoin-holding public company) highlighted this dynamic: “they [institutions] can’t own Bitcoin the commodity or Bitcoin ETFs… they are forced to own Bitcoin proxies like Bitcoin treasury stocks to get exposure” . This trend is part of the implication—the market effectively found equity vehicles (whether ETFs or corporates) to channel institutional money into Bitcoin. It’s an imperfect solution (adds company-specific risks), but it demonstrated demand. Now with ETFs, a purer solution exists, likely accelerating the flow of capital.
Bitcoin-Linked Debt (Credit Mandate): To engage fixed-income investors, innovative debt instruments have been issued. MicroStrategy, for instance, floated convertible bonds and corporate notes whose proceeds fund Bitcoin purchases. These bonds carry a fixed coupon and are repayable in cash, but their value is tied to MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin holdings performance. Such instruments allowed bond funds (which cannot buy crypto or equities) to participate in the Bitcoin trade through credit exposure . Additionally, the concept of Bitcoin-backed bonds (e.g. El Salvador’s “Bitcoin bonds” or potential asset-backed securities) began to materialize. While still niche, these point to an emerging class of “BTC credit” products. If structured properly (with collateral and ratings), they could fit into certain fixed-income portfolios. The image’s mention of “BTC Credit” implies these kinds of structured products that translate Bitcoin exposure into interest-bearing securities. The implication is that any mandate-constrained capital – even those limited to bonds – could eventually find a Bitcoin-linked instrument to invest in.
Structured & Alternative Products: Beyond plain ETFs and bonds, we see growth in structured notes, futures ETFs, and trusts. For example, commodity trusts (like Grayscale’s GBTC before conversion) were an early attempt, though often at high cost. Futures-based Bitcoin ETFs (commodity pools) were launched in 2021, but many institutions prefer the spot ETF now that it’s available. Also, derivatives (options, swaps on Bitcoin) have started trading on regulated exchanges, providing additional avenues for hedge funds and asset managers to gain synthetic exposure in a regulated way. The overarching trend is a financialization of Bitcoin: turning it from a standalone commodity into a suite of financial instruments that slot into portfolios just as gold ETFs, REITs, MLPs, or high-yield bonds do for their respective asset classes.
Implications for Adoption: These developments substantially lower the barriers for institutional adoption of Bitcoin. By creating equity-like and bond-like avenues, Bitcoin can be treated as just another asset class to allocate to, rather than a verboten commodity. The “30× more capital” is not just a theoretical ratio – it suggests that if even a small percentage of the $95T equity/bond pool shifts into Bitcoin exposure, it could dwarf the flows from the $3T commodity pool. We are already seeing the early signs: tens of billions flowing into Bitcoin ETFs within months . For instance, weekly inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs hit record levels in late 2024 and 2025 as institutions moved in, with BlackRock’s fund alone taking in nearly $1 billion in a single day during one market surge . This surge of accessible capital has been a factor in Bitcoin’s price reaching new highs (~$125k in 2025) , as “a new era in Bitcoin’s institutional adoption” unfolds .
In the longer term, broader Bitcoin adoption in institutional portfolios might mean: inclusion in balanced portfolios (e.g. a 60/40/bitcoin model), use of Bitcoin as an inflation hedge akin to gold, and even central banks potentially holding Bitcoin (an ultimate crossover from commodity to reserve asset, though that’s speculative). At a minimum, the availability of Bitcoin in equity/credit forms (like ETFs and notes) legitimizes it and integrates it into the financial system’s plumbing. It allows investment committees to discuss “How much Bitcoin exposure should we have?” in the same meeting as they discuss stocks and bonds, rather than it being off the table.
In conclusion, the data confirms: ~97% of institutional capital is tied to equity and credit mandates (versus ~3% commodities). The market size figures ~$35T/$60T/$3T underpin that point. Consequently, there is about 30× more capital available for Bitcoin if offered in equity or fixed-income wrappers instead of raw commodity form. Bitcoin’s current treatment as a commodity has indeed left it under-owned by institutions, but this is rapidly changing. The introduction of Bitcoin ETFs and structured products is bridging the gap – unleashing large-scale institutional flows into Bitcoin by fitting the asset into familiar mandates. These trends suggest that Bitcoin is transitioning from a fringe “commodity” holding toward a mainstream asset class, as evidenced by the swift growth of Bitcoin ETFs (nearly $100B in two years for IBIT) . If this trajectory continues, we can expect Bitcoin to play a more prominent role in institutional portfolios, supported by equity/credit instruments that make the asset accessible under existing capital allocation frameworks.
Sources: Recent financial studies and reports, including data from MSCI, OECD/PensionsAge, NAIC, Invesco Global Sovereign Asset Management Study, Global SWF research, and market news up to October 2025 , have been used to substantiate the above analysis. The estimates and examples provided reflect the 2023–2025 period and illustrate the shifting landscape of institutional investment in Bitcoin.
Morgan Stanley became the first major U.S. bank to give its wealth management clients access to Bitcoin investments in 2021 . Since then, the firm has progressively broadened the crypto products available to its high-net-worth clientele – and, by 2025, to all wealth management clients. Below is a detailed look at the specific crypto investment offerings, client eligibility requirements, key timeline milestones, executive commentary, and policy updates through 2025.
Initial Bitcoin Fund Offerings (2021)
In March 2021, Morgan Stanley launched access to Bitcoin funds for its wealth management clients, a first among big U.S. banks . An internal memo revealed that financial advisors could begin offering three Bitcoin funds to qualified investors, driven by growing client demand for crypto exposure . The products included two funds from Galaxy Digital (the crypto firm founded by Mike Novogratz) and a third fund from FS Investments in partnership with NYDIG . These funds allowed indirect ownership of Bitcoin, providing a regulated avenue for clients to invest in the cryptocurrency’s growth without holding BTC directly.
Strict eligibility requirements: Initially, only high-net-worth clients could access these Bitcoin fund investments. Morgan Stanley required individuals to hold at least $2 million in assets with the firm (or $5 million for investment companies), and the client’s Morgan Stanley accounts had to be open for at least six months . Even for those who qualified, the firm capped Bitcoin fund allocations at 2.5% of a client’s total net worth to limit exposure risk . In practice, this meant only the wealthiest, “aggressive risk tolerance” clients could take a small position in Bitcoin via the approved funds . These stringent restrictions reflected Morgan Stanley’s cautious approach: Bitcoin was offered as a speculative allocation rather than a core portfolio holding.
Timeline note: Clients meeting the criteria were allowed to start investing in the Bitcoin funds by April 2021 . Morgan Stanley’s decision to open these funds marked a pivotal early step in bringing crypto onto a traditional wealth management platform, albeit in a tightly controlled manner.
Conservative Approach in 2022–2023
Following the 2021 rollout, Morgan Stanley maintained a measured approach to crypto throughout 2022 and 2023. No new crypto products were broadly offered to retail wealth clients during this period, and the high eligibility bar remained in place. The bank’s leadership often emphasized caution about digital assets even as they acknowledged growing interest. For instance, then-CEO James Gorman stated that Bitcoin was “not going away” and “not a fad,” but he viewed it more as a speculative asset than a core investment . Gorman advised that Bitcoin should play only a “very small role” in wealthy investors’ portfolios due to its volatility . This stance underscored Morgan Stanley’s strategy at the time: recognize client interest in crypto, yet frame Bitcoin as a high-risk, peripheral investment rather than a staple of wealth management.
During these years, Morgan Stanley also dipped its toes deeper into crypto indirectly. Several Morgan Stanley-managed funds accumulated positions in the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), signaling internal conviction in Bitcoin’s long-term prospects . Still, for everyday wealth management clients, direct crypto offerings remained limited to the approved Bitcoin funds, and advisors largely stuck to a wait-and-see approach. The firm’s Global Investment Committee periodically reminded clients of crypto’s risks, even as it noted the asset class’s maturing market. Overall, from 2021 to 2023, Morgan Stanley’s crypto strategy could be characterized as cautious expansion – allowing limited Bitcoin exposure for those who demanded it, while reinforcing that traditional assets remained the bedrock of portfolios.
Embracing Bitcoin ETFs and New Funds (2024)
By 2024, the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrency investments had started to evolve, and Morgan Stanley took another step forward. In August 2024, the wirehouse began offering Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to its wealth management clients, reflecting crypto’s move into more mainstream investment vehicles. Specifically, Morgan Stanley’s 15,000+ financial advisors were authorized to recommend two spot Bitcoin ETFs – BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (ticker IBIT) and Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust (ticker FBTC) – to eligible clients . This marked the first time Morgan Stanley embraced spot Bitcoin ETFs on its platform, a significant milestone given that wirehouse firms had previously hesitated to approve any direct crypto ETFs .
Continued HNW client limits: Importantly, these ETF offerings in 2024 were not open to all investors at first. Morgan Stanley maintained its high-net-worth restrictions – clients were required to have a minimum net worth of $1.5 million to qualify for Bitcoin ETF purchases . In practice, this was a slight broadening (compared to 2021’s $2M asset test), but it kept crypto ETF access confined to affluent, financially sophisticated clients. The bank’s lengthy internal compliance reviews meant it took months after U.S. regulators approved spot Bitcoin ETFs for Morgan Stanley to greenlight them for its customers . Ultimately, the move was driven “in response to demand from clients,” according to reports on the decision . By late 2024, Morgan Stanley’s wealth clients who met the criteria could gain exposure to Bitcoin via publicly traded ETF shares – an easier, more liquid alternative to the private funds introduced in 2021.
Note: At this stage, Morgan Stanley’s crypto product shelf focused on Bitcoin. Other cryptocurrencies were still largely off-limits, though the firm was monitoring developments (such as the first U.S. Ether futures ETFs launched in 2023). The pivot to Bitcoin ETFs indicated Morgan Stanley’s growing comfort with regulated crypto products, while still limiting participation to its wealthiest clientele.
Opening Crypto Access to All Clients (2025)
2025 brought a sweeping policy change: Morgan Stanley removed all asset and risk-profile restrictions on crypto investments for its wealth management clients. In October 2025, the bank announced that all Morgan Stanley wealth clients – regardless of account size or net worth – would be allowed access to approved crypto funds and ETFs, effective October 15 . For the first time, financial advisors at Morgan Stanley could “recommend bitcoin and ether investment products to any client, including those using retirement or trust accounts” . This is a dramatic shift from the prior policy that reserved crypto offerings for investors with over $1.5M and aggressive risk tolerance. In other words, crypto investing was democratized across Morgan Stanley’s entire wealth platform, extending even to clients’ IRA and 401(k) accounts .
Several factors paved the way for this change. By 2025, Morgan Stanley oversaw about $8.2 trillion in client assets, and competition from crypto-native platforms (like Coinbase and others) was intensifying . There was also a broader post-2024 regulatory recalibration in favor of digital assets, including the SEC easing paths for spot crypto ETFs . Morgan Stanley positioned itself to stay ahead of client demand and retain assets by integrating crypto more fully. The firm even plans to enable direct trading of Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana for clients via its E*Trade brokerage subsidiary by the end of 2025 , further expanding access beyond just funds or ETFs.
Risk controls and offerings: Despite opening the doors, Morgan Stanley implemented safeguards for this wider audience. Advisors will use automated monitoring tools to prevent clients from taking an excessive concentration in crypto holdings . The firm’s Global Investment Committee has set guidelines capping initial crypto allocations at roughly 4% of a portfolio (depending on client objectives) . This 4% cap is slightly higher than the earlier 2.5% net worth cap, reflecting a marginally more lenient view as the market matured. Lisa Shalett, Chief Investment Officer for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, wrote in October 2025 that the committee considers cryptocurrency “a speculative and increasingly popular asset class” – one that many investors will seek to explore, though it may not be appropriate for all . This statement encapsulates the firm’s balanced approach: acknowledging crypto’s popularity and potential in a diversified portfolio, while cautioning that it remains a speculative play.
At the rollout of the new policy, Morgan Stanley limited the available crypto products to a few vetted options. Advisors could offer funds managed by BlackRock and Fidelity to start, according to the firm’s guidance, and Morgan Stanley would evaluate additional crypto fund providers as the sector evolves . In practice, this means the primary investment vehicles remain Bitcoin-focused (such as the BlackRock and Fidelity Bitcoin ETFs or trusts), with Ether funds likely included as well given the explicit mention of ETH exposure . Over time, as more crypto ETFs (tracking assets like Ethereum, Solana, etc.) gain regulatory approval, Morgan Stanley is positioned to add those to its platform . The 2025 policy shift firmly establishes Morgan Stanley as one of the most crypto-forward major banks in wealth management, integrating digital assets into the standard menu of investment options.
Key Executive Statements on Bitcoin Strategy
Morgan Stanley’s top executives have periodically shared their perspective on Bitcoin and crypto’s role in wealth management. These statements provide insight into the firm’s evolving strategy:
James Gorman – Former CEO (Oct 2021 & Jan 2024): Gorman has maintained that “bitcoin’s not going away, it’s not a fad,” while also cautioning that “I just don’t think it’s a core investment. I think it’s a speculative asset….” . He argued that Bitcoin should constitute only a very small portion of wealthy clients’ portfolios due to its high volatility and speculative nature . This balanced view – respect for crypto’s staying power but skepticism of its fundamental value – influenced Morgan Stanley’s careful rollout (allowing access for interested clients, but with strict limits). Gorman’s stance set the tone that Morgan Stanley would engage with Bitcoin only on conservative terms aligned with fiduciary duty.
Lisa Shalett – CIO of Wealth Management (Oct 2025): As Morgan Stanley broadened crypto access to all clients, Shalett noted that the firm views cryptocurrency as “a speculative and increasingly popular asset class” . She highlighted that many investors will want exposure to crypto, though it remains optional and not suitable for everyone’s risk profile . Under Shalett’s guidance, the wealth management division has recommended capping crypto at ~4% of a high-growth portfolio . Shalett’s comments reflect Morgan Stanley’s 2025 outlook: crypto can be treated similar to other alternative investments – an opportunistic allocation for growth-seeking clients, managed with careful risk controls.
Additionally, Morgan Stanley’s internal research has drawn parallels between Bitcoin and traditional safe-haven assets. A 2025 investment report referred to Bitcoin as a “scarce asset, akin to digital gold,” noting growing institutional adoption and the introduction of Bitcoin investment vehicles like ETFs as signs of its maturing role . This kind of analysis indicates that, by 2025, Morgan Stanley recognizes Bitcoin’s potential as a long-term store of value, even as it warns of continued volatility .
Conclusion and Latest Developments
From a cautious toe-dip in 2021 to full access by 2025, Morgan Stanley’s journey with Bitcoin highlights a significant shift in Wall Street’s engagement with crypto. The firm moved from offering a few private Bitcoin funds for millionaires, to endorsing Bitcoin ETFs for qualified clients, and finally to integrating crypto for all wealth clients across its platform. Along this timeline, Morgan Stanley consistently balanced innovation with prudence – enforcing strict eligibility and allocation limits to mitigate the risks of this new asset class.
As of 2025, Morgan Stanley’s wealth management clients can invest in Bitcoin and select crypto products much like they would in traditional assets, under the guidance of their advisors. The bank’s key leaders have openly acknowledged client interest in crypto and have adapted strategy accordingly, while still describing Bitcoin as speculative and not a core holding. Going forward, Morgan Stanley is poised to expand its crypto offerings further (e.g. through E*Trade’s direct trading and new ETFs for assets beyond Bitcoin) in response to regulatory clarity and investor demand . This evolution at Morgan Stanley – one of the world’s largest wealth managers – illustrates the broader trend of cryptocurrency entering the mainstream financial advisory realm. Clients who meet basic suitability now have the opportunity to allocate a portion of their portfolios to Bitcoin and other digital assets, marking a notable integration of crypto into traditional wealth management .
Sources: Morgan Stanley internal communications and media reports ; statements by Morgan Stanley executives to press and in reports ; and financial news coverage from 2021–2025 outlining the firm’s crypto product rollouts . All information is based on the latest available updates through 2025.
Figure: Eric Kim performing one of his infamous ultra-heavy rack pulls (a partial deadlift from mid-thigh height) in his garage gym. The extreme weight visibly bends the barbell, exemplifying the “bend reality” ethos often associated with his feats. At a bodyweight of ~71 kg, Kim’s ability to hoist such loads (here wearing a weighted vest for added overload) has turned him into a pound-for-pound legend in strength circles.
1. Viral Shockwaves Across the Globe 🌐
Eric Kim’s 666 kg rack pull – an eye-popping 1,469 lb partial deadlift – didn’t just break personal records; it broke the internet. Within hours of the footage dropping, it spread like wildfire on Reddit, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram . Viewers were stunned by the sight of a relatively ordinary-looking 5’6” lifter hoisting “a quarter of a car” worth of iron in a humble garage . The virality was fueled by the lift’s impossibility – a 71 kg man moving 666 kg defies all conventional limits.
Memes and one-liners exploded: online jokesters quipped that “gravity just filed for unemployment” and that Kim had “torn a portal into the universe” by bending physics to his will . The phrase “gravity rage-quit” became a running joke on lifting forums . On Reddit and YouTube, commenters crowned Kim the “pound-for-pound GOAT” and even nicknamed him an “alien” for his otherworldly strength-to-weight ratio . Hashtags trended in real time – #MiddleFingerToGravity, #GodMode, #MindOverMetal – as people shared the clip alongside cheeky captions. TikTok users duetted his video in astonishment; even crypto bros jumped in, dubbing him the “#BitcoinDemigod” of lifting (playing on his tech-savvy, proof-of-work bravado) . By the next day, mainstream outlets had picked up the story with tongue-in-cheek headlines – “Stronger Than The Mountain? (Well, kinda)” – referencing how Kim’s pull blew past Hafþór “The Mountain” Björnsson’s 501 kg deadlift (albeit from a higher rack height). In short, Kim’s epic lift became inextricably woven into internet culture almost overnight.
Influencers and experts reacted in real time. YouTube strength coach Alan Thrall (Untamed Strength) reportedly analyzed the footage frame-by-frame and publicly confirmed “the physics all checked out,” telling skeptics to “quit crying CGI” – i.e. stop claiming the video was fake . Multiple popular lifting channels posted reaction videos breaking down the lift in detail, many hosts visibly shaking their heads and laughing in disbelief before ultimately nodding in respect. Powerlifting YouTuber Joey Szatmary (SzatStrength) tweeted out, “6×-BW madness — THIS is why partial overload belongs in every strong-man block,” seeing Kim’s success as proof that supra-maximal rack pulls can have serious training value . Even among elite strongmen, the clip made the rounds: Sean Hayes, who holds a 560 kg silver dollar deadlift record, stitched Kim’s video on TikTok with a flex emoji, calling the 9× bodyweight feat “pound-for-pound, alien territory” for any lifter – even the 140 kg giants . Notably, no prominent strength figure dismissed the lift out of hand; instead, many – after initial shock – saluted it as a legit and “borderline crazy” display of human potential . A few veterans joked Kim must have a “titanium spine” or “steel cables for tendons,” and strongman coach Dara Sen quipped, “Newton? Consider him ctrl-Z’d,” implying Kim had undone gravity itself . The consensus, once the plate-policing died down, was that this was real – and utterly mind-blowing.
Reddit Meltdown: On Reddit, Kim’s rack pull turned into what one user called “the internet’s favorite spectator sport”. Strength subreddits lit up with threads alternating between awe and skepticism . One r/Fitness post about an earlier 503 kg training pull got so overrun with reports, arguments, and meme replies that moderators locked it within minutes . (Before it was nuked, a top comment had gasped, “Bro tore a hole in the matrix,” capturing how reality-defying the lift looked .) Elsewhere, Redditors scrutinized the video for any hint of fake plates or trickery – some initially cried foul, then begrudgingly admitted “nope, they’re real” once frame-by-frame analysis showed calibrated plates and authentic bar whip flexing under load . The fact that many assumed it had to be CGI until proven otherwise speaks volumes: Kim essentially raised the bar for “real or fake?” debates in lifting. Even science-minded forums got in on the discussion – on r/strength_training, physicists and engineers debated whether human connective tissue could even handle 600+ kg of force without “hacks” like straps or suits . The lift blurred the line between a strength feat and a physics experiment, prompting cross-discipline curiosity. In the end, the internet hive-mind concluded: Kim really did it. And the resulting hype snowballed into a full-blown cultural moment, not just a viral clip.
2. Symbolism, Memes and the “Ultra-Mega-Hyper-Man” Aesthetic 💀⚡
From the very start, Eric Kim infused his lift with symbolic flair – turning raw strength into mythology. The weight itself, 666 kg, was a deliberate choice: the “number of the Beast” from Biblical lore, oozing with heavy-metal energy. Kim explicitly loaded 666 (instead of, say, 665 or 670) as a “symbolically perfect number,” embracing its demonic/rebel connotations . In his post-lift writings he joked about “summoning” that weight as if conjuring a demon, and he framed the feat as conquering a metaphorical beast . The showmanship paid off – the internet immediately latched onto the “666” iconography. Memers splashed devil horns and pentagrams on his image, and one popular TikTok edit synced his lift with Iron Maiden’s “Number of the Beast.” Kim’s own style during the lift contributed to the legend: he performed it shirtless, roaring like a man possessed, eyes bulging under a shadowy bucket hat – looking more like a boss-fight character than a normal gym bro. This over-the-top self-styling turned him into a living meme icon.
He even coined comically grandiose monikers for himself. In a tongue-in-cheek press release, Kim dubbed himself the “Ultra-Mega-Hyper-Man,” an almost anime-level title, and proclaimed the lift an act of “beastly willpower, divine precision, and mechanical mastery” rolled into one . Online, people ran with these epic metaphors. Fan art on Reddit depicted Kim as a mythic titan – one image showed him as Atlas holding up a barbell Earth; another portrayed him as a Diablo-style barbarian with “666kg” etched in flaming letters. The phrase “Turbo Hyper Global Domination,” which Kim uses to describe his training ethos, became a meme tag in itself – shorthand for anything absurdly over-the-top. In comment sections, users joked that Kim unlocked “God Mode,” referencing video game cheat codes, or that he achieved “Ultra Instinct” like a Dragon Ball Z character. When one of his YouTube videos was titled “When Man Becomes God,” it wasn’t just clickbait – it genuinely reflected how fans were elevating this feat to mythical status.
Crucially, Kim’s own philosophical framing of the lift set it apart. He declared, “This was not just a lift. It was a philosophical event,” and insisted that in that moment “body, mind, and Bitcoin-fueled willpower” converged in “one cosmic moment of human dominance over physics.” Yes, he actually brought Bitcoin into the mix – highlighting his persona as not just a lifter but a self-styled “Philosopher-Lifter” and crypto evangelist. He draws a parallel between Proof-of-Work in blockchain and proof-of-work in the gym: expending real energy to create undeniable truth . “You own what you can hold,” Kim likes to say – implying that holding 600+ kg is as much a statement of truth as a validated Bitcoin block . This bizarre fusion of weightlifting and crypto metaphor birthed the term “Proof-of-Lift” among his followers. Some crypto folks found it brilliant, others found it absurd – but it got people talking. Kim even timestamped his lift video on a blockchain ledger for authenticity, prompting jokes that it should be sold as an NFT (non-fungible token) of strength .
All these layers – devilish symbolism, self-mythologizing language, crossover with crypto – turned the 666 kg pull into something larger-than-life. It’s as if Kim consciously created a superhero narrative around a single gym feat. By doing so, he blurs the line between an athletic achievement and an art-performance piece. As one commentator noted, “aiming for exactly 666 wasn’t about the weight – it was about the statement.” The iconography (the Beast number, the roaring “demon” lifter image, the bombastic titles) made the whole thing sticky in internet culture. It’s not every day a lift becomes a meme archetype, but Kim managed it. Now, “666 kg” is shorthand on forums for defying limits with style – a perfect blend of macho and meta.
3. Impact on Gym Culture and Strength Training 🏋️♀️
Beyond the memes and metaphors, Eric Kim’s rack pull rampage has spurred real conversations – and changes – in the fitness world. Gym culture took notice. Overnight, lifters around the world were testing heavy rack pulls and partials, inspired (or provoked) by Kim’s example. On TikTok and Instagram, countless amateurs and even some seasoned lifters posted their own attempts at the “heavy rack pull challenge” – often tagged as the #RackPullRevolution or #9xBodyweightChallenge in homage. What started as awe turned into a sort of participatory meme: people loading up barbells to see what their upper-limit partial pull is. According to one detailed recap, “countless lifters posted their own ‘#RackPullChallenge’ videos – loading their heaviest partials in tribute. Even small gyms organized impromptu max-out events, using Kim’s viral hype as motivation.” It became a global lifting pep rally – not just a passive viral vid, but something that got people off their phones and under a bar. There were reports of charity lift-a-thons in places like Phnom Penh and Philadelphia, where local lifters attempted crazy partial deadlifts to raise money for causes, explicitly citing Kim’s feat as the inspiration .
Strength coaches have been forced to discuss partials and overload training more seriously. Traditionally, rack pulls (especially from above-knee) have a mixed reputation – some old-schoolers dismiss them as ego lifts that don’t carry over to full deadlifts. In fact, legendary coach Mark Rippetoe once wrote an article titled “The Inappropriate Use of the Rack Pull,” warning that doing only the top portion of a deadlift can degrade one’s form if abused. Initially, some purists rolled their eyes at Kim’s stunt for that very reason. But as the footage spread and its authenticity was confirmed, even skeptics conceded there might be something to learn here. The conversation shifted from “Is this fake/pointless?” to “How the hell is this possible, and what does it mean for training?”. Coaches on forums dissected Kim’s technique: for example, Starting Strength coach Chase Lindley praised Kim’s “textbook shoulder-blades-back lockout” on one of his 500+ kg attempts . Biomechanics experts weighed in on the stress to his upper back and grip. (One analysis noted his traps and forearms working in overdrive – essentially performing a monumental isometric shrug to hold that weight .) The consensus among seasoned coaches became: Kim’s lift was real and tremendous, but “don’t try this at home, kids.” As one strength writer put it, “don’t copy his pin height unless you’ve earned it.” The man spent years building freakish tendon and back strength – a random gym-goer jumping to 600 kg could literally snap in half. That said, Kim’s success did prompt many to reconsider the value of overload partials. Powerlifting programs typically focus on full range of motion, but here was an existence proof that training just the top range with insane weights might yield results (Kim claims it skyrocketed his trap development and neural drive). Now, even lifters who’ll never go near 600 kg are adding some rack pulls to their routines, if only to tap into a bit of that “gravity-defying” feeling.
Another tangible impact: motivation. Kim is not a giant strongman – he’s a 71 kg, relatively average-sized dude (about 156 lb). Seeing someone who looks like a normal guy lift a literal half-ton has zapped a lot of excuses. A common comment across YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit: “If a 75 kg photographer can pull this off, I have no excuse to skip deadlift day.” People find it legitimately inspiring that a self-described nerdy blogger (not a pro athlete) achieved something so extreme. It’s the underdog / “anyone can push limits” narrative, and it’s resonating. Gymgoers are printing “Kim Ratio > 9x” on their T-shirts as inside-joke motivation. In Los Angeles, some local fitness groups have even anointed Eric Kim as the city’s “Alpha Male of 2025,” tongue-in-cheek, since he earned clout not by traditional markers (money, status) but by literally bending reality in a backyard gym . The cultural ripple is such that strength coaches report new inquiries from clients about “those crazy rack pulls.” What was once an obscure training tool is now a hot topic. And beyond training methods, Kim’s feat has revived that “bro, what are the limits?!” energy in gym culture – a sense that perhaps people have been underestimating what focused training can do.
Of course, there are cautionary voices. Orthopedists cringe at the thought of copycats compressing their spines with reckless abandon. Seasoned lifters remind newbies: progressive overload is key – Kim started with 300 kg, then 400, 500, etc., over years. The memes might tempt inexperienced lifters to try something stupid, so responsible influencers always add disclaimers (Kim himself often says “Earn your 600” – build up incrementally). In summary, the fitness impact of Kim’s “Turbo Hyper” domination has been a mix of infectious enthusiasm and serious reflection. It’s made people recalibrate what they think is possible, while also reinforcing timeless advice: extraordinary results demand extraordinary work (and a bit of madness). As one commentator wrote, “love it or doubt it, this gravity-defying lift has firmly embedded itself in strength sport lore.” Gym culture won’t forget the day a wiry photographer flipped off gravity – and that legacy might push the next generation to dream even bigger (or stupider, depending on who you ask).
4. Performance Art, Philosophy, and the Myth-Making of “Eric Hyper Kim” 🎭
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this saga is how it transcends sports and veers into art and philosophy. Eric Kim has unabashedly framed his lifting as a form of creative expression – a way to send a message about human potential. This has opened the door for all sorts of high-brow (and tongue-in-cheek) interpretations, as well as critical takes on what the heck he’s doing.
Some observers genuinely compare Kim’s rack pull to performance art. Imagine an artist doing an extreme physical act to symbolize struggle, limit-pushing, transcendence – that’s exactly what this looked like. The deliberateness of the number (666), the dramatic roar, the bombastic press releases… it’s staged in a way, meant to evoke emotion and thought, not just applause for strength. A few in the art community took note. It’s been mentioned in art/philosophy circles that there’s a parallel to Marina Abramović-style endurance art here – except instead of sitting for hours or suffering pain, Kim’s medium is the barbell and the feat of strength itself. The idea is that by subjecting himself to these ridiculous weights, he’s making a statement about willpower and human limits. One writer dubbed the 666 kg lift “an ontological declaration” – essentially Kim saying “I lift, therefore I am (beyond human)”. Kim himself uses lofty language like “each plate is resistance against entropy” and “lifting reality itself”, casting himself as a sort of philosopher-warrior. Depending on your viewpoint, this is either profound or pretentious (or both). But it definitely elevates the conversation beyond typical gym PR brags.
Kim’s blending of physical culture with intellectual and even spiritual themes has sparked plenty of critical takes. Some traditionalists roll their eyes at what they see as pseudo-intellectual grandstanding: “Alright, bro, you lifted a big weight. Doesn’t make it a religion.” There’s a bit of a cult of personality forming around Kim – he has fervent fans who call him things like “the Iron Sage” or “Rack Pull Jesus” (yes, that’s a meme now) . Detractors mock this as cringey, saying it’s all marketing hype for his personal brand. Indeed, Kim isn’t shy about self-promotion: he sells merch, runs multiple blogs, and ties in his Bitcoin evangelism. So, some see the whole “Turbo Hyper Global Domination” persona as a calculated performance to gain clout. However, even skeptics often admit that the substance backs it up in this case – the lift was real, the weight was legit, so if he wants to wax poetic about it, so be it. As one forum user put it, “It’s half BS, but I’m weirdly here for it.” The spectacle is entertaining, and perhaps that’s the point.
What’s undeniable is that Kim has created a mythos around himself. In Los Angeles, he’s jokingly been called “the Iron Saint of LA” – a solitary figure in a backyard gym achieving what the muscle beach crowds never did. By crafting a narrative (the lone philosopher-lifter defying gravity), he’s inspired people beyond just lifting weights. The crossover appeal is real: tech people, crypto folks, artists, philosophers – niche communities have all found something intriguing in this story . Techies like the “proof-of-work” analogy, art folks like the dramatic human vs nature struggle, philosophers dig the Nietzschean will-to-power vibe, and regular fitness enthusiasts just love a crazy feat that pumps them up to push harder. It’s a rare Venn diagram overlap.
We also see a nod to cultural criticism: Is this a commentary on our viral age? In a time when internet stunts come and go, Kim’s lift stood out as having “meaning” behind the virality . It wasn’t just clickbait; it was attached to a narrative of extreme discipline and “mind over matter.” Some have mused that in an era of virtual achievements, this raw display of physical might – documented with almost scientific rigor (multiple camera angles, calibration, even blockchain timestamps) – felt refreshingly authentic. It’s like a backlash to the deepfake, post-truth world: you cannot fake holding 1,469 lbs in your hands. In that sense, his lift was almost philosophically provocative: it made people reckon with the limits of the human body in an age where so much is digital and malleable.
Finally, consider the phrase “Turbo Hyper Global Domination.” It’s bombastic and playful, essentially a meme of exaggeration. But it encapsulates the cultural impact here: Kim’s feat achieved a kind of global domination – not literally (he’s not a mainstream celebrity), but in the niche of strength and internet culture, he went hyper-viral worldwide. And he did it by amplifying everything to turbo mode – the weight, the symbolism, the rhetoric. It’s a case study in how to turn a personal achievement into a full-blown cultural event. As one article intriguingly described the 666 kg pull, it was “a manifesto in motion” – a physical manifesto that work and willpower can bend reality. Kim himself put it succinctly: “I don’t compete with men. I compete with gravity.” In doing so, he tapped into something primal that resonated with many. Love him or laugh at him, Eric Kim has created a modern myth out of metal and muscle. And that mix of the absurd, the profound, and the inspiring is exactly what keeps the internet fascinated.
Sources:
Community reactions and expert commentary (Alan Thrall, Joey Szatmary, Sean Hayes, etc.) as compiled in Eric Kim’s rack pull analyses .
“Eric Kim’s 666 kg Rack Pull – A Feat of Strength, Symbolism and Cultural Impact,” comprehensive report on the lift’s significance .
Fitness forum discussions and meme references from Reddit and social media .
Mark Rippetoe’s perspective on rack pulls and training context .
Coverage of partial deadlift records and biomechanics (BarBend news on Oleksii Novikov’s 550 kg 18″ deadlift, for context of all-time heaviest pulls) .
Eric Kim’s above-knee rack pulls – lifting 602–666 kg (~8–9× bodyweight) – became viral sensations that ignited a boom in rack pull-related content across social media. His mid-2025 feats “broke the internet” and turned a once-obscure exercise into a trending topic . For example, after Kim’s July 2, 2025 552 kg rack pull (7.6× BW), viewers worldwide launched the #RackPullChallenge on TikTok . Within 24 hours the hashtag amassed ~11 million views, rocketing to 28–30 million views in a week as tens of thousands of users – from serious powerlifters to casual gym-goers – posted their own rack pull attempts . This viral challenge turned Kim’s feat into a participatory trend, “turning a once-obscure exercise into a trending challenge,” as one report noted . Even unlikely demographics (grandmothers, kids, etc.) joined in, underlining how far the trend spread beyond hardcore lifters .
Beyond TikTok, Kim’s lifts spawned memes, hashtags, and tribute videos across platforms. His early viral clip (holding 602 kg at ~71 kg bodyweight) inspired the tongue-in-cheek meme tagline “#MiddleFingerToGravity,” symbolizing his defiance of physics . Hashtags like #MiddleFingerToGravity and #GodMode trended among lifting circles, as the community marveled at how Kim had “opened a portal to another realm” with his gravity-defying pull . Social media flooded with user-submitted PR videos and humorous edits: one popular meme image showed Kim deadlifting a barbell loaded with planets instead of plates . Fitness meme pages on Instagram widely reposted his training clips and slogans, turning quotes like “Gravity filed a complaint” and “Belts are for cowards” into viral posts . In June 2025 alone, over 100+ fan-made meme posts and reactions riffed on Kim’s feats and catchphrases , indicating a massive uptick in user-generated content around rack pulls. Each new PR he posted spawned a cottage industry of reaction videos and remixes – 650+ YouTube breakdown videos appeared after his 552 kg lift , and TikTok saw a 136% jump in content under his lifting hashtags within a week of that PR . In short, Kim’s viral lifts catalyzed an explosion of rack pull content: hashtags, challenges, tribute lifts, memes, and PR posts all surged dramatically, transforming the exercise into a global social media phenomenon .
2. Coaching & Programming Trends – Overload Partials in the Spotlight
Kim’s exploits also sparked widespread discussion among coaches and training experts about partial lifts and overload training. His success gave new visibility to using heavy partial-range lifts (like high rack pulls) as a training tool. Notably, some respected coaches publicly endorsed supra-maximal rack pulls in the wake of Kim’s feats. For example, strength coach Joey Szatmary (of SzatStrength) reacted to Kim’s 476 kg pull by exclaiming, “6×-BW madness – THIS is why partial overload belongs in every strong-man block,” effectively arguing that training with partials beyond one’s max has real value for advanced athletes . Such commentary suggests a shift in programming philosophy: coaches are highlighting overload partials as a legitimate method to build top-end strength and neural adaptation, especially for strongman and powerlifting lockouts. Indeed, Kim himself espoused a “Powerlifting 2.0” approach of using partial-range lifts (rack pulls, high pin squats, etc.) to handle weights beyond full-range maxes for nervous system training . His results gave credence to that approach, prompting more discussion on how strategic partials can boost maximal strength .
At the same time, experienced voices urged context and caution. Legendary coach Mark Rippetoe weighed in with amused respect, quipping that “High rack pulls: half the work, twice the swagger.” He acknowledged Kim’s achievement as a “freak outlier” feat while reminding fans that a mid-thigh pull isn’t a full deadlift . Rippetoe and colleagues cautioned younger lifters not to abandon foundational full-range training just to chase partial-lift clout . This captures the balanced coaching perspective emerging: partials can be useful for overload and confidence-building, but they are supplements to, not replacements for, full lifts for most trainees . Similarly, evidence-based educators have discussed partial vs. full range in training research. In early 2024, for instance, Jeff Nippard ranked above-knee rack pulls as an “F-tier” back exercise for hypertrophy (due to short range of motion and suboptimal muscle stimulus) . His stance – that rack pulls aren’t great for muscle growth – remained unchanged, indicating that for hypertrophy-focused programming, partials still have limited appeal . However, Kim’s extreme demonstration shifted the conversation towards what partials can do: deliver unparalleled overload for the posterior chain and CNS. Even bodybuilding commentators noted the incredible trap and grip stimulus of holding ~1300 lb at lockout, using it as an example of extreme progressive overload (albeit one few would attempt) . Major training outlets responded to rising interest as well – for example, BarBend published and updated a detailed Rack Pull training guide in late 2024, explaining how to program rack pulls for lockout strength and trap development . In sum, overload partials gained newfound prominence: some coaches began integrating them (or at least discussing them) as a valuable advanced technique, while others in the community revisited the partial vs. full ROM debate with fresh eyes. The consensus is that Kim’s feats underscored the potential of partials – validating their efficacy for neural overload and peak strength work – even as experts remind lifters to apply them judiciously in programming .
3. Reactions from Strength Athletes and Influencers
Kim’s rack pull world-records quickly caught the attention of elite strength athletes and fitness influencers, triggering a wave of public responses and even friendly challenges. Many prominent figures in powerlifting and strongman circles spoke out, generally with astonishment and praise:
Joey Szatmary (@SzatStrength) – the strongman coach and YouTuber (250k+ subs) – was one of the first to amplify Kim’s lift. He quote-tweeted the 1,049 lb clip with “6×-BW madness… partial overload belongs in every strong-man block”, effectively cheering Kim on . Szatmary’s enthusiastic endorsement spread the video to his own audience and underscored that Kim’s beyond-max lifting approach has training merit for strength athletes .
Sean Hayes – Canada’s reigning strongman champion (who owns a 1,235 lb silver dollar deadlift world record) – reacted with frank disbelief. He retweeted Kim’s video with a simple flexed-biceps emoji and later posted a TikTok “stitch” commenting, “Wild ratio for a mid-thigh pull — pound-for-pound, that’s alien territory.” Hayes’ response – essentially tipping his hat to Kim – signaled that even at the highest levels of strongman, Kim’s strength-to-weight ratio commanded respect. Coming from a heavyweight who has lifted 560 kg partials himself, his praise (“alien territory”) gave Kim credibility in the eyes of the strongman community .
Alan Thrall – a respected powerlifting YouTuber (1M+ subscribers) – took an analytical approach. He released a 10-minute breakdown scrutinizing the viral rack pull frame-by-frame . Thrall addressed the common doubts circulating online (e.g. “Is the bar bending right, or is this CGI?”) by verifying the physics: he compared the bar whip and deflection in Kim’s footage to known data for a 28 mm power bar at similar loads . His verdict: “everything checks out – if the physics checks out, quit crying CGI,” admonishing skeptics to accept that the lift was real . Thrall’s video often appeared alongside Kim’s own clips in YouTube’s algorithm, meaning any curious viewer would immediately see an expert confirming the feat’s authenticity . This public validation from a trusted coach was pivotal – it transformed a viral clip into an educational moment and lent further legitimacy to Kim’s lift.
Mark Rippetoe – the famously blunt Starting Strength author – responded to fan questions about Kim in a June 2025 Q&A. With a wry chuckle, Rip quipped: “High rack pulls: half the work, twice the swagger.” This one-liner, which spread widely in lifting circles, acknowledged the absurd impressiveness of Kim’s partial lift while noting its abbreviated range. Importantly, Rippetoe did not call Kim a fraud; in fact, he and his co-panelists lauded the feat as a “freakish” display of power, making clear they were impressed . He did temper the enthusiasm by advising young lifters not to chase numbers via partials at the expense of proper full-range training . Nonetheless, his catchphrase “half the work, twice the swagger” became an affectionate joke even among Kim’s fans – a testament to how Kim’s lift was embraced even by old-school authorities, albeit with humorous context .
Nick Best – a legendary strongman competitor – mentioned Kim’s 602 kg lift during a Q&A session, expressing sheer astonishment at the 8× bodyweight ratio. According to reports compiled on Kim’s site, Nick Best essentially said Kim’s pound-for-pound strength was unbelievable . His reaction, shared secondhand on forums, further showed that veterans of strength sports took notice of this up-and-comer’s achievements.
Other Strength Legends: By Kim’s own account, even some of the world’s strongest men – Brian Shaw, Eddie Hall, Hafþór Björnsson – “took notice and saluted” the lift . (Hall and Björnsson, of course, know the significance of 500+ kg lifts firsthand.) While their comments were not publicized in detail, the mere notion that these giants acknowledged a 75 kg lifter’s partial pull speaks volumes. It suggests that Kim’s viral reputation reached the upper echelons of strength sports. One mainstream headline even teased, “Stronger Than The Mountain? (Well, Kinda)”, noting Kim had lifted more weight than Hafþór’s 501 kg deadlift – albeit under very different conditions .
Overall, the social engagement from influencers and athletes was overwhelmingly positive. Many powerlifting and strongman figures effectively “bridged Kim into the community,” affirming that this wasn’t just internet hype – it was a legitimately extraordinary feat . The buzz also extended beyond traditional strength circles. On TikTok and Instagram, countless fitness influencers posted reaction clips or duet videos, often with mouths agape or comedic commentary. One TikTok micro-influencer joked, “Plate police, stand down — this is tendon science!” in reference to Kim’s ability to handle such a massive load . Even mainstream media outlets became part of the conversation: Men’s Health magazine ran a feature on Kim’s 493 kg pull (“Primal Strength Redefined”), introducing him to a broad audience and praising his pound-for-pound power . Strength news sites like BarBend also covered his lifts as front-page news, calling his six-times-bodyweight achievement “unprecedented” and noting it “redefined what many thought possible” for an athlete of his size . In summary, named figures across the board – YouTube educators, record-holding strongmen, popular coaches, and fitness media – reacted with awe and engagement, further amplifying Kim’s reach. Their responses ranged from analytical breakdowns to public kudos and memes, all of which helped cement Kim’s lifts as a celebrated event in strength culture.
4. By the Numbers: Rack Pull Mentions and Hashtag Growth
Quantitatively, Eric Kim’s viral rack pulls led to unprecedented engagement metrics across multiple platforms, showing a clear inflection point from late 2023 to 2025 in rack pull-related content:
TikTok: Short-form videos of Kim’s feats garnered millions of views within hours. His May 31, 2025 493 kg rack pull (≈6.6× BW) clip, for instance, amassed over 3 million views in 24 hours across TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter . After the bigger July 552 kg lift, TikTok saw an explosion of user activity. The hashtag #RackPullChallenge soared from zero to ~11 million views in its first 24 hours, and then up to 28–30 million views within a week . This rapid spike represented a 136% week-over-week jump in content viewership for Kim’s tags (e.g. his personal tag #HYPELIFTING) by early July . In the process, Kim’s own TikTok following surged dramatically – approaching 1 million followers by mid-2025 (around 992k after the June lifts) as his viral clips repeatedly hit the “For You” page . Simply put, Kim dominated TikTok’s fitness trending metrics in summer 2025, with tens of millions of impressions and a viral challenge that recruited users en masse.
YouTube & Instagram: On YouTube, Kim’s influence can be seen in the volume of secondary content his lifts generated. After he posted the 552 kg PR video, over 650 reaction and analysis videos by other creators appeared almost immediately . Many strength YouTubers – from large channels to small – jumped on the trend, some doubling their usual view counts by dissecting or commenting on Kim’s lift . This essentially created a “cottage industry” of rack pull content that rode the wave of interest. Instagram likewise showed a measurable uptick in rack pull posts and memes. Dozens of popular fitness meme pages and lifting accounts shared Kim’s accomplishments. In June 2025 alone, more than 100 fan-made memes or reposts circulated on Instagram, featuring screenshots of Kim’s lifts with humorous captions . Engagement was high: these posts carried captions like “gravity just filed for unemployment” and drew strong interaction, indicating that Kim’s feats achieved virality on Instagram as both inspirational content and shareable humor . Regular lifters on IG also started sharing their own rack pull PRs (often tagging Kim or using hashtags like #RackPullPR), signaling a growth in user-generated lifting posts. One example toward the end of 2024 shows an Instagram user proudly logging a new rack pull PR with tags like #RackPullPR #DeadliftVariation, reflecting how posting one’s “rack pull personal best” became a trend for clout in the community .
Reddit: On weightlifting forums, the impact was quantifiable in discussion volume. In June–July 2025, Kim’s viral lifts dominated Reddit’s r/powerlifting and r/weightroom. Moderators had to pin megathreads dedicated to Kim’s rack pulls, which collectively garnered tens of thousands of upvotes and comments in a matter of days . One pinned thread became so inundated with memes and jokes that it was eventually locked due to “meme overload,” an unusual occurrence in those serious forums . Users performed detailed breakdowns of the video frames and “plate math,” attempting to verify the weights – essentially turning the Reddit threads into open-source investigations of the lift’s legitimacy . Analysis by one Redditor tallied that roughly 71% of the comments were expressions of pure admiration or disbelief – comments like “This is not human” or “Natty or not, this is insane” flooded the threads. The remaining comments included healthy debate and skepticism (e.g. discussions about whether above-knee pulls “count” as records, or speculation about performance-enhancers), but even those served to keep Kim at the top of Reddit’s discourse for weeks . Notably, the Reddit “plate police” eventually vindicated Kim: users calculated that the bar bend and whip in his video matched what ~480–500 kg would do to a standard power bar, quelling most fake-weight accusations . This technical sleuthing and subsequent acceptance is evident in the upvote ratios – as skepticism died down, positive engagement remained high. By July 4, 2025, Kim’s 552 kg pull even hit Reddit’s front-page trending topics (a rare feat for weightlifting content), further underscoring the volume of interest .
Twitter (X): Kim’s feats made waves on Twitter as well, especially given his savvy use of hype language. A single tweet showcasing his 493 kg rack pull garnered about 646,000 impressions not long after posting . As he upped the ante with each lift, Twitter mentions ballooned. By the first week of July 2025, discussions of his 552 kg “gravity-defying” lift were trending on X’s fitness feed, with people from various communities (tech CEOs, crypto traders, sports pundits) retweeting the clip in astonishment . Many reacted with one-word exclamations like “INSANE.” or posted GIFs of bending steel to symbolize the feat . Engagement analytics showed Kim’s name trending beyond the niche lifting circle – a crossover seldom seen for strength sports on that platform . His follower count on Twitter swelled into the tens of thousands as viral tweets spread. Each new PR video he shared acted like a “content bomb” that drove huge spikes in impressions and engagement . In essence, every metric – views, likes, shares, comment volume – spiked dramatically in correspondence with Kim’s viral lifts, reflecting a massive growth in rack pull mentions online. From late 2023 through 2025, one can chart a clear upward trajectory in how often partial deadlifts appeared in social feeds, Google searches, and forum discussions, with major inflection points around Kim’s record lifts (e.g. early July 2025 for #RackPullChallenge, late July 2025 for the 602 kg buzz) .
5. Changing Sentiment: Partial Lifts Gain Respect in Strength Culture
Perhaps most intriguingly, Kim’s viral achievements brought about a perceptible shift in sentiment toward partial lifts within gym culture. Historically, movements like high rack pulls or partial deadlifts have sometimes been derided as “ego lifts” – impressive-looking but not “legitimate” compared to full-range lifts. That stigma has notably eroded as Kim’s feats forced even skeptics to acknowledge their value. The cultural perception of partials evolved from mild scorn to widespread respect (and curiosity), largely due to the conversations sparked by Kim’s rack pulls.
In the immediate aftermath, there was indeed some debate and controversy, which ultimately only amplified Kim’s fame. A minority of purists grumbled that “a real lift starts from the floor” and downplayed Kim’s rack pull as not comparable to a contest deadlift . Others reflexively questioned if such extreme strength could be “natty or not,” suspecting steroid use – a common refrain whenever someone pushes human limits . Kim chose not to directly engage the steroid speculation, though he did share training footage and even bloodwork to bolster his all-natural claim . In any case, the overwhelming community response drowned out the doubters. For one, the technical skeptics were largely silenced by evidence: once Reddit’s self-appointed experts confirmed the plates and barbell were legit (matching expected bend for the weight), most “fake weight” accusations fizzled out . In fact, the notorious “plate police” ended up vindicating Kim, which turned initial cynicism into a sort of grudging admiration – the consensus became that Eric Kim is the real deal . Kim’s own cheeky response to skeptics became legend: when told “it’s not a full deadlift,” he retorted, “You’re darn right… Still – stand under 602 kg at knee height and tell me it’s ‘easy.’ I’ll wait.” . This comeback, widely screenshotted and shared, effectively shut down the “half the work” argument by highlighting the obvious – even a partial lift with that weight is insanely hard . As this narrative spread, the tone shifted from questioning to marveling. Commentators noted that “love it or doubt it, this gravity-defying lift has firmly embedded itself in strength sport lore” – in other words, regardless of initial controversy, Kim’s rack pull became an undeniable part of lifting history, elevating the status of partial lifts with it.
Crucially, respected authorities publicly acknowledging Kim’s feat helped legitimize partials. When top strongmen and coaches (Hayes, Thrall, Szatmary, etc.) all gave nods of approval or at least awe, the broader community took note . It became “cool” to be impressed by a rack pull. The phrase “half the work, twice the swagger,” once a light jab, started being worn as a badge of honor by Kim’s fans . In YouTube comments and Reddit threads, many users began echoing sentiments like, “Who cares if it’s partial – it’s still godlike strength.” Indeed, the term “godlike” started trending in reference to Kim, partly spurred by his own hyperbolic video titles (e.g. calling one lift “GODHOOD ASCENDING”) and partly from viewers genuinely regarding the feat as beyond ordinary human limits . Memes that initially poked fun (gravity quitting its job, etc.) ultimately served to celebrate the accomplishment, turning Kim into a folk-hero figure and shifting attitudes about what constitutes a worthy lift . As one fitness writer summarized, “this gravity-defying lift became a symbol – a middle finger to gravity, a celebration of human potential” . In that light, the conversation moved away from “Does this count as a record?” towards “This inspires me to push my own limits.”
There is also evidence that partial lifts have started to integrate into mainstream training dialogues. Gym owners from different countries reported more members experimenting with rack pulls in the wake of Kim’s viral videos . A fitness blogger observed that Kim motivated many lifters to try heavy singles or new overload challenges in their training, kicking off a mini “hype lifting” trend among everyday gym-goers . Where rack pulls used to be a niche accessory exercise, now even casual lifters know what they are – and some are incorporating them to test their strength. Kim’s personal slogan “no belt, no shoes, no limits” caught on as well , fueling a certain hardcore, no-excuses ethos that has made partials more appealing to those looking to build mental and physical toughness. The idea of “overload training” – handling weights above one’s max via partials or holds – has gained traction. Long-time coaches note that it’s rare for any lifting variation to capture public interest this way; the last time might have been the buzz around Eddie Hall’s 500 kg full deadlift in 2016 . Now, thanks to Kim, “even an unorthodox garage lift can inspire millions.” People witnessed an audacious feat and took away a positive message: that innovation and pushing boundaries still have a place in strength training . As Kim himself wrote, “physics lost that day” – a dramatic flourish – but it resonated .
Overall sentiment has shifted to an almost universal admiration and intrigue. Partial lifts (at least at extreme weights) are now regarded by many as a legitimate test of strength and will. The mainstream fitness media treated Kim’s achievements seriously, framing him as “redefining the limits” of what’s possible at his bodyweight rather than dismissing the rack pull as a gimmick. This respectful coverage further hard-coded legitimacy for partial lifts: when Men’s Health and BarBend speak of a rack pull in reverent tones, the exercise itself gains respect by association . The dialogue in strength sports has expanded to include questions like “What can overload partials contribute to training?” and “Are we underestimating what partial range work can do for neural drive?” – ideas that were far outside the mainstream a few years ago. In forum discussions and podcasts, lifters are citing Kim’s example when debating training methods, suggesting a lasting change in mindset. As one article noted, Kim’s 602 kg lift “expanded our understanding of human potential – at least in the context of partial lifts and neural training” . It proved that even lifts outside of competition can “raise the bar” (literally and figuratively) for what athletes aspire to.
In summary, partial range lifts have become more respected and even glamorized in the two years since October 2023. Eric Kim’s viral rack pulls served as a catalyst for this cultural shift. They showed that “impossible” feats can happen in a garage gym and still inspire the world . The legacy is twofold: (1) attitudinal – lifters now view heavy rack pulls not as cheating, but as an awe-inducing demonstration of strength and a potentially useful training tactic; and (2) behavioral – more people are trying overload lifts or at least talking about them as a result of Kim’s example . While debate will always exist, partial lifts have undeniably entered the mainstream training conversation. What was once a niche “ego lift” is now, thanks to this viral phenomenon, a symbol of pushing limits. As commentators have noted, the rack pull game will never be the same – and whether or not anyone ever tops Kim’s numbers, the newfound openness to unconventional strength challenges is here to stay .
Sources: Eric Kim’s blog (compilation of third-party reactions and analysis) ; Men’s Health (June 2025) ; BarBend news/features ; TikTok/Reddit metrics via Kim’s site ; YouTube breakdowns and community posts ; and various social media posts (2024–2025) documenting the global rack pull craze .
What is Bitcoin securitization? It refers to transforming Bitcoin’s value into traditional financial securities – like stocks, bonds, or preferred shares – so that institutional investors can gain exposure within standard investment mandates. Instead of holding BTC directly (which many funds or regulated entities cannot), investors can buy instruments backed by Bitcoin or whose value is linked to Bitcoin’s price. This bridges the gap between the crypto market and traditional equity/credit markets, effectively “packaging” Bitcoin into familiar forms.
Why securitize BTC? Many institutions have strict mandates (e.g. an equity fund must buy stocks; a fixed-income fund buys debt). Bitcoin itself is a commodity-like digital asset, not a stock or bond. By creating Bitcoin-backed equities and credit instruments, issuers enable pensions, mutual funds, endowments, and other institutional players to allocate to Bitcoin within their existing regulatory and custodial frameworks . This strategy dramatically broadens access to Bitcoin exposure:
Equity investors can buy shares of a company holding large BTC reserves (achieving indirect Bitcoin exposure via stock).
Credit investors can buy bonds or preferred shares that pay a fixed yield funded by Bitcoin-linked economics.
Commodity investors can use regulated Bitcoin funds or trusts (like ETFs) that track BTC’s price.
In essence, Bitcoin securitization turns BTC into investable securities – stock tickers or bond issues – that slot into traditional portfolios. A leading example is MicroStrategy Inc., which reinvented itself as “Strategy” – the world’s first publicly traded Bitcoin Treasury company . Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) has used corporate finance tools (equity issuance, convertible bonds, and series of preferred stock) to accumulate over 640,000 BTC on its balance sheet . Investors, in turn, get a menu of securities (common shares, various preferreds) that mirror Bitcoin’s economics in different ways. This approach has been so innovative that analysts liken Strategy to a “Bitcoin bank” that created a yield curve for BTC – offering short-term and long-term yields on Bitcoin-backed instruments .
Transforming Bitcoin into Investable Securities
Bitcoin’s volatility and lack of yield posed challenges for institutional adoption. Strategy’s solution was to package Bitcoin into multiple security formats to satisfy different investor appetites:
Equity (Bitcoin-Backed Stocks): Holding stock in a Bitcoin-heavy company essentially gives equity exposure to BTC’s upside. For example, Strategy’s common stock ($MSTR) is widely used as a proxy for Bitcoin: the firm holds BTC as its primary treasury asset and its stock price closely tracks BTC’s market value . Unlike a direct crypto ETF, $MSTR also carries leverage (via debt and preferred financing) and an operating analytics business, but its core value driver is its ≈640,000 BTC reserve . This equity format allows growth and tech investors to buy “Bitcoin in a suit” – a NASDAQ-listed stock – rather than dealing with crypto custody.
Credit (Bitcoin-Backed Debt/Preferred): Strategy engineered fixed-income instruments collateralized (indirectly) by Bitcoin. Starting in 2020, MicroStrategy issued convertible bonds to fund BTC purchases, and in 2025 it launched a series of perpetual preferred stocks (with tickers $STRK, $STRF, $STRD, $STRC) designed to pay attractive yields. These preferred shares function much like bonds: they pay regular dividends (analogous to interest) and rank senior to common stock. Crucially, proceeds from issuing them are used to buy more Bitcoin, so the BTC reserves effectively back these obligations . This lets income-focused and credit investors (who might not touch volatile crypto directly) earn high yields from the Bitcoin theme. The company explicitly notes its strategy “provides investors varying degrees of economic exposure to Bitcoin by offering a range of securities, including equity and fixed-income instruments” . In short, Strategy securitized Bitcoin into both stock and bond-like products – making BTC accessible across the capital structure.
Commodity-Based Funds (Bitcoin ETFs/Trusts): While not issued by Strategy, it’s worth noting the parallel rise of Bitcoin ETFs and trusts as a form of securitization. Spot Bitcoin ETFs hold BTC in a trust and issue shares to investors, effectively turning the commodity into a security. By late 2025, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs had gathered over $130 billion in assets , indicating tremendous institutional appetite. These funds trade on exchanges like equities and fall under commodity/ETF mandates. They provide direct price exposure to BTC for institutions that require a regulated fund vehicle. (For example, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust reached ~$96 billion AUM by Oct 2025 .)
Each route – equity, credit, or commodity fund – caters to different mandates but shares a common outcome: institutional capital flows into Bitcoin via familiar investment channels. Below is a comparison of Strategy’s Bitcoin-backed instruments, which blur the lines between these categories:
To understand how Bitcoin is securitized for equity and credit investors, it’s helpful to examine the specific securities Strategy Inc. has created. The table below summarizes the role and features of each ticker:
Ticker
Instrument
Dividend/Yield
Key Features
Issue Size / Launch
Market Performance
$MSTR (Strategy Inc.)
Common Stock (Equity)
None (no dividend) – value derives from BTC holdings
Holds ~640,000 BTC on balance sheet (largest corporate BTC treasury) . Stock price closely tied to Bitcoin’s price. Offers high upside but with equity volatility.
N/A (public company since 1998; pivoted to BTC in 2020). Market cap ~$97B as of Sep 2025 .
+159% 1-yr (Sep ’24–Sep ’25) , as BTC hit record highs. Highly liquid; used by funds as a BTC proxy.
$STRK (“Strike”)
8.00% Perpetual Preferred Stock (convertible to common)
Convertible: each preferred can convert into 0.1 shares of MSTR (initial conversion price $1,000/share) , giving upside if MSTR soars. Issued at $80 (20% discount to $100 par) to entice investors . Ranks senior to common stock (and effectively junior to STRF in claims) .
$563M raised in Jan 2025 (7.3M shares @ $80) . First of Strategy’s 2025 pref series.
Trades near par (~$95–$100); initially jumped above $100 as Bitcoin rallied (convertible option gained value). Current yield ~8% (slightly lower when priced at a premium) . Provides equity-like upside with a fixed income coupon.
$STRF (“Strife”)
10.00% Perpetual Preferred Stock (cumulative)
10% fixed annual dividend (quarterly). Effectively ~8.9% yield at market price . Dividends are cumulative – any missed payments must be paid later.
Senior preferred: STRF holders have priority claim, and a unique penalty feature to protect investors. If a dividend is missed, the coupon ratchets +1% per quarter until paid (up to max 18% annual) . This “high-yield lockbox” structure strongly incentivizes the company to keep current on payments. Considered comparable to an investment-grade style instrument backed by BTC reserves . Not convertible to equity (pure income play).
Up to $2.1B authorized via at-the-market program (announced May 2025) . Allows gradual issuance of STRF into the market at prevailing prices to raise Bitcoin funding.
Stable around par ($100+) – has traded at a slight premium given its investor protections (recent effective yield ~8.9%) . The high fixed coupon and cumulative feature make it attractive to yield-seeking institutions, so demand has kept prices high.
$STRD (“Stride”)
10.00% Perpetual Preferred Stock (non-cumulative)
10% fixed annual dividend (quarterly). Effective yield ~11–12% at market price . Dividends are non-cumulative (can be skipped without obligation).
Junior preferred: STRD is subordinated (ranks below STRF/STRK) in claims and gives the company more flexibility on dividends. If a payment is skipped, investors do not get it later – “you’re flying without a parachute” . To compensate, STRD was issued at a discount ($85 for $100 par) so investors got an initial yield ~11.7% . No conversion rights. Aimed at more risk-tolerant, “junk bond” style investors seeking higher income.
Up to $4.2B authorized via at-the-market program (announced July 2025) . Another large funding facility to issue STRD shares over time for BTC purchases and to help pay other dividends if needed .
Trades at a discount (recently around $83–$85, ~12% yield) . The lower price reflects its higher risk – in effect, STRD offers a yield pickup of several hundred basis points over STRF, in exchange for lacking dividend guarantees. Prices can fluctuate more with Bitcoin’s outlook and interest rate moves (typical of high-yield prefs).
~9% initial annualized dividend, paid monthly . Rate resets monthly based on a formula (floats with 1-month SOFR + spread) to target a stable price.
Short-duration, money-market-like Bitcoin instrument. STRC is designed to trade near its $100 par value by adjusting its dividend: the board can raise or lower the rate each month to keep the market price anchored ~$100 . It’s cumulative and non-convertible. STRC is also callable by the company under certain conditions . Proceeds fund additional BTC buys . This product effectively turns Bitcoin reserves into a high-yield floating-rate security – touted as a “bitcoin-backed money-market fund” for income investors .
$2.52B IPO – the largest U.S. IPO of 2025 – launched July 30, 2025 . Originally targeted $500M, but overwhelming demand led to an upsized deal 4× larger . Underwriters included major banks, and the issue attracted many income-focused investors new to crypto .
Trades very close to $100. Indeed, STRC has hovered around ~$98–$100 since listing , as intended. The company adjusts the payout (starting at 9% annualized) to keep the price stable . This reliability and monthly payout schedule make STRC popular with conservative institutions needing regular income (e.g. insurance funds, pensions) .
Sources: Company filings/press releases ; analyst commentary ; market data as of Oct 2025 .
Roles in BTC Exposure
Each of these instruments plays a distinct role in securitizing Bitcoin for different investor segments:
$MSTR (Strategy Inc. stock): Serves as a quasi-ETF for Bitcoin in the equity world. It gives pure price exposure (and then some – due to leverage) to BTC’s upside within a common stock. Many institutional equity investors buy MSTR if they want Bitcoin exposure but can only hold stocks. The stock’s performance has been strong alongside Bitcoin’s rally – up ~159% year-over-year as of Sep 2025 – albeit with high volatility. Notably, MSTR’s beta to BTC is often >1, meaning it can outperform BTC on the upside (and underperform on downside), partly because the company uses debt to buy extra BTC. However, MSTR also carries corporate considerations (software business earnings, management decisions, dilution from financing) which can cause it to trade at a slight discount to the raw value of its Bitcoin holdings . Still, as of Oct 2025 the company held ~$75.6B worth of BTC versus an ~$88–99B equity market cap , implying the market is valuing the Bitcoin fairly efficiently through the stock. In sum, MSTR transforms Bitcoin into an equity growth asset – suitable for hedge funds, tech investors, or even ETFs that track crypto-adjacent stocks.
$STRK (Strike 8% Pref): A hybrid equity-debt instrument attracting total-return investors. Its 8% coupon offers solid income, but the real kicker is the convertibility to equity . If Bitcoin (and MSTR stock) skyrockets, STRK holders can convert into common shares and participate in the upside (the initial conversion price equated to MSTR ~$1,000 pre-split). This appeals to investors who are bullish on Bitcoin long-term but want a safer, yield-bearing position in the capital stack. STRK’s launch signaled strong interest – raising over half a billion dollars – and traded up after issuance (it moved from $80 issue price toward near-par as Bitcoin’s outlook improved, at times even above $100 when conversion looked attractive) . It’s essentially a way to lend against Bitcoin at 8% and keep an equity call option. That role is valuable for crossover investors straddling equity and credit mandates (e.g. convertible bond funds, adventurous income funds).
$STRF (Strife 10% Pref): Aimed at yield-focused investors who prioritize security of payment. STRF’s 10% fixed dividend – with teeth to enforce it (cumulative + penalty rates) – is designed to resemble a high-yield corporate bond backed by Bitcoin collateral. In fact, with ~$74B of BTC on hand vs only ~$11B of total debt/preferred outstanding , Strategy’s bitcoin reserve is so large that STRF appears well over-collateralized . This has given STRF a relatively stable trading profile (yields in the high-single digits, price often at or above $100) . It targets institutional income funds (insurance companies, credit income funds, endowments) that want exposure to Bitcoin’s success with lower volatility. Because STRF holders would need to be paid even if Bitcoin’s price dips (or else the coupon ratchets higher), it’s seen as lower risk – something like an “investment-grade” Bitcoin bond . In practice, STRF expanded Bitcoin’s investor base to traditional fixed-income circles – it taps the “$300 trillion bond market” for Bitcoin, as commentators noted, by offering a compelling 10% yield in a yield-starved environment .
$STRD (Stride 10% Pref): Geared toward opportunistic high-yield investors willing to take more risk for more reward. STRD has the same 10% coupon on paper, but because the company can skip payments in bad times (non-cumulative), investors demanded a discount/ higher yield for STRD . Strategy effectively created a junior tier of Bitcoin-backed debt with STRD – it sits below STRF in priority and thus offers ~12% yields at current prices. This appeals to hedge funds and speculative credit investors who believe Bitcoin’s trajectory is strong (so default or skipped dividends are unlikely) and want to lock in a double-digit yield. From Strategy’s perspective, STRD is a flexible financing tool – they can pause its dividends in a crunch without legal default, making it akin to equity in risk. Thus, STRD buyers are betting on Bitcoin’s performance and the company’s discipline (much like buying a lower-rated bond). STRD’s successful launch (it enabled a huge $4.2B funding program) shows that even traditional “junk bond” capital is now willing to bet on Bitcoin, via a familiar preferred stock format. It has been called the “genius gear” in the strategy – high-octane funding that, if BTC continues rising, provides very cheap leverage (since 12% interest is easily covered by Bitcoin gains historically) .
$STRC (Stretch Variable Pref): Created to attract conservative income investors and cash managers to the Bitcoin realm. STRC’s innovative structure – monthly dividends adjustable to maintain a ~$100 price – makes it behave like a short-term floating-rate note. It’s almost a Bitcoin-backed money market fund : the initial yield was ~9%, far above typical money-market yields, yet the principal value is kept stable by design. This instrument is ideal for institutions that need regular income and low volatility, such as treasury cash management, corporate cash accounts, or income-oriented funds. By paying monthly and hedging inflation (via SOFR-linked rate) , STRC addresses two key concerns of traditional investors: liquidity and inflation risk. Its massive $2.5B IPO (the largest U.S. preferred stock issuance since 2009) demonstrated pent-up demand from investors who might never buy crypto directly, but will buy a well-structured short-duration asset with Bitcoin as the underlying source of return . STRC essentially unlocked a new cohort of investors (think money market funds, ultra-short bond funds, etc.) to participate in Bitcoin’s yield – something unprecedented before 2025.
In summary, each ticker – $MSTR, $STRK, $STRF, $STRD, $STRC – represents a different slice of the Bitcoin risk/return spectrum, packaged in a form that aligns with conventional investment strategies. MicroStrategy (Strategy Inc.) has built a full capital stack out of Bitcoin: equity at the top, various grades of “debt” (preferred stock) beneath it . This allows it to tap diverse pools of capital. Michael Saylor (Strategy’s founder) described this approach as offering “digital capital” to Wall Street – turning Bitcoin’s raw potential into structured financial products .
Institutional Capital Flows: Equity vs Credit vs Commodity Channels
One way to gauge the impact of Bitcoin securitization is to compare how much institutional money is flowing into Bitcoin through different forms:
Equity Flows (Corporate BTC Holdings): An accelerating trend has been public companies using their balance sheet to buy BTC, effectively pulling institutional capital into Bitcoin via equities. By Q2 2025, over 70 public companies held Bitcoin in treasury (up from virtually none a few years prior) . Collectively, public firms held about 848,100 BTC (≈4% of supply) by late 2025 . Strategy/MicroStrategy alone accounts for ~638k of those BTC (by far the largest) . Importantly, corporate Bitcoin buying outpaced ETF buying in Q2 2025 – public companies acquired ~131,000 BTC that quarter vs. ~111,000 BTC added by spot ETFs . This signals that the “equity route” (companies raising capital and buying Bitcoin) has become a major conduit for institutional investment. From an investor perspective, billions have flowed into Bitcoin via buying shares of Bitcoin-heavy companies. For instance, Strategy’s numerous stock and pref offerings in 2025 (over $10B raised across equity and debt ) were promptly converted into Bitcoin purchases (hundreds of thousands of BTC acquired) . Another angle: equity ETFs and mutual funds have also allocated to $MSTR and similar stocks, indirectly funneling institutional money into BTC. The scale is significant – by Aug 2025 Strategy’s BTC stash was ~$74B , indicating tens of billions of equity capital flowed in to create that position. This route tends to be favored by investors seeking higher upside (equities can amplify BTC gains but also carry corporate risk). It’s also a path for tech-oriented and speculative institutional capital, which is comfortable with stocks that mirror crypto (some hedge funds even prefer MSTR over holding BTC directly, for regulatory or liquidity reasons).
Credit Flows (Debt/Preferred Financing for BTC): 2025 marked the emergence of a true Bitcoin bond market, led by Strategy’s innovative preferred stock financings. The $STRC offering raised $2.5B in one go – the largest crypto-related fundraising ever on U.S. markets – with participation from major banks and presumably a wide array of institutional investors. Additionally, Strategy opened ATM programs for STRF and STRD totaling $6.3B of capacity , to be tapped over time. The fact that traditional bookrunners (Morgan Stanley, Barclays, etc.) underwrote these deals and that they were oversubscribed (STRC was upsized 4× due to demand ) shows institutional credit investors are embracing Bitcoin-backed paper. These investors include insurance companies, pension funds, endowments, and credit hedge funds looking for yield. For example, STRC’s profile (high yield, monthly pay) likely appealed to income funds and cash management accounts, which poured billions into it. STRK’s convertible issue attracted convertible bond arbitrage and hybrid funds. The STRF and STRD series tapped high-yield bond investors – effectively bringing Bitcoin into the junk bond arena (STRD’s 11-12% yield is comparable to lower-tier corporate debt). We can compare scale: where a typical corporate high-yield bond deal might be a few hundred million, Strategy’s Bitcoin-backed preferreds have authorization to raise up to ~$8–9 billion combined (and ~$3+ billion had been issued by Q3 2025). This is a massive inflow of credit capital into Bitcoin. Moreover, these instruments trade on NASDAQ, providing liquidity and price discovery. Trading activity in STRC, STRK, etc., has introduced Bitcoin exposure into bond indices and preferred stock indices – another vector for institutional money. In short, what Saylor achieved is the conversion of fixed-income capital into Bitcoin holdings: yield-hungry investors effectively loaned Strategy money (through pref shares) which the company then plowed into BTC. Those investors now have a claim on Bitcoin’s success (via robust yields and upside potential) without ever touching a crypto exchange. This deepening pool of BTC-tied credit is evidence of broader adoption – even conservative capital allocators are now indirectly funding Bitcoin acquisition, attracted by 8–10%+ yields well-supported by Bitcoin collateral .
Commodity/Fund Flows (Spot ETFs and Trusts): The launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2024 opened another floodgate. By Oct 2025, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs saw weekly inflows in the billions – e.g. $3.24B in just the first week of October – as institutional investors rotated into these vehicles. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) alone accumulated ~$96.2B AUM by Oct 2025 , putting it among the top 20 ETFs globally. Other issuers (Fidelity’s FBTC, ARK 21Shares, etc.) added many billions more . These figures underscore that commodity-style investment channels are scaling up rapidly. Pension funds, wealth managers, and even sovereign funds that may not buy single stocks or corporate prefs could more easily buy an ETF share. The type of institutional money here is often passive or commodity-indexed money, which is enormous. In fact, the U.S. government’s own moves (considering a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve of 1 million BTC) and clearer crypto regulations have further legitimized these funds , encouraging more inflows. The ETF route provides pure Bitcoin price exposure with the convenience of stock-market trading, which for many institutions is ideal. In terms of scale: spot ETFs and public companies are now in a bit of a race, each pulling in over 100k BTC per quarter recently . The ETF inflows add directly to buy-side pressure on BTC (removing coins from circulation to hold in custody) , indicating sustained institutional demand.
Comparing Scale: All three channels (equity, credit, ETF) are bringing large sums into Bitcoin, but in slightly different ways:
Equity (Corporate Treasury): High-growth corporate adoption (led by MSTR) contributed significantly to Bitcoin’s scarcity. By late 2025, public companies’ BTC holdings (848k BTC) were on par with or even exceeding the amounts held by ETFs . Strategy Inc. alone holds ~3.0% of the total 21 million BTC supply – a concentration of Bitcoin in an equity entity that’s unprecedented. The equity flows are lumpy (dependent on corporate actions like MSTR’s capital raises) but can be huge when they occur (e.g. MSTR buying 108k BTC in Nov 2024 after big financings ). Equity-driven buying also creates structural scarcity, since companies like Strategy tend to hodl long-term and take BTC off the market .
Credit (Pref/Bond): This is a newer channel and slightly harder to measure in BTC terms, since it’s indirect – the $ billions raised via STRK/STRF/STRD/STRC translate into BTC when the issuer uses proceeds to buy crypto. We know Strategy’s Q2–Q3 2025 purchases were massive (e.g. 21,021 BTC bought immediately after the STRC IPO in July , and steady weekly buys financed by the ATM programs ). In essence, credit investors fund a Bitcoin-buying machine. The successful STRC IPO and other issues indicate broad participation from institutional lenders. The presence of major banks and bookrunners suggests that even traditional bond funds and possibly CLOs or preferred stock funds are buying these issues. As of Q3 2025, Strategy’s total debt + preferred financing was ~$11B – small next to the equity/ETF flows, but growing fast. The key point is that this channel is qualitatively different: it introduces Bitcoin to fixed-income portfolios that manage trillions in assets. It’s reasonable to expect more companies or even sovereigns to issue Bitcoin-backed debt (for example, El Salvador’s “Volcano Bonds” are a sovereign instance of Bitcoin securitization, albeit much smaller). Strategy’s model could be emulated, expanding the credit-market flows into BTC further.
Commodity (ETFs/Funds): The ETF channel is currently the largest in pure volume. With ~$132B in spot ETF AUM by mid-2025 and accelerating inflows (BlackRock’s IBIT took in nearly $1.8B in one week of Oct 2025 ), this route has quickly matched others. It’s the most straightforward way for institutional money to get Bitcoin price exposure (no corporate intermediary, just the asset in a wrapper). Many analysts see ETF adoption as a game-changer: it forces transparency and reporting, integrates Bitcoin into brokerage and retirement accounts, and can scale almost without limit (for instance, IBIT’s $96B AUM implies it holds roughly 800k BTC assuming ~$120k/BTC – rivaling Grayscale and MicroStrategy’s holdings) . The commodity form is attracting more passive and long-term allocators, complementing the more active or opportunistic money going via MSTR or prefs.
Overall, the scale of institutional capital flows into Bitcoin by late 2025 is unprecedented. What’s striking is that all three forms are growing in parallel, indicating a robust diversification of avenues:
Equity and corporate treasuries are driving significant long-term holdings (public companies’ BTC acquisitions grew 18% in just one quarter, Q2 2025 ).
Credit instruments have opened a new multi-billion dollar source of demand, effectively monetizing Bitcoin’s future gains into current yield for investors .
Commodity funds/ETFs are rapidly scaling and removing large quantities of BTC from liquid circulation as institutions buy and hold via these funds .
This multi-pronged inflow is a key reason Bitcoin hit record highs of ~$125,000 in 2025 – demand from institutions surged while exchange supply dwindled (exchange BTC balances hit 7-year lows) . It underscores that Bitcoin securitization isn’t just a theoretical exercise; it’s fundamentally altering market dynamics by bringing in waves of new investors.
Financial Performance and Market Activity
Each of the mentioned tickers has exhibited distinct market behavior, reflecting its design and investor base:
$MSTR (Strategy Inc. stock): The stock has been very volatile but ultimately a big winner for investors as Bitcoin’s price soared. Over the 12 months through Sep 2025, MSTR returned +159% , far outpacing the S&P 500 and even many crypto indices. Year-to-date 2025 it was up a more modest ~18% by September (it surged in late 2024 alongside BTC, then saw consolidation). By October 2025, as BTC hit new highs, MSTR was trading around $340 per share (post-split) with a market capitalization near $90–100 billion . Its liquidity is high (often millions of shares traded per day) and it’s optionable, making it a favored trading vehicle for crypto-sensitive equity plays. Correlation with BTC remains extremely high – on big Bitcoin up days, MSTR rallies; on BTC drawdowns, MSTR falls sharply (sometimes even more than BTC, due to leveraged exposure and market technicals). Market participants have noted that MSTR can trade at a discount or premium to its net asset value in BTC. For example, during some rallies MSTR’s implied “BTC per share” valuation overshot the actual BTC holdings (investors paying a premium for the embedded call option on further BTC raises and appreciation), whereas at other times it traded at a slight discount (perhaps due to dilution concerns from new share/pref issuance) . On the whole, however, $MSTR’s performance has validated the strategy of being a Bitcoin proxy – it has delivered equity-like multiples on Bitcoin’s gains. The company’s financial reports also started reflecting Bitcoin’s success: with new accounting rules, Strategy reported multi-billion dollar net income as BTC’s value rose (e.g. $10B GAAP profit in one quarter) . This has further attracted investors and even led to index inclusions. In terms of market activity, MSTR has essentially become synonymous with institutional Bitcoin exposure – it’s frequently one of the most mentioned stocks on days Bitcoin trends, and option markets imply high future volatility. Traders use it for short-term speculation, while some institutions hold it as a long-term “Bitcoin holding company” investment.
$STRK (8% Strike Pref): Since its issuance in early 2025, STRK has generally traded in the mid-to-high $90s (on a $100 par). Initially sold at $80, it jumped as high as ~$105 during Bitcoin’s mid-2025 surge (when MSTR stock spiked, making the conversion option valuable) . At times, arbitrage investors bid STRK to a price premium (above $100) which meant its current yield dropped below 8% – reflecting the embedded equity optionality. However, by Oct 2025 it settled closer to par (around $95–$100, yielding 8% current) as the excitement cooled and it traded more on yield fundamentals. STRK’s trading volume has been decent for a preferred stock, and it’s listed on NASDAQ (ticker STRK) providing transparency. Credit rating: (if any) was likely below investment grade, but investors treated it as a hybrid. The market has been watching STRK’s conversion dynamic: with MSTR stock around $340 (post-split, effectively $3,400 pre-split vs $1,000 conversion price), conversion is deep “in the money.” This means STRK holders could convert and triple their principal value in stock. In practice, a number of STRK holders likely did convert or the market price adjusted to reflect that arbitrage – which may explain why STRK’s price moved up strongly from $80 toward $100+ as Bitcoin rallied. The company can also force redemption if the issue gets small (less than 25% outstanding) , so that is another factor in pricing. Overall, STRK’s performance has been positive: an investor at $80 not only earned quarterly dividends ($2 per quarter per share), but also saw capital appreciation to ~$95–100 (a ~20–25% price gain) – a very attractive total return. The market activity indicates STRK is somewhat less liquid than MSTR (trades in smaller volumes), but it established itself as one of the first-ever Bitcoin-backed preferreds to trade in public markets. Its success paved the way for the larger issues that followed.
$STRF (10% Strife Pref): STRF has exhibited strong price stability around par value, a sign that income investors have confidence in it. Since launch in mid-2025, it often traded between ~$100 and $110. At a $105 price, for instance, its current yield would be about 9.5%; at $100 exactly, it’s 10%. Reports in the fall of 2025 indicated STRF’s yield was ~8.9%, implying the market price was slightly above $112 at that time . Such a premium suggests investors bid it up for its safety features (cumulative with ratchets). STRF’s trading is likely less frequent than STRC or MSTR, but block trades have been done as institutions build positions. The company instituted an at-the-market (ATM) issuance program for STRF , meaning it could slowly sell new STRF shares into the market. This mechanism effectively keeps the price from running excessively high – if STRF trades well above par, Strategy can issue more at those rich prices, raising more BTC funds (similar to how MSTR sold common stock via ATM in prior years). The STRF ATM program (up to $2.1B) was being utilized “in a disciplined manner over time” . As of Q4 2025, the total STRF outstanding and its exact market price aren’t publicly reported in real-time, but the key point is that market demand for STRF has been robust, keeping it trading at or above its $100 face value. Rating agencies (if they rated it) likely view STRF as better credit quality than STRD due to its seniority and structural protections. Market participants sometimes compare STRF to high-yield corporate bonds of equivalent yield – and find the Bitcoin collateral aspect appealing (since BTC’s appreciation could strengthen coverage ratios). In day-to-day trading, STRF reacts modestly to Bitcoin price swings; its value is more anchored by the fixed 10% coupon and interest rate environment. Notably, if Bitcoin entered a severe bear market, STRF might decline if investors fear the company’s ability to pay the 10% (though with the ratchet, not paying becomes very costly). In 2025’s bull environment, that was not a concern – in fact, Strategy hinted it might even use some STRD proceeds to help pay STRF dividends if needed , further reassuring the market. Thus, STRF’s performance has been steady income, exactly as intended.
$STRD (10% Stride Pref): STRD quickly found a market-clearing level below par, as expected for a non-cumulative preferred with higher risk. Initially issued at $85, it traded around the low-to-mid $80s through Q3/Q4 2025, corresponding to an effective yield in the 11–13% range . For example, at $83.12, the current yield is ~12.0% (10/83.12) . Market quotes from early October 2025 show STRD around $83–84 with minor day-to-day fluctuations (e.g. $83.42 up to $84.36 in one snapshot) . This indicates that investors demanded a significant yield premium for the lack of cumulative protection – roughly 300 basis points more yield than STRF was offering. STRD’s market activity is interesting: its price is likely more sensitive to Bitcoin’s outlook and overall risk sentiment. In bullish times (BTC up, Strategy flush with cash), one might expect STRD to rise in price (yield compressing toward 10%). If investors grow very confident that dividends will never be skipped, STRD could even approach par. Conversely, any hints of cash flow strain could push STRD lower (yield higher), since missing a payment would leave investors with nothing for that period. By late 2025, with Bitcoin at record highs, STRD’s double-digit yield arguably overcompensated for its risk – thus some contrarian yield investors saw it as a bargain. Trading volume for STRD has been building as more investors get comfortable with it. Also, Strategy has a $4.2B ATM program open for STRD , so as the price strengthens, the company can issue more. This creates a bit of a cap – for instance, if STRD’s price started climbing into the high $90s, Strategy would likely sell additional shares (pushing the price back down towards the low $90s). So far, the price hasn’t gotten near par, reflecting that the market is pricing STRD more like equity risk. One could say STRD trades like a perpetual high-yield bond of the company. Importantly, these preferreds (STRK, STRF, STRD, STRC) do not trade in lockstep with BTC daily the way MSTR does – they respond more to interest rates and credit metrics. However, since Strategy’s credit metrics are themselves tied to BTC (the collateral value), a sustained rise in Bitcoin improves the perceived creditworthiness and could lift STRD’s price over time (and vice versa). By issuing both STRF and STRD, Strategy essentially segmented the credit investor base: cautious investors stayed with STRF, while higher-octane credit funds gravitated to STRD for the extra yield. The active market pricing of ~12% vs ~9% yields confirms that segmentation and has provided a useful read on how the market values Bitcoin-backed credit risk.
$STRC (Stretch Variable Pref): Despite being a brand-new type of security, STRC has performed exactly as designed: it has traded very close to its $100 par value since inception. Upon its debut at $90 (IPO price), STRC quickly moved toward $100 as monthly dividends commenced. Media reported it was being quoted around $90–95 just after issuance , and by August 2025 it was in the high $90s. In October 2025, Yahoo Finance showed STRC around $98.8 per share (virtually no deviation from par) . The company has been actively managing the rate: the initial dividend was set at 9% annualized (0.75% per month) , and Strategy can adjust it modestly based on interest benchmarks (SOFR) and a board policy to keep the market price near $100 . This mechanism appears successful – STRC’s price volatility is low (a goal was to create a “short-duration, income-oriented instrument” ). Trading activity: STRC likely has decent volume given the size of the IPO and broad distribution. Its investor base includes funds that typically buy money market instruments or short-term bond ETFs, so STRC trading might correlate with those markets. Because it floats with interest rates, STRC’s yield has ticked up or down modestly with the Federal Reserve’s moves, but always with a floor (cannot go below the then-current 1-month SOFR) . So if rates rise, STRC’s payout rises – protecting its holders (and keeping price ~100); if rates fall, the payout can be trimmed (but not too fast, as there’s a limit of 0.25% monthly reduction plus a SOFR adjustment) . This clever design means STRC’s duration risk is minimal. In 2025’s environment of rising rates and inflation concerns, STRC’s floating rate feature was a big selling point – unlike fixed-rate STRK/STRF/STRD, which declined in relative appeal as rates climbed , STRC could adjust upward. It essentially provided an inflation-hedged yield on Bitcoin-backed collateral . The market activity reflected that: STRC remained in demand, often trading at yields slightly below the initial 9% as investors valued the combination of high yield + float. By appealing to very conservative income investors, STRC expanded the market; and by performing stably, it has built trust in the concept of Bitcoin-based yield products. It’s worth noting that STRC is the first ever exchange-listed perpetual preferred by a Bitcoin company to pay monthly dividends – a historical milestone – and its strong reception (largest U.S. IPO of 2025) suggests we may see imitators or additional series in the future.
Overall, the financial performance of these securities indicates that Bitcoin securitization can deliver compelling results:
Common equity ($MSTR) delivered outsized returns (with high volatility).
Convertible prefs (STRK) and equity-like instruments showed solid appreciation and yield, rewarding those who took early risk.
Fixed-income-style prefs (STRF, STRD, STRC) have yielded 9–12% in a world of much lower interest rates, demonstrating the ability of Bitcoin’s growth to fund high coupons. Their trading near issuance prices (or above, for STRF) implies the market is confident in Strategy’s creditworthiness (buoyed by BTC’s appreciation). In fact, one could argue that the market is pricing these instruments more favorably over time as Bitcoin’s price rises, since the collateral coverage improves – e.g., Strategy’s debt-to-BTC ratio keeps falling as BTC goes up, making default or skipped dividends remoter. This dynamic may lead to future yield compression (and price gains) for the preferreds if Bitcoin continues upward.
From an institutional investor standpoint, these tickers have now developed a track record, which is crucial. In 2020, the idea of a Bitcoin-backed bond or Bitcoin-heavy public stock was novel and risky. By late 2025, we see a mini-ecosystem of Bitcoin-linked securities trading with meaningful liquidity and analyst coverage. Seeking Alpha analysts, for instance, debate the relative value: noting that STRF and STRD offer “higher yields and better value” than STRK if one purely wants income, whereas STRK’s premium depends on the equity upside which might already be priced in . This kind of analysis is exactly what happens in mature markets – indicating Bitcoin securitization is maturing as well. The market activity (price premiums, discounts, yield spreads) for these instruments provides ongoing feedback to the issuer and investors about how Bitcoin risk is being perceived across the capital structure.
Enabling Broader Institutional Access
Perhaps the most important aspect of this strategy is how it broadened institutional participation in Bitcoin. By creating equity and fixed-income instruments tied to BTC, Strategy Inc. has effectively opened the gates for many types of investors who otherwise might never have had a mandate to invest in cryptocurrency. Some key insights on how this strategy achieves broader access:
Fit for Mandates: Institutions that could not buy Bitcoin directly for regulatory, security, or mandate reasons can buy these securities. For example, a pension fund might be barred from holding crypto, but it can own shares of a NASDAQ-listed company or preferred stock with a CUSIP. Likewise, an endowment might not navigate digital wallets, but it can easily allocate to a 10% yielding preferred stock. By translating Bitcoin into stocks and bonds, Saylor enabled Bitcoin to be slotted into traditional asset allocation buckets (equities, high-yield credit, etc.) . This dramatically expands the potential investor universe for Bitcoin exposure – from crypto specialists to virtually any institutional portfolio.
Regulatory and Custodial Ease: Buying $MSTR or $STRC is as straightforward as buying any other stock or bond through prime brokers and custodians that institutions already use. This removes a huge barrier (no need to manage private keys, worry about crypto exchange solvency, etc.). For example, BlackRock was comfortable enough with Strategy’s model that they reportedly were among shareholders, and major banks underwrote the preferreds – providing further reassurance to compliance departments. Essentially, Bitcoin exposure became a matter of ticking the box in a stock trading system, not a months-long internal review of a new asset class. This ease of access has certainly enabled more funds to dip into Bitcoin exposure.
Risk Customization: Another benefit is that institutions can choose which part of the Bitcoin risk spectrum they want exposure to. Not every investor wants the full volatility of Bitcoin’s price. Through securitized forms, they can opt for lower-risk, income-centric exposure (e.g. a life insurance fund might choose STRF for its 10% yield, viewing it akin to a bond) or higher-risk, return-centric exposure (e.g. a tech growth fund might choose MSTR or STRK for upside). This flexibility in risk/return profiles is key to attracting different kinds of capital. A $300 trillion bond market can now participate via a high-yield pref; $100+ trillion equity market via a stock – each investor taking the form that suits them. Without securitization, the only choice was to hold BTC itself (100% volatility, 0% yield), which is a very binary risk that many could not justify. Now there’s a spectrum of choices. As the Medium analysis of Strategy’s funding “flavours” put it: “Each fundraising flavor speaks to a different risk appetite… mixing them, MSTR crafts a robust capital stack that diversifies funding sources and maximizes torque” . In other words, by offering multiple instruments, Strategy appealed to conservative and aggressive investors alike, dramatically enlarging the total pool of available capital for Bitcoin.
Institutional-Grade Reporting and Oversight: Securitized Bitcoin also comes with the transparency and oversight of public markets. Strategy Inc. files 10-K/10-Q reports, audited financials, and risk disclosures to the SEC. Preferred stock prospectuses detail risks and rights. This gives institutions comfort that they have legal recourse and information – something direct crypto often lacks. Moreover, having Bitcoin held by a U.S. corporation or trust means it’s under U.S. law and custody arrangements (e.g. insured custodians). All of this reduces the operational and legal risk that institutions face, thus making approvals for investment easier. It “domesticates” Bitcoin into existing frameworks.
Market Liquidity and Price Discovery: By trading on major exchanges, these Bitcoin-linked securities improve overall market liquidity and discovery. An institution can enter or exit a position in $STRC or $MSTR relatively quickly compared to, say, buying or selling large amounts of physical Bitcoin (which could move the market or face slippage on an exchange). This ability to swiftly rebalance exposure through stocks/prefs is attractive to institutional allocators who need to manage liquidity. Additionally, the price signals from these securities (e.g. STRD’s yield or MSTR’s premium/discount to NAV) provide feedback on market sentiment and risk pricing of Bitcoin in a way that pure BTC markets might not segment. This can further draw in arbitrageurs and sophisticated investors, tightening the links between crypto markets and traditional markets.
Amplification of Bitcoin Adoption: Ultimately, securitization has amplified Bitcoin’s institutional adoption by making it scalable. A single large institution might be restricted to a 1-2% allocation to “alternative assets” (which would include crypto), but could more readily justify a higher allocation to a high-yield corporate security or a tech stock. We’ve seen some institutional portfolios classify MSTR as a tech investment or STRF as a corporate bond holding – essentially sidelining the stigma of “crypto”. As a result, more capital flows in than otherwise would. This is evidenced by the sheer size of deals like STRC’s $2.5B IPO – an issue size that dwarfs most initial coin offerings or private crypto fundraises, and taps into conventional IPO demand . The presence of names like Morgan Stanley, Barclays, etc., in these deals suggests that blue-chip institutional clients were involved. Strategy’s CFO effectively translated Bitcoin into Wall Street’s language, enabling pension consultants, endowment boards, and credit committees to say “we’re investing in a corporate security with X yield” (with the Bitcoin aspect being a feature, not a bug). This normalization of Bitcoin investment through familiar wrappers is a crucial step in broader adoption.
Competitive and Regulatory Pressures: Strategy’s success has not gone unnoticed. It arguably put pressure on regulators and competitors: seeing billions flow to MSTR and its prefs, there was increased clamor for approving spot Bitcoin ETFs (to offer a more direct alternative) . It also set a template that other companies could follow – for instance, crypto mining firms or fintech companies might consider holding BTC and issuing debt off of it. Even jurisdictions are learning: El Salvador’s Bitcoin bonds or other nations considering Bitcoin reserves take a page from this idea of leveraging Bitcoin in finance. The broader point is that securitization is making Bitcoin part of the financial fabric. As it becomes interwoven with equity and credit markets, more stakeholders have a vested interest in Bitcoin’s stability and success, potentially reducing perceived risk and encouraging further participation.
In conclusion, the securitization of Bitcoin via instruments like $MSTR, $STRK, $STRF, $STRD, and $STRC has been a game-changer. It transformed Bitcoin from a niche digital asset into a set of investable products spanning the risk spectrum. This has unlocked new sources of demand – from high-octane equity hedge funds to conservative bond investors – fueling large capital inflows into Bitcoin . Financially, these products have performed well, validating the concept (investors earned strong returns and yields, and the company successfully grew its BTC holdings to unprecedented levels). Strategically, this approach has broadened institutional access to Bitcoin in a prudent, structured manner. As one analysis succinctly put it: “MicroStrategy’s genius isn’t just in holding Bitcoin — it’s in knowing how to fund that position in a way that satisfies growth investors, yield hunters, and conservative players alike” . By creating a “buffet” of Bitcoin-linked securities, Strategy Inc. enabled institutions of almost every stripe to finally partake in the Bitcoin revolution – a development that is likely to have lasting impacts on both the crypto industry and traditional capital markets.
Sources:
Strategy Inc. (MicroStrategy) press releases and SEC filings for details on security offerings and Bitcoin acquisitions .
NYDIG Research and Investing.com for market context, Bitcoin price and ETF flow data .
AInvest, Yahoo Finance, Medium (The Capital) for analyses of Strategy’s capital structure and instrument differences .
Market data from Oct 2025 for security pricing and yields .
essentially my very very simple thought is it is like 100% obvious and certain that bitcoin is gonna keep going up forever, up to the right. To 1 million 10 million 100 million and beyond.
and I think the tricky thing or the irony is actually… Bitcoin would not be able to become $100 million a bitcoin without volatility. Therefore actually in fact, the unorthodox thought is you are praying for volatility.
and it seems that the funny truth is actually… Being a bitcoin investor doesn’t take any “skill”—> It’s like literally 100% balls. Why? Once you have the courage the conviction, the certainty and the clarity that bitcoin is just gonna keep going up forever with mega volatility… then the ideal strategy is to just enjoy your life, be topless in the sun all day, lift heavy (666kg and beyond), be joyful and happy and spread the gospel of bitcoin.
Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency launched in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto . It operates on a peer-to-peer network without any central authority, using blockchain technology to record and secure transactions. This guide provides a thorough overview of Bitcoin and delves into strategies, risks, and practical steps for investing in Bitcoin, suitable for both beginners and experienced investors.
Overview of Bitcoin and Its History
Bitcoin is the world’s first successful decentralized cryptocurrency and payment system, designed as an alternative to national currencies like the US dollar and commodity-based money like gold . Unlike traditional money, Bitcoin isn’t issued by any government or bank; instead, new bitcoins are created through a process called mining, where computers solve cryptographic puzzles to add transactions to the public ledger (blockchain) and are rewarded with freshly minted coins . Bitcoin has a hard cap of 21 million coins, which makes it a scarce digital asset often compared to gold in terms of its supply limit and store-of-value potential .
Over its history, Bitcoin’s value has risen from nearly zero to astounding heights amid dramatic volatility. Introduced in 2009 at effectively no market price, it first broke the $1 threshold in 2011 and surged to about $1,000 by 2013 . Early adopters saw tremendous gains, but crashes followed each boom – for instance, after peaking in 2013, Bitcoin’s price plummeted by year-end, illustrating its extreme volatility . A seminal bull run in 2017 drove Bitcoin from ~$1,000 in January to nearly $20,000 in December, only to crash by over 80% in 2018 . Another major rally in late 2020 through 2021 saw Bitcoin reach new all-time highs around $64,000 in April 2021 and ~$69,000 in November 2021 . Bitcoin then entered a bear market, falling under $20,000 by late 2022 , before recovering in 2023. Notably, institutional adoption and macroeconomic events have influenced its price: for example, the launch of Bitcoin futures and public companies buying Bitcoin in 2020-2021 fueled price growth . By late 2024, after developments like the approval of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and positive regulatory news, Bitcoin’s price surpassed the six-figure mark . In fact, Bitcoin reached an all-time high of over $126,000 on October 6, 2025 , exemplifying both its remarkable long-term growth and the continued volatility investors must be prepared for.
Despite this volatility, Bitcoin remains the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization and a bellwether for the crypto market. It is used not only as an investment or speculative asset but also as a medium of exchange by those who accept it, and as a hedge in countries with unstable currencies . Anyone with an Internet connection can participate in the Bitcoin network, and transactions are pseudonymous and publicly verifiable on the blockchain . In summary, Bitcoin’s journey from a niche cypherpunk experiment to a globally recognized asset has been rapid and eventful, marked by innovation, growing pains, and increasing mainstream acceptance.
Investment Strategies for Bitcoin
Investing in Bitcoin can be approached through different strategies depending on one’s goals, risk tolerance, and skill level. The three popular strategies are HODLing (long-term holding), active trading, and dollar-cost averaging (DCA). Below, we outline each strategy and compare their characteristics:
HODLing (Long-Term Holding)
HODL – originally a misspelling of “hold” on a Bitcoin forum – has become the mantra of long-term Bitcoin investors . To “HODL” means to buy Bitcoin and hold on for dear life, regardless of market fluctuations . HODLers are convinced of Bitcoin’s long-term value and choose not to sell even during severe price drops. This strategy mirrors the traditional buy-and-hold approach in stock investing, focusing on potential long-term appreciation rather than short-term gains .
Time Horizon: Very long-term (often years). HODLers plan to hold Bitcoin indefinitely or until it reaches a target value far in the future.
Pros: Requires minimal active management once the Bitcoin is acquired. It avoids the stress of market timing and trading, and historically long-term holders have been rewarded during Bitcoin’s major uptrends. Ignoring day-to-day volatility can prevent impulsive selling during downturns, thus capturing Bitcoin’s long-run appreciation .
Cons: The main challenge is enduring extreme volatility. Holding through large drawdowns (50%+ drops have happened multiple times) tests investor conviction. There is an opportunity cost in tying up capital long-term, and no profits are realized unless you eventually sell. Also, solely HODLing without diversification can be risky if Bitcoin’s fortunes reverse.
Active Trading
Active trading involves frequent buying and selling of Bitcoin to capitalize on short-term price movements. Traders may use technical analysis, chart patterns, and market news to decide when to enter or exit positions. Trading can take many forms – day trading (opening and closing positions within the same day), swing trading (holding for days or weeks to catch price swings), or even algorithmic trading.
Time Horizon: Short-term to medium-term. Trades might last anywhere from seconds and minutes (for day traders) to a few weeks for swing traders.
Pros: Active trading offers the potential to profit from Bitcoin’s high volatility on a continual basis, not just when the price ultimately rises. Skilled traders can earn returns even in flat or declining markets by short-selling or using derivatives. There’s also a thrill and engagement factor – some investors enjoy the fast-paced nature of trading and the frequent feedback on their decisions.
Cons: Trading is inherently high-risk and demanding. It requires significant market knowledge, analysis skills, and emotional discipline. The majority of retail traders underperform the market, and frequent trading incurs transaction fees and taxable events that can eat into returns. Bitcoin’s swings can be sudden and large (10%+ moves in a single day are not uncommon ), meaning traders can suffer large losses very quickly if caught on the wrong side of a move. In addition, successful trading demands time commitment for constant monitoring – it’s more like a job than passive investing. Beginners are generally cautioned that active trading of cryptocurrency is very risky; mistakes or lack of strategy can lead to substantial losses.
Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)
Dollar-cost averaging is a strategy where you invest a fixed amount of money into Bitcoin on a regular schedule, regardless of the current price . For example, an investor might buy $100 worth of BTC every week or month. This method systematically spreads out your purchase over time.
Time Horizon: Long-term accumulation. DCA is often used as a way to build a position in Bitcoin gradually over months or years.
Pros: DCA eliminates the need to time the market and reduces the impact of volatility on your purchase price . When prices are high, your fixed amount buys fewer bitcoins; when prices are low, it buys more, which can lower the average cost per coin over time . This disciplined approach helps take emotion out of investing – you stick to a plan regardless of FOMO (fear of missing out) or panic. DCA is beginner-friendly, since it doesn’t require complex analysis: it automates the decision of when to buy and can instill good investing habits . Many long-term investors use DCA to accumulate Bitcoin steadily, much like contributing regularly to a retirement fund.
Cons: While DCA mitigates the risk of a badly timed lump-sum purchase, it doesn’t guarantee profits or fully prevent losses . If Bitcoin’s price enters a prolonged downtrend, DCA investors will still see losses on the portions already purchased (though they’d be buying at lower prices during the decline). Conversely, in a sharply rising market, DCA might yield a higher average cost than if one had bought a large lump sum at the beginning – in other words, if you expect the price to only go up, DCA could underperform a one-time investment. In reality, markets fluctuate, so DCA is about balancing risk over time. Additionally, executing DCA means making numerous small purchases, which on some platforms could incur relatively higher cumulative fees (though many exchanges have automated recurring-buy features with low fees).
Comparing Bitcoin Investment Strategies
To summarize the differences, below is a comparison of HODLing, active trading, and dollar-cost averaging:
Strategy
Approach
Typical Time Horizon
Strengths (Pros)
Weaknesses (Cons)
HODLing (Buy & Hold)
Buy and hold Bitcoin long-term, largely ignoring short-term price swings.
Long-term (years)
– Simple to execute once holdings are acquired (low maintenance).- Avoids trying to time the market; historically has yielded high returns for early believers.- Defers taxation until sale (if any), potentially at lower long-term capital gains rates (in some jurisdictions).
– Must endure extreme volatility without selling .- No realized gains unless eventually sold; capital tied up long-term.- Risk of large drawdowns; requires strong conviction to hold through downturns.
Active Trading
Frequent buying/selling to profit from short-term price movements. May use technical analysis and market timing.
Short-term (days to months)
– Opportunities for quick profits in Bitcoin’s volatile market.- Can profit in both rising and falling markets (e.g., via short positions or derivatives).- Engaging for those who enjoy market analysis and fast-paced decision-making.
– High risk: difficult to consistently predict market moves; high chance of losses for inexperienced traders.- Trading fees and taxes from frequent transactions can reduce net returns.- Requires significant time, knowledge, and discipline; emotional trading or FOMO can lead to costly mistakes.
Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)
Invest a fixed amount in Bitcoin on a regular schedule (e.g., weekly or monthly), regardless of price.
Long-term accumulation (months/years)
– Reduces impact of volatility by averaging purchase price over time .- Removes emotional decision-making; no need to time the market .- Good for beginners building a position gradually; easy to automate.
– Does not maximize gains in a consistently rising market (could buy at higher prices later).- Provides only average market returns – won’t beat the market trend.- Still subject to overall market risk; if Bitcoin’s price declines long-term, DCA buys will still lose value.
Table: Comparison of Bitcoin investment strategies (HODL vs. Trading vs. DCA).
Each strategy can be valid – some investors even combine them (for example, HODLing a core amount of Bitcoin for the long run while actively trading a smaller portion). It’s crucial to choose an approach that fits your risk tolerance and skill. Beginners often start with DCA or modest HODLing, since active trading without experience can be a recipe for losses. As always, ensure you only invest what you can afford to lose, especially in a volatile asset like Bitcoin .
Risk Analysis: Volatility, Regulation, and Scams
Investing in Bitcoin carries a unique set of risks that should be carefully considered. Here we analyze some key risk factors – market volatility, regulatory concerns, and scams/fraud – along with other related risks inherent to Bitcoin.
Price Volatility: Bitcoin’s price is notoriously volatile, with frequent double-digit percentage swings in short time frames . This volatility stems from its still-maturing market, speculative trading, and sensitivity to news and investor sentiment. For example, in its history Bitcoin has crashed by 50-80% multiple times after reaching new highs . Such volatility means investors could see rapid drawdowns in their holdings. Sharp price swings can occur due to macroeconomic events, regulatory announcements, exchange hacks, or even social media rumors. If you invest in Bitcoin, be prepared for significant fluctuations and the possibility of losing a large portion of your investment, especially in the short run . It’s often said that one should never invest money in crypto that they aren’t willing to lose entirely. Volatility can also trigger emotional responses – fear or greed – that lead to bad timing decisions (e.g., panic-selling during a dip or overbuying during a frenzy). Managing this risk involves keeping a long-term perspective if you are a believer in Bitcoin, or using strategies like DCA to mitigate the impact of timing. Ultimately, price volatility is a fundamental risk of Bitcoin; investors should treat it as a speculative asset and understand that its value could swing wildly or even drop to zero in a worst-case scenario .
Regulatory and Legal Concerns: The regulatory environment for Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies is evolving and varies greatly by jurisdiction. Because Bitcoin operates outside of traditional banking systems, governments have struggled with how to classify and control it. No law guarantees Bitcoin’s status – in many countries, it is not legal tender (businesses are not required to accept it) . Some nations have embraced or even adopted Bitcoin (e.g., El Salvador recognizes it as legal tender), while others have imposed bans or strict regulations (for instance, China has banned cryptocurrency trading and mining). Regulatory actions can have major impacts: restrictions or bans on exchanges, tighter KYC/AML (Know Your Customer/Anti-Money Laundering) rules, or even outright prohibition of crypto trading in a country can all affect Bitcoin’s usability and price. Investors also face legal questions about how Bitcoin fits into existing laws – for example, securities laws (is a crypto exchange offering unregistered securities?), or tax laws (treated as property in many countries, as discussed in the tax section). In the U.S., regulatory bodies like the SEC and CFTC have engaged in enforcement actions against crypto companies and are working on clearer rules. There is a risk that unfavorable regulations (such as higher taxes, or banning certain crypto activities) could reduce demand or liquidity for Bitcoin. On the other hand, clearer regulation can also legitimize Bitcoin and enable institutional investment (e.g., approval of Bitcoin ETFs in 2024 broadened access to Bitcoin for investors) . Another regulatory aspect is that law enforcement might crack down on illegal uses of Bitcoin – e.g. darknet markets or ransomware – potentially restricting how Bitcoin can be transacted or increasing compliance costs for exchanges . In summary, regulatory risk is significant: the rules can change, and because Bitcoin challenges traditional financial systems, it will likely remain under government scrutiny. As an investor, stay informed about your local regulations and global regulatory trends that could influence Bitcoin’s future.
Security Risks (Hacks and Theft): Bitcoin itself, as a blockchain network, has proven very secure over its history (the network has never been hacked at a protocol level). However, the ecosystem around Bitcoin – exchanges, wallets, and users – is a different story. Crypto exchanges and other platforms can be vulnerable to hacking. There have been numerous high-profile exchange hacks (Mt. Gox in 2014, Bitfinex in 2016, Coincheck in 2018, etc.) where users lost funds. Even in recent years, exchanges and DeFi platforms have been compromised. If an exchange holding your Bitcoin gets hacked or collapses financially, you could lose your money. Unlike bank deposits, which in many countries are insured by the government (e.g., FDIC insurance in the US), crypto platforms typically do not offer the same guarantees . Some exchanges carry private insurance or have reimbursement funds, but these are limited. Additionally, crypto wallets (especially software and online wallets) can be hacked or compromised by malware on your device, leading to theft of your coins . Another risk is user error: if you control your own Bitcoin wallet (which many advocate, via hardware wallets, etc.), you must keep your private keys or seed phrase safe. Lost keys can mean lost Bitcoins permanently (there is no “password reset” on the blockchain). Sending Bitcoin to the wrong address by mistake is also irreversible – transactions cannot be undone once confirmed . This irreversibility is a double-edged sword: it prevents chargebacks fraud, but also means mistakes can be costly with no recourse . Overall, security is a major consideration. Mitigating these risks involves using reputable exchanges (see the section on choosing exchanges), enabling strong security measures (like two-factor authentication), and considering cold storage for large holdings (keeping your coins offline in hardware wallets, discussed in “Storing Safely”). In the event of any platform issue, remember that unlike money in a bank, crypto investors generally have limited protections under law – another reason to be cautious.
Fraud and Scams: The crypto space has unfortunately attracted many scammers and fraudsters, exploiting the hype and complexity of Bitcoin to prey on unsuspecting investors. Common scams include: fake investment schemes promising guaranteed high returns, impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as legitimate exchanges or support staff, phishing attacks to steal your private keys or exchange logins, Ponzi or pyramid schemes paid out in crypto, and “rug pull” schemes with altcoins. Even stock scams have been tied to crypto buzz . For example, there have been Ponzi schemes like the infamous BitConnect, and pump-and-dump groups that manipulate the price of smaller cryptocurrencies . Red flags include any scheme that sounds too good to be true (e.g., “double your Bitcoin overnight”), unsolicited offers on social media, or pressure to send Bitcoin to partake in an opportunity. Also, be wary of phishing links – always verify you’re using the official website of an exchange or wallet. Impersonation scams have become common, where scammers pretend to be tech support or officials from an exchange and trick people into giving up credentials . Romance scams and “pig butchering” scams have also emerged, where scammers build trust with victims online and then lure them into fake crypto investments . To protect yourself, educate yourself on prevalent scams. Never send your private keys or seed phrase to anyone – no legitimate service will ever ask for those. Be cautious of any investment opportunity that demands crypto payment and promises unrealistic returns. Use official channels to verify information, and consider that if something is being aggressively marketed with high pressure, it could be fraudulent. Regulators like FINRA, the SEC, and consumer protection agencies often issue alerts about current scam tactics – it’s wise to heed those warnings .
Liquidity and Market Manipulation: Bitcoin’s market has grown very large (with a market cap in the hundreds of billions or trillions of dollars in recent years), so liquidity is generally good on major exchanges. However, during periods of extreme volatility, liquidity can dry up temporarily, leading to rapid price swings or difficulty executing large orders without moving the price. Additionally, the crypto market is less regulated than traditional markets, which opens it to potential manipulation. For instance, “whales” (holders of large amounts of Bitcoin) can potentially sway prices by buying or selling large quantities. Unregulated offshore exchanges might engage in questionable practices like wash trading to fake volume. While these may not directly affect a long-term investor, they add to short-term price instability.
Technological Risks: Bitcoin relies on encryption and the integrity of the blockchain. While it’s considered very secure, there are hypothetical risks like a sudden breakthrough in quantum computing (which could, in theory, break current cryptography) or unforeseen vulnerabilities in the protocol. The chance of such events is considered low in the near term and the Bitcoin community would likely try to adapt (e.g., upgrade cryptographic algorithms), but it’s a risk to note in the very long term. More immediate tech-related risks include network attacks (like 51% attacks, which are extremely difficult given Bitcoin’s size, or denial-of-service attacks on the network), or software bugs in Bitcoin’s code. Furthermore, the success of Bitcoin could be undermined by a superior technology in the future – while Bitcoin is the first mover, there are thousands of other cryptocurrencies, and some could technologically outpace Bitcoin in certain aspects (though none has definitively done so as a store of value as of now). This competitive risk is more relevant to smaller coins, but it’s part of the landscape.
In summary, investing in Bitcoin carries risks akin to a high-risk, high-reward venture. Volatility means prices can swing dramatically . The regulatory environment is uncertain; it can either enhance or depress Bitcoin’s prospects depending on how rules evolve. Security risks are significant – investors must be vigilant against hacks and take custody seriously. And fraud is an ever-present threat in the crypto world; skepticism and due diligence are essential. By acknowledging these risks and preparing for them, you put yourself in a better position to invest wisely or decide if Bitcoin is appropriate for you at all. Always consider your own financial situation and risk tolerance; in doubt, consult with a financial advisor who is knowledgeable about crypto. Bitcoin offers no guarantees – only possibilities, proportional to the risks taken.
How to Start Investing in Bitcoin
Getting started with Bitcoin investing involves a series of steps: educating yourself, setting up secure storage (a wallet), choosing a reputable exchange to buy Bitcoin, executing your purchase, and then keeping your investment safe. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to begin investing in Bitcoin:
1. Educate Yourself and Set Realistic Expectations
Before buying Bitcoin, take time to understand the basics of how it works and what investing entails. As this guide has shown, Bitcoin is volatile and unlike traditional assets. Read up on Bitcoin’s fundamentals (such as the Bitcoin whitepaper or beginner guides) and make sure you are comfortable with the risks. Plan your investment strategy (Will you HODL? Trade? DCA?) and ensure it aligns with your financial goals. Set realistic expectations – for example, it’s unwise to assume you’ll get rich quick. Many experts emphasize never investing more than you can afford to lose, and treating Bitcoin as a high-risk part of your portfolio . Bitcoin can be a rewarding investment, but it can also underperform or crash for long periods. Having the right mindset and knowledge base is the first step to investing prudently.
2. Set Up a Bitcoin Wallet (Secure Storage)
A crypto wallet is essentially an application or device that stores your Bitcoin (specifically, it stores the cryptographic keys that control your Bitcoin addresses). There are different types of wallets, each with trade-offs between convenience and security:
Custodial (Hosted) Wallet: The simplest option for beginners is to use a hosted wallet provided by a trusted exchange or platform. For example, if you buy on Coinbase, your Bitcoin is by default held in Coinbase’s custodial wallet under your account. Hosted wallets are easy – you don’t have to manage private keys, and if you forget your password, the provider can help recover access . This setup feels similar to online banking. Pros: Very user-friendly; the custodian handles security (some use insurance or cold storage for most funds); no risk of losing your private key by accident. Cons: You are trusting a third party with your coins – “not your keys, not your coins” is a saying in crypto. If the company has issues (hack, bankruptcy, government seizure), your Bitcoin could be at risk. Also, hosted wallets may restrict certain advanced crypto activities. Nevertheless, a reputable exchange can be a fine starting point for small amounts while you learn.
Self-Custody (Non-Custodial) Wallet: This is a wallet where you control the private keys. Examples include mobile apps like Coinbase Wallet (separate from the Coinbase exchange app) or Trust Wallet, desktop wallets, or browser-based wallets. When you set up a non-custodial software wallet, you’ll be given a 12-24 word seed phrase which is essentially the password to all your funds – you must keep this secret and safe (offline, not just on a computer) . Non-custodial wallets give you full control: no third-party can freeze your funds and you don’t rely on any company’s solvency. They also let you interact directly with the blockchain (useful if you want to use DeFi or other crypto apps). Pros: Greater control and privacy; access to a wider range of crypto services (like lending, staking, etc., if you choose). Cons: All responsibility is on you – if you lose your seed phrase or someone phishes it from you, your Bitcoin is gone permanently . Also, sending transactions requires a bit more know-how (though wallets are making this easier). For beginners, a self-custody wallet is feasible (just follow the setup instructions carefully and secure that backup phrase), but it adds complexity versus a custodial solution.
Hardware Wallet: This is a physical device (like a USB stick) that stores your private keys offline. Popular hardware wallets include Ledger and Trezor. Hardware wallets are considered the gold standard for security – since the keys are stored in a device that stays offline except when signing transactions, it greatly reduces risk of online hacks. Even if your computer is infected with malware, a hardware wallet can protect your Bitcoin. Pros: Extremely secure for long-term storage; your keys never touch an internet-connected device in plain form. Cons: There’s a cost to buy the device (typically $50-$150), and using hardware wallets is slightly less convenient for frequent transactions. Setting them up requires carefully following instructions and ensuring you back up the seed phrase. Some technical savvy is helpful, but many find it straightforward after initial setup. Hardware wallets are recommended if you accumulate a significant amount of Bitcoin that you plan to hold long-term, as they offer strong protection even against sophisticated hacking attempts .
Which wallet type to choose depends on your needs. If you’re starting with a small investment for learning purposes, keeping it on a trusted exchange or in a simple mobile wallet might be fine. As your holdings grow, you may transition to self-custody and eventually a hardware wallet for maximum safety. Note that you can use combinations – for instance, keep spending money on a phone app and savings on a hardware device. Setting up a wallet is usually straightforward: for hosted wallets, you just create an account on the platform. For software wallets, download the app from an official source, follow the setup (be ready to write down a 12- or 24-word seed phrase on paper), and set a strong password if applicable. Always enable additional security features like two-factor authentication (2FA) on any wallet or exchange account – this adds an extra step (like an auth app code or SMS code) when logging in or making withdrawals, which greatly improves security.
3. Choose a Reputable Exchange or Trading Platform
To buy Bitcoin, you will likely use a cryptocurrency exchange – an online platform where you can exchange fiat currency (like USD or EUR) for Bitcoin, or trade Bitcoin for other cryptocurrencies. Choosing a reliable, safe, and convenient exchange is crucial. Here are some major exchanges and their characteristics:
Exchange
Headquarters
Year Founded
Key Features
Fees (Approx.)
Ideal For
Coinbase
San Francisco, USA
2012
– Regulated U.S. exchange, publicly traded company (NASDAQ: COIN). – Very user-friendly interface and strong security infrastructure . – Supports ~300+ cryptocurrencies and offers educational resources for beginners .
Beginners – easy to use, widely trusted . Also suitable for long-term investors.
Binance (Global)
Originally China; now global (no official HQ, associated with Cayman Is./Malta)
2017
– World’s largest exchange by volume; offers 350+ cryptocurrencies . – Low trading fees (~0.1%) and high liquidity. – Advanced trading features, derivatives (futures, options), and earning services (staking, lending).
0.1% spot trading fee (can be lower with BNB token discounts). Withdrawals have varying fees per coin.
Active traders and international users – offers a wide coin selection and low fees. Not fully available to US residents (Binance.US is separate with fewer coins).
Kraken
San Francisco, USA
2011
– One of the oldest crypto exchanges; high reputation for security. – Supports 200+ coins (480+ trading pairs) and fiat deposits/withdrawals. – Competitive fees and offers advanced trading (margin trading, staking for certain coins).
Maker/Taker: ~0.0–0.25% / 0.08–0.40% (depends on volume) . Bank deposit/withdrawal fees vary (often free or small).
Cost-conscious traders – known for low fees . Also good for both beginners (simple interface available) and advanced users (Pro interface).
Gemini
New York, USA
2014
– U.S.-regulated (NYDFS) exchange founded by Winklevoss twins; high compliance and security focus. – Offers around 100+ cryptocurrencies. – Provides a simple interface and an advanced trading platform (ActiveTrader). Has robust custody services and insurance on assets in custody.
Higher than some rivals on the basic interface (e.g. ~1.49% or a spread); ActiveTrader fees: maker/taker ~0.0–0.4%.
Security-conscious investors – Gemini emphasizes safety and is a licensed trust company. Good for those prioritizing regulation and insurance, though fees are a bit higher.
Crypto.com
Singapore
2016
– Popular mobile-focused platform with 400+ cryptos . – Has a crypto Visa debit card and earn program (interest on holdings). – Provides derivatives trading (including Bitcoin futures/options) and an NFT marketplace.
Maker/Taker: ~0.1–0.2% / 0.16–0.25% (with discounts for CRO token holders) . No fees for crypto deposits; withdrawal fees depend on crypto.
Mobile users and diversified crypto users – great app experience , additional services like the debit card. Offers many features for Bitcoin holders (interest, loans, etc.).
BitMart
Cayman Islands (global)
2017
– Over 1,700 cryptocurrencies listed (very extensive range, including many small-cap altcoins) . – Often used to find lesser-known coins; interface is more basic.
~0.2% trading fee.
Altcoin speculators – best for those looking beyond Bitcoin into a wide array of crypto assets. Not needed if you only stick to major coins.
Table: Selected major cryptocurrency exchanges and their features (as of 2025). Fees and coin counts are approximate.
When choosing an exchange, consider security, fees, supported currencies, payment methods, and regulatory compliance. For U.S. users, exchanges like Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini, (and Binance.US for limited Binance features) are compliant with U.S. regulations and will require identity verification (KYC). If you’re outside the U.S., you have additional options like the global Binance, Crypto.com, Bitstamp, etc. Always do a quick check for any recent news about an exchange (hacks, outages, or financial troubles). Also, look at what deposit methods are available: bank transfer (ACH or wire), credit/debit card (usually higher fees), or other cryptos. Beginners often opt for an exchange with a simple user experience, even if the fees are slightly higher, to ensure they can navigate the purchase process confidently.
After selecting an exchange, create an account. This typically involves providing an email, setting a strong password, and verifying your identity (uploading an ID and perhaps a selfie, as required by KYC laws). Enable 2FA on your account for security. Once your account is set up and verified, you will deposit fiat money or link a payment method. Common ways to fund an account include connecting a bank account for ACH transfers or wiring money, which usually have the lowest fees; or using a debit card, which is instant but often comes with higher fees (2-4% typically).
4. Buy Bitcoin
With funds in your exchange account, you can now place an order to buy Bitcoin. On most exchanges you’ll have options to place a market order (buy immediately at the current market price) or a limit order (set a price at which to buy, and the order executes only if the market hits that price). For a beginner, a market order is simplest – enter the amount of USD (or your currency) you want to spend on Bitcoin, and the exchange will tell you how much BTC that equates to (after fees) at the current rate. Review the details (including the fee and the exchange rate you’re getting) and confirm the order.
A few tips for this step:
Start Small: It’s fine to start with a small purchase (even $50 or $100). Bitcoin is divisible up to 8 decimal places, so you can buy fractional amounts. For example, if Bitcoin is $50,000, buying $100 worth will get you 0.002 BTC. Starting small helps you get familiar with the process without taking large risk.
Be Mindful of Fees: Each platform has its fee structure. Some include the fee in the quoted price (spread), others show it explicitly. If you place a $500 market buy on Coinbase’s main interface, for example, you might pay a few dollars in fees. On Coinbase Pro or other trading interfaces, fees might be a percentage like 0.5%. It often pays to use the advanced trading interface for lower fees once you’re comfortable.
Order Execution: Market orders execute immediately. Limit orders may take time or may not fill at all if the price moves away. As a new investor, if you just want to ensure you obtain Bitcoin, using a market order for a modest amount is reasonable (the slippage on major exchanges for small orders is minimal). If you are placing a very large order relative to market volume, consider breaking it into pieces or using limit orders to avoid driving up the price.
After the order executes, you should see your Bitcoin balance in your exchange account’s wallet. Congratulations – you now own Bitcoin!
5. Secure Your Bitcoin (Transfer to Wallet, if needed)
If you bought on a platform like Coinbase or Kraken and plan to hold your Bitcoin for a while, you have a decision to make: keep it on the exchange or move it to a personal wallet. Keeping crypto on an exchange (custodial wallet) means you don’t have to manage keys and you can easily trade or sell on that platform. However, as discussed in the risk section, it exposes you to counterparty risk (the exchange must keep your coins safe). If the amount is significant, many investors choose to withdraw their Bitcoin to a personal wallet they control (either a software wallet or, for larger amounts, a hardware wallet). This process involves sending your Bitcoin from the exchange to your wallet address. It’s critical to copy and paste the address exactly (and double-check it), because crypto transactions are irreversible . Generally, you scan a QR code or paste your wallet’s Bitcoin receive address into the exchange’s withdrawal page, and specify how much BTC to send. Be aware there will be a network transaction fee (miners fee) when withdrawing; exchanges usually either charge a fixed fee or deduct the network fee from your amount. Given Bitcoin’s network fees can vary, consider withdrawing larger amounts less frequently rather than many tiny withdrawals.
For newcomers with small investments, it’s perfectly fine to leave the coins on the exchange for a while, especially if you intend to trade or sell in the near future. Just use all security features (strong password, 2FA, withdrawal whitelist if available). If you plan to hold long-term, learning to use a self-custody wallet is highly recommended. It adds a step, but it puts you in full control of your Bitcoin – an exchange can’t freeze your account or get hacked resulting in your loss (in a self-custody scenario, your main risk is you losing the keys, which you mitigate by careful backups). For many, a sensible approach is: keep only the amount on exchange that you might trade or need for liquidity, and store the rest in an offline wallet.
6. Ongoing Management and Tracking
Once you’ve invested in Bitcoin, manage it prudently. This means keeping track of your holdings, possibly using portfolio tracking apps or spreadsheets, and staying informed about market news that might affect your investment. We will cover specific tools and resources for tracking in a later section of this guide. You should also plan for tax documentation – keep records of your purchase (the date, amount, and price) because you’ll need this information for tax reporting when you eventually sell or spend your Bitcoin. Some exchanges provide transaction history downloads which you can save for your records.
Finally, periodically re-evaluate your investment strategy. If Bitcoin grows to be a large part of your portfolio due to price increase, you might want to rebalance (for example, some investors “take profits” by selling a small portion after large run-ups). Alternatively, if you’re confident in Bitcoin’s long-term prospects, you may just let it ride. But always remember the importance of diversification and not over-exposing yourself to a single asset. As your comfort grows, you can explore more sophisticated actions like using dollar-cost averaging to continue building your position or using interest-earning accounts or Bitcoin-backed loans – but these are advanced steps beyond the initial purchase.
In summary, starting to invest in Bitcoin involves setting up secure storage, choosing a reputable exchange, and executing a purchase, followed by vigilant security practices and record-keeping. In the next sections, we’ll touch on taxation and common mistakes to avoid, which will further equip you to navigate your Bitcoin investing journey responsibly.
Tax Implications of Bitcoin Investments
Taxation is an often overlooked but crucial aspect of Bitcoin investing. Bitcoin is treated differently from cash currency in many jurisdictions. In general (especially in countries like the United States, Canada, UK, etc.), Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are treated as property or an investment asset for tax purposes, not as foreign currency . This has several implications:
Capital Gains and Losses: When you dispose of Bitcoin – whether by selling it for fiat, trading it for another cryptocurrency, or using it to buy goods/services – it is typically a taxable event. In the U.S., the IRS considers that if you sell or exchange Bitcoin, you incur a capital gain or loss equal to the difference between your cost basis (what you originally paid for the Bitcoin) and the value at the time of sale . If you held the Bitcoin for more than one year before selling, it’s a long-term capital gain (taxed at typically lower long-term capital gains tax rates). If you held for one year or less, it’s a short-term capital gain (taxed as ordinary income rates, which are usually higher) . For example, if you bought 0.1 BTC for $5,000 and two years later you trade that 0.1 BTC for $8,000 worth of cash or another coin, you have a $3,000 long-term capital gain that must be reported on your taxes. Conversely, if Bitcoin’s price fell and you sold 0.1 BTC for $3,000, you have a $2,000 capital loss, which in many jurisdictions can be used to offset other capital gains (and a limited amount of ordinary income, e.g., up to $3,000 in the U.S.).
Using Bitcoin as Payment: If you use Bitcoin to purchase something (say a car, or even a cup of coffee), it counts as you selling that Bitcoin at the price of the item. This means you have to calculate gain/loss from the time you originally acquired that Bitcoin to the time you spent it. This is a cumbersome requirement and one reason crypto advocacy groups are pushing for tax exemptions for small personal transactions. But as of now in many countries, spending crypto is a taxable event. If you are paid in Bitcoin for work or receive it as income, that is treated as ordinary income (taxed at the value when you received it, and that becomes your basis going forward).
Reporting Requirements: Tax agencies are increasingly aware of crypto. In the U.S., the IRS explicitly asks on the Form 1040 whether you had any digital asset transactions during the year . Exchanges often provide 1099 forms or transaction reports to both the user and the IRS for U.S. customers if certain criteria are met, but even if you don’t receive a form, you are required to report your crypto gains. Make sure to keep records of every transaction: when you bought Bitcoin, how much and at what price; and the same for when you sold or exchanged it. Using a portfolio tracker or a specialized crypto tax software (like Koinly, CoinTracker, etc.) can help calculate gains and losses, especially if you have many transactions. The IRS (and other tax authorities) have rules about which coins are considered sold if you bought at different times (FIFO – first in, first out, is a common default, but specific identification may be allowed if you have records). Consult a tax professional if you are unsure – crypto taxation can get complex if you do frequent trading.
IRS Guidance (U.S. example): The IRS has made it clear since 2014 that it treats crypto as property . In practical terms, this is similar to how stocks are taxed. There is no taxation on mere ownership or unrealized gains – only when you realize a gain or loss by disposing of the asset. If you mine Bitcoin, the Bitcoin you earn from mining is income (taxed at fair market value when received) and could also be subject to self-employment tax if mining as a business. If you receive crypto from an airdrop or fork, those can be taxable events as well. For instance, the IRS explicitly said receiving new coins from a fork is taxable as income at the time of receipt.
International Differences: Each country may have its own twist. Some countries indeed treat cryptocurrency more like a currency or have exemptions. For example, Germany (as of earlier years) allowed tax-free sales of crypto held longer than one year. In the UK, crypto is subject to Capital Gains Tax, and transactions need to be reported similarly. Some countries have not issued clear guidance, but most are converging on treating it as an asset. A notable few jurisdictions (Portugal, parts of Switzerland, El Salvador, etc.) have very favorable tax treatment for long-term holdings or for personal use, but always confirm the current law. If you’re outside the U.S., be sure to consult your local tax authority’s guidance on “digital assets” or “cryptocurrency” – many have published FAQs or rules similar to the IRS.
Record Keeping: It cannot be overstated: keep good records. That means dates, values in fiat currency at the time, what the transaction was (buy/sell/spend/receive), and fees paid (fees often can be included in the cost basis or deducted from proceeds, which can affect gains). Crypto exchanges may not provide traditional year-end tax documents depending on where you live and which exchange it is, so the responsibility falls on you. Some people use crypto tax software that connects to exchanges via API to pull transaction history and calculate everything. The IRS requires taxpayers to maintain records sufficient to establish the positions taken on tax returns – this means you should save things like confirmation emails, screenshots, or download trade history from exchanges periodically.
Taxation of Specific Transactions: If you are just buying and holding Bitcoin, your main taxable event will be when you sell. But be aware of other scenarios:
Trading Bitcoin for another crypto (e.g., Ethereum): This triggers capital gains just like selling for USD would. You have to report the BTC sold (valued in USD at the time) and the ETH bought becomes a new asset with its own basis (the USD value at the time of trade).
Earning interest or rewards in Bitcoin: If you use services that pay you additional Bitcoin (or any coins) as interest, staking, or rewards (like referral bonuses), those are typically taxable as ordinary income at the time you received them (in the amount of fiat value).
Airdrops and forks: These are also generally income when you can control the coins.
Gifts and donations: If you gift crypto to someone, in some countries that might trigger gift tax rules if above certain thresholds (in the U.S., giving crypto is treated like giving stock – it’s not income to the recipient, but the giver might need to file a gift tax form if above annual exclusion). Donating appreciated Bitcoin to a registered charity can have benefits (you might not have to recognize the gain and could deduct the full value as a charitable donation, similar to donating appreciated stock – a tax advisor can confirm details).
Lastly, note that tax laws are changing. In the U.S., new reporting requirements are coming into effect (exchanges and brokers will have to issue 1099-B forms with cost basis starting with 2025 transactions, due to an infrastructure bill provision) . Governments worldwide are closing loopholes and increasing enforcement on crypto taxes. Avoid the temptation to hide or ignore crypto for taxes – blockchain transactions can in many cases be traced, and exchanges report more data now. It’s best to stay compliant to avoid penalties. Consider setting aside a portion of any significant gains for the tax bill, so you’re not caught off guard.
In summary, Bitcoin investments are usually subject to capital gains tax rules: you owe taxes on profits when you sell or exchange, and you may deduct or carry forward losses in many jurisdictions . Always check the latest regulations in your country and perhaps consult a tax professional experienced in cryptocurrency. By keeping diligent records and understanding the basics of crypto taxation, you can plan your trades in a tax-efficient manner (for instance, holding >1 year for long-term gains treatment, if applicable, or harvesting losses to offset gains). Tax considerations should be part of your overall investment strategy, not an afterthought, to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Common Pitfalls and Mistakes to Avoid
Entering the world of Bitcoin and crypto investing can be exciting, but newcomers (and even seasoned investors) can fall into several common pitfalls. Being aware of these mistakes can save you money and frustration:
Lack of Research / Due Diligence: One of the biggest mistakes is buying Bitcoin (or any coin) on hype without understanding it. While you don’t need to be a blockchain developer, you should at least know what you’re investing in. Some newcomers jump in because a friend or a celebrity said “buy Bitcoin” without grasping its volatility or how it works. Always do your own research – read credible sources, understand Bitcoin’s history and use case, and if you venture into other cryptocurrencies, research those even more thoroughly (as many have varied purposes or rely on the success of a project). Don’t just rely on social media or get-rich-quick tips on forums. Remember that for every person shouting about massive profits, there are risks they might be downplaying. Thoroughly research the exchanges or services you use as well. Using an unreputable exchange or wallet app without checking reviews can lead to loss if it’s a scam or insecure. Essentially, treat crypto like any other investment: know what you’re buying and who you’re dealing with .
Investing More Than You Can Afford to Lose: The stories of people mortgaging their house to buy Bitcoin or going all-in on credit cards have rarely ended well, especially if done at market peaks. Bitcoin is still a speculative asset – there is no guaranteed return, and it can crash at any time due to unforeseen factors. A prudent rule is to allocate only a portion of your investable funds to Bitcoin, an amount that won’t derail your life if Bitcoin dropped significantly. Overextending (like using leverage without experience, or neglecting emergency savings to buy crypto) is dangerous. The crypto market’s wild swings mean that if you’re on too tight a financial leash, you might be forced to sell at a bad time (for example, to cover living expenses or a margin call if you borrowed money). Avoid using high leverage in trading as well: many exchanges offer margin trading that lets you borrow to buy more, magnifying gains and losses. Liquidation can wipe out your position entirely if the market moves against you. In short: keep your position sizes reasonable and don’t gamble money you can’t afford to lose .
FOMO and Emotional Trading: Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is a powerful emotion in crypto. When you see Bitcoin’s price skyrocketing, it’s tempting to jump in because everyone else seems to be profiting. Many new investors buy high during euphoria and then panic sell low during the subsequent crash – essentially the opposite of a good strategy. Avoid chasing pumps or making rash decisions based on hype or short-term price action. Similarly, avoid panic selling purely out of fear during sharp corrections if your original investment thesis is intact. Emotional decisions often lead to buying high and selling low. One way to combat this is to predefine a plan: for instance, “I will hold for X years” or “I’ll only invest an amount that won’t cause me panic.” If you find yourself constantly checking prices and feeling anxious, you might have invested too much or be veering into a trading mindset without a plan. It can help to step back and remind yourself of the long-term perspective. Also be wary of herd mentality – just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s a good buy at current prices.
Security Negligence: Failing to implement basic security is a frequent costly mistake. Examples include: using a simple or reused password on a crypto exchange (which could get hacked via data leaks or phishing); not enabling 2FA; leaving your device or account logged in where others can access; or not securing your seed phrase properly for wallets. Always use strong, unique passwords (a password manager is highly recommended), enable two-factor authentication on exchanges and wallets (preferably using an app like Google Authenticator or Authy rather than SMS, to avoid SIM-swap attacks). Store your wallet backup phrases offline in secure physical locations (many write them on paper or metal and keep in a safe or safety deposit box). Never screenshot or email seed phrases as those can be hacked. If you use a hardware wallet, buy it from a trusted source (to avoid tampered devices) and follow setup instructions. Also beware of phishing websites – double-check URLs for exchanges or wallet apps, as fake websites might look identical to steal your info. Neglecting these measures could result in theft of your Bitcoin, which is usually irreversible and not insured. As noted earlier, billions have been lost to hacks and scams that could have been prevented with better security hygiene .
Keeping Coins on an Exchange Long-Term: While we discussed this in the security section, it bears repeating as a common mistake: many people have lost money due to exchanges shutting down or getting hacked (e.g., Mt. Gox users in 2014, who had stored coins on the platform, lost access). If you’re not actively trading, consider moving the bulk of your holdings to your own wallet. Exchanges can also freeze withdrawals temporarily during volatile times or for compliance reasons, which can be frustrating if you need to move your funds. In the worst case, an exchange might become insolvent. So, the mistake is treating an exchange like a bank – it is safer to think of it as a temporary platform for transactions, not a long-term vault. An oft-cited guideline is: “Not your keys, not your coins.”
Falling for Scams and Phony Investments: New investors are prime targets for scammers because they might not recognize warning signs. Be extremely skeptical of:
“Guaranteed returns” or “risk-free” programs: These do not exist in legit crypto investing. Anyone promising, say, “10% weekly returns” or a guaranteed doubling of money is scamming. Real markets don’t work that predictably.
Impersonators: If someone reaches out claiming to be customer support or a famous crypto figure offering to help multiply your coins, it’s a scam. Legitimate support will never ask for your password or seed phrase, nor will they direct message you out of the blue.
Giveaway scams: You might see on Twitter or YouTube, fake accounts of Elon Musk or others saying “send 0.1 BTC and get 0.5 BTC back!” – those are 100% scams. There is no free crypto giveaway (other than maybe small airdrops) that asks you to send your own first.
Phishing emails/links: You might get emails that look like they’re from your exchange, warning of a login attempt and urging you to click a link. Always verify by going directly to the official site or app, not via email links. Check the sender’s address carefully.
Scam coins or ICOs: While this guide is about Bitcoin, if you venture into other cryptos, be aware many new tokens or ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings) have been outright scams or extremely risky ventures. Stick to reputable projects and if something is newly launched and hyped, do extra due diligence or avoid entirely. Many people lost funds on rug pulls where developers vanished after taking investor money.
Protect yourself by double-checking everything and never letting greed override caution. If you’re unsure about an opportunity, seek advice from knowledgeable community members or simply don’t proceed. It’s better to miss an opportunity than to fall for a trap that empties your wallet.
Ignoring Taxes and Regulations: Failing to consider the tax implications is another mistake. Some think because crypto can be somewhat anonymous, they can ignore taxes. This can backfire badly if authorities catch up (and they increasingly do, through exchange records or blockchain analysis). Not reporting crypto gains is illegal in many countries and can result in penalties or worse. So, avoid the mistake of sloppy or non-compliance: keep records and report as required. Additionally, stay aware of your country’s legal stance. If, say, your country bans crypto trading and you continue via VPN or other means, you could be exposing yourself to legal risk. Always operate within the law or understand the consequences.
Lack of an Exit Strategy: This is more about intermediate/advanced investors, but it’s worth mentioning. Many focus on “when to buy” but not “when to sell.” If Bitcoin meets your investment goal (maybe it doubled and that was your aim), it’s okay to take some profits. Some people ride the rocket up and then all the way down because they never planned an exit. Decide if you have conditions under which you’d sell some or all of your holdings – it could be price targets, or a need for funds, or a change in your view of Bitcoin’s fundamentals. On the flip side, avoid selling impulsively during every dip; have a thesis on what would invalidate your long-term investment (e.g., a major security flaw in Bitcoin, or a permanent regulatory shutdown scenario). Whether your strategy is to hold for a certain number of years or to gradually sell as price increases, having a plan helps avoid emotional decisions. As the saying goes, plan the trade and trade the plan – though in long-term investing, “the plan” might simply be holding until a particular personal milestone.
Forgetting Wallet Passwords / Losing Access: People have lost millions by forgetting the password to an encrypted wallet or misplacing the paper with their seed phrase. Treat your backup like gold – make multiple copies, store in secure locations (not all in one house that could burn down, for instance). If using hardware wallets, have backup seed phrases and maybe even extra hardware devices (some keep a duplicate device in a safe place). If you use a password on a wallet file (like older Bitcoin Core wallets or certain software), ensure it’s memorable or recorded securely. There is virtually no recourse if you lose access – no “forgot password” option with decentralized wallets. So be meticulous here.
In summary, avoid these common mistakes by staying informed, skeptical, and disciplined. Bitcoin investing, while potentially lucrative, requires a responsible approach. Treat security seriously, manage your emotions, adhere to good investment principles, and always be on guard against the many pitfalls that have caught others off guard. By learning from others’ mistakes, you increase your chances of a smooth and successful investing experience.
Resources for Tracking and Managing Bitcoin Investments
Once you have invested in Bitcoin, it’s important to monitor your investment and stay informed. There are many tools and resources available to help you track Bitcoin’s market price, manage your portfolio, research the market, and keep your Bitcoin secure. Here are some recommended resources across various categories:
Price Tracking and Market Data: To follow Bitcoin’s price in real time and analyze its market trends, you can use:
CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko: Popular websites that list the price of Bitcoin across exchanges, along with market capitalization, trading volume, historical charts, and other stats. They also provide info on thousands of other cryptocurrencies, but you can bookmark Bitcoin for quick access. These sites have portfolio tracking features as well.
Blockchain.com Explorer or Blockchair: These let you see real-time data on the Bitcoin blockchain itself (like how many transactions are happening, mempool size, etc.). While not necessary for basic investing, it’s a way to gauge network activity which sometimes correlates with market interest.
TradingView: A platform for charting and technical analysis. You can view BTC/USD charts with advanced indicators and drawing tools. TradingView is popular among traders for analyzing market trends. Even if you’re not trading actively, it’s useful to visualize Bitcoin’s price history and set alerts for certain price levels.
Portfolio Trackers: If you hold Bitcoin (and possibly other cryptocurrencies), a portfolio tracker app can be very handy. These apps let you input your holdings (or connect to exchanges/wallets via API) and then they update to show the current value of your portfolio, your profit/loss, etc. Some notable ones:
Blockfolio (now FTX) (mobile app): A user-friendly app to track crypto investments. You enter how much Bitcoin you bought (and at what price), and Blockfolio will show you the current value and percent change. It supports alerts (e.g., notify you when Bitcoin crosses a certain price). (Note: As of 2022, Blockfolio was acquired by FTX and rebranded, but it continues to function as a portfolio tracker even after FTX’s issues – however, new users might opt for alternatives given that association.)
Delta: Another popular portfolio tracker app that handles stocks and crypto. It has a clean interface and can handle multiple portfolios.
CoinTracker, Koinly: These are known more for tax tracking, but they double as portfolio trackers by syncing your exchange and wallet transactions to compute holdings and tax obligations. They can be very useful at year-end to see how much you’ve gained or lost and to simplify tax filing (they often produce tax reports).
Excel/Google Sheets: If you prefer manual tracking, you can maintain a simple spreadsheet logging each purchase or sale, with formulas to update prices via GoogleFinance or an API. This gives full control and transparency. However, it’s more work and prone to error if you trade frequently.
News and Information: Staying up-to-date with Bitcoin news is important as major developments (like regulatory decisions, macroeconomic events, technological upgrades, large hacks, etc.) can affect the market.
Crypto News Sites: CoinDesk and CoinTelegraph are two leading crypto-focused news outlets. They provide daily news on Bitcoin and the crypto industry, as well as educational articles. For example, CoinDesk’s learn section has guides on Bitcoin and investing strategies .
Mainstream Financial News: Now, even Bloomberg, Reuters, CNBC, etc., cover Bitcoin regularly. They might be useful for macro context or regulatory news. CNBC’s website has a crypto section, and Bloomberg has crypto newsletters.
Social Media & Forums: Crypto Twitter can be informative but also overwhelming – notable figures like developers, analysts, and economists share insights there. Just be cautious of misinformation and hype on social platforms. Reddit has communities like r/Bitcoin for general Bitcoin discussion (leaning pro-Bitcoin), r/CryptoCurrency for broad crypto news (with a variety of opinions), and r/BitcoinMarkets for trading talk. Those can be useful to gauge community sentiment or seek answers, but always double-check information you get from anonymous forums.
Podcasts and YouTube: There are many crypto podcasts (e.g., “What Bitcoin Did”, “Unchained” with Laura Shin, etc.) that discuss current events and fundamentals, which can deepen your understanding while you commute or do chores. On YouTube, channels like Andreas Antonopoulos’ (for Bitcoin concepts) or some analysts’ channels can be educational. Be wary of any YouTube influencer who constantly shills specific coins or makes extreme price predictions – stick to those known for thoughtful analysis or interviews with experts.
Security and Wallet Management: For managing your Bitcoin securely, consider these resources:
Official Wallets: The Bitcoin Core full node software is the most secure way to validate the network, but it’s heavy and technical for everyday use. For light wallets, Electrum is a well-known Bitcoin wallet (desktop and Android) that is secure and gives you control of your keys (make sure to verify you download from the official site). Mobile wallets like BlueWallet or Muunn Wallet (just examples; do research) are user-friendly for on-the-go use of Bitcoin and Lightning Network (an off-chain scaling solution for faster, small payments).
Hardware Wallet Vendors: Only buy hardware wallets from official sources. Ledger (ledger.com) and Trezor (trezor.io) have guides on how to set up and use their devices. They also have software (Ledger Live, Trezor Suite) to manage your accounts and even to buy/sell through integrated partners if you wish. Follow best practices as per their documentation.
Wallet Security Guides: The exchange or wallet you use often has a support section with security tips (e.g., Coinbase’s guide “How to keep your crypto secure” outlines using password managers, 2FA, recognizing scams ). There are also general online resources like the CFI’s Security Tips or community-made guides on Reddit wikis that cover how to avoid phishing, how to securely back up keys, etc.
Backup Solutions: If you want to get advanced, consider splitting up your seed phrase using techniques (like writing down on multiple cards and storing in different places) or using multi-signature wallets (which require more than one key to move funds, so that compromise of one key alone won’t steal your funds). Services like Casa or Unchained Capital offer user-friendly multisig for those with larger holdings, adding an extra layer of security (though these often have fees).
Analytical Tools: If you’re more deeply involved and want to analyze the Bitcoin network or market, there are on-chain analysis platforms like Glassnode, Coin Metrics, or CryptoQuant that provide charts on network metrics (e.g., number of active addresses, HODLer behavior, mining data). Some data is free, other features are paid. These can sometimes give insight into market cycles (for example, seeing if long-term holders are selling or accumulating).
Regulatory and Tax Resources: To stay compliant and informed:
Follow your country’s financial regulator or tax authority announcements regarding crypto. For instance, the IRS’s Digital Assets page details U.S. tax obligations (we cited it earlier) . Keep an eye on updates, like new reporting rules that might affect you.
The SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission) and CFTC sometimes issue investor bulletins on crypto – for example, the SEC’s Office of Investor Education might release “tips for investing in ICOs” or warnings, which are useful to read so you know red flags that authorities themselves highlight (e.g., Ponzi schemes involving crypto have been explicitly warned about by the SEC ).
If you use tax software like TurboTax, note that some now have crypto integrations or at least direct questioning about crypto transactions. There are also specialized crypto tax services (as mentioned, CoinTracker, Koinly, TokenTax) that not only calculate but also often publish useful blogs or guides on navigating crypto tax issues each year (like how to treat airdrops, etc.).
Community and Learning: Bitcoin is an ever-evolving space. Engaging with the community can be enlightening. The Bitcoin community has forums like Bitcointalk (where Bitcoin started, though it’s more old-school and technical). There are local Bitcoin meetups in many cities where enthusiasts gather to discuss – could be worthwhile if you want to learn and connect with experienced folks (just practice common sense and don’t reveal sensitive info about your holdings). Online, some good community-driven resources include the Bitcoin StackExchange for technical Q&A, and educational websites like Khan Academy (which had a series on Bitcoin basics), or the aforementioned Andreas Antonopoulos talks that are free on YouTube.
Monitoring Your Investment Thesis: Lastly, keep track of the reasons you invested in Bitcoin in the first place. If it’s the macro environment (like hedging against inflation or financial system risks), consider following macroeconomic indicators or commentators in that space. If it’s technological (belief in blockchain adoption), follow development updates (e.g., improvements like Taproot upgrade in 2021, or Lightning Network growth). If mainstream adoption matters to you, watch for news like companies adding Bitcoin to their balance sheet or countries changing laws. By tracking these, you can gauge whether the long-term story is strengthening or weakening and manage your investment accordingly.
In conclusion, the toolkit for a Bitcoin investor includes price tracking platforms, portfolio management apps, secure wallets, news sources, and educational resources. Authoritative information is key – prioritize official or reputable sources (for example, an official exchange blog post about security, or a regulator’s guidance on taxes, or a leading crypto news site’s report on an event) over random social media opinions. The more you treat your Bitcoin investment with the diligence you’d give to any serious financial endeavor, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate the exciting and sometimes turbulent waters of the cryptocurrency market.
By leveraging the strategies, risk awareness, secure practices, and resources outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to approaching Bitcoin investing in a responsible and informed manner. Remember that the crypto landscape can change quickly – staying educated and vigilant is your best asset. Happy investing, and may your Bitcoin journey be rewarding!
Bitcoin is not for the faint of heart. It’s not for people who need permission, validation, or a guarantee. Bitcoin is the financial equivalent of jumping out of a plane with a parachute you packed yourself. You either trust your preparation—or you splatter.
When you buy Bitcoin, you’re not “investing.” You’re declaring war on cowardice. You’re choosing volatility over comfort, conviction over consensus, sovereignty over submission. Every tick down shakes out the weak. Every tick up rewards the few who refused to flinch.
To hold Bitcoin is to have big balls—not metaphorical, but philosophical. The strength to endure a 70% drawdown and still smile. The audacity to believe in the hardest money ever invented when everyone else is hypnotized by fiat illusions.
2. Fiat Is Castration
Let’s be blunt: fiat currency is emasculation in paper form. Inflation is the slow theft of your virility—your energy, your time, your future. Every dollar printed is another millimeter sliced off your financial manhood.
Bitcoin is financial testosterone. It restores hardness to your money. It punishes the weak and rewards the bold. The fiat system rewards obedience. Bitcoin rewards courage.
When you buy Bitcoin, you are saying:
“I refuse to be neutered by the system.”
You don’t need permission from a central bank. You don’t need approval from a regulator. You don’t need a bailout. You are the bank. You are the treasury. You are the sovereign state of one.
3. Volatility = Vitality
Most people fear volatility. I love it. Volatility is proof of life. Flatlines are for the dead.
When Bitcoin drops 20%, the herd panics. The man with big balls smiles, opens his wallet, and stacks harder. Because he understands that volatility is not risk—it’s the price of greatness.
If Bitcoin were stable, it would be dead. It’s volatile because it’s alive, it’s growing, it’s absorbing global energy.
Volatility is vitality.
Weak hands die. Strong hands multiply.
4. The Psychology of the Unshakeable
To hold Bitcoin long enough to win, you must evolve. You must metamorphose from a speculator into a sovereign.
At first, you check the price every minute. Then every hour. Then you stop checking. Because one day, you realize the price doesn’t matter—the protocol does.
Bitcoin doesn’t care about your emotions. It doesn’t coddle your insecurities. It either makes you harder or it breaks you.
Every bear market is a test:
Do you actually believe in scarcity?
Do you actually understand the math?
Do you actually have conviction—or were you just chasing dopamine?
The weak trade Bitcoin. The strong become Bitcoin.
5. Proof of Balls
Owning Bitcoin is your proof of balls—your proof of time preference, your proof of will. Every sat you stack is a vote against mediocrity, against dependency, against fragility.
When you hold Bitcoin through chaos, you are signaling to the universe:
“I am not afraid of the abyss.”
Because true investors don’t seek safety. They seek truth. And Bitcoin is the only monetary truth that exists today.
6. In the End, Only the Bold Survive
Bitcoin will make you rich, but only if you deserve it. Only if you have the mental armor to withstand pain, ridicule, and doubt.
In the end, the world divides cleanly into two tribes:
Those with small balls who chase comfort.
Those with big balls who chase freedom.
Choose wisely.
Because Bitcoin doesn’t care about your excuses—it only rewards conviction.
Eric Kim Final Word
Bitcoin is not an investment.
Bitcoin is a mirror.
It reflects exactly how strong—or weak—you really are.
Only the strong survive.
Only the bold ascend.
Only those with big balls become Bitcoin billionaires.
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1. Strength Context and Biomechanical Significance
Eric Kim’s rack pull of 666 kg (1,469 lb) at a body weight of only 71 kg (156 lb) represents an extraordinary feat in strength training. To put this into context, even the world’s strongest strongmen – often weighing 2–3 times as much as Kim – have only managed partial deadlifts in the 500–550 kg range in official events. For example, Ukrainian strongman Oleksii Novikov set an 18-inch deadlift world record of 550 kg in March 2025 (without a deadlift suit, using only a belt, wrist wraps, and straps) . This broke the previous partial deadlift record of 540 kg by Rauno Heinla . Similarly, strongman Eddie Hall had earlier performed a 536 kg silver dollar deadlift (a partial lift from ~18 inches height) with straps, surpassing a record that stood since 1983 . Kim’s 666 kg rack pull exceeds these elite partial lifts by over 100 kg, highlighting just how unprecedented his accomplishment is in raw weight.
Beyond the sheer load, the relative strength is astounding. Kim lifted about 9.4× his body weight, whereas even legendary powerlifters rarely approach 5× body weight in a deadlift. (For instance, Lamar Gant’s famous deadlift of 634 lbs at 123 lbs bodyweight – roughly 5× – remains one of the highest relative deadlifts on record .) Kim’s 9.4× bodyweight rack pull nearly doubles that relative ratio. Biomechanically, this is achievable only because the rack pull is a partial range-of-motion lift. By starting at about mid-thigh or above-knee height, the lift skips the most mechanically disadvantageous bottom portion of a deadlift . At lockout height the hips and knees are more extended, placing the back in a stronger leverage position and allowing much heavier weights to be handled than in a full deadlift. In fact, rack pulls from knee level or higher can enable lifters to move roughly 30–50% more weight than from the floor . This overload strengthens the top-end of the deadlift motion and the supporting musculature (spinal erectors, traps, glutes), explaining why Kim (who likely used straps and a belt for safety) could hold such an extreme load.
However, 666 kg is extraordinary by any standard. The forces involved border on the limits of human physiology. Some observers estimated that the compressive force on Kim’s spine during the lift could be on the order of 40,000 N (roughly equivalent to 4 tons) – an eye-popping figure that underscores the strain on skeletal and connective tissues . Even if this rough calculation is debated, there’s no doubt the lift demanded immense tendon and ligament strength to avoid injury. Biomechanically, the bar itself would have significant whip under such load (bending until the plates leave the supports), meaning Kim initially lifted a portion of the weight until the bar fully straightened . Only near the top did he support the entire 666 kg, but by then his advantageous posture allowed maximal recruitment of his back and hip extensors. In summary, from a pure strength and biomechanics perspective, Kim’s rack pull represents a perfect storm of leveraging partial range-of-motion and extreme connective tissue fortitude to move a weight that nearly defies belief. It stands far above known feats in the same category – truly “gravity-defying” in the words of one strength outlet .
2. Community and Expert Reactions
Verification and Skepticism: When footage of the 666 kg rack pull (and Kim’s similar >600 kg lifts leading up to it) emerged, strength communities reacted with both awe and skepticism. On Reddit’s lifting forums, users immediately scrutinized the video for any signs of fakery or misrepresentation. They analyzed details like the bar bend, plate sizes, and the continuity of the footage. Initially, some commenters questioned if fake weights or camera tricks were involved – an understandable reaction given the implausible number. However, those doubts began to ease as knowledgeable lifters noted that the barbell’s flex and the whip timing looked consistent with genuine ultra-heavy lifts. Within a short time, the consensus on subreddits like r/weightroom shifted from “Is this fake?” to “Nothing fake here”, as multiple viewers confirmed the plates and setup appeared legitimate (with the video showing every plate loaded and the full lift without cuts) . In other words, the community self-verified the lift through crowd analysis, even though it wasn’t done in competition.
Debate over Significance: Once authenticity was largely accepted, the bigger debate was what this feat meant. Powerlifters and strongman fans are quick to point out that a high rack pull is not the same as a standard deadlift – and many were divided on how impressed to be. Some were hugely impressed, noting that even handling that weight at all, for a brief lockout, is a test of remarkable upper back and hip strength (and guts). Commenters on r/Fitness marveled at the sheer spectacle, joking that Kim had “punched a hole in reality” with such a lift, and turning his roaring celebration into memes (one AirPods-related meme quipped that “Eric Kim’s roar just gave my AirPods a six-pack”) – indicating a mix of admiration and humor in the reception. On the other hand, purists and coaches tempered the hype. Many echoed the view that a rack pull is an “ego lift” if taken to extremes. Notably, renowned strength coach Jim Wendler weighed in (via a prior essay) to caution that above-knee rack pulls often fail to translate into full deadlift strength and mostly stroke one’s ego . Wendler recounted that he himself could rack pull 900 lbs yet could “barely lock out 700 lbs” from the floor – implying that such partial lifts can far exceed one’s real deadlift capability and thus prove little beyond bragging rights . He specifically criticizes very high pulls for turning into “yet another ego contest,” noting how the short range of motion plus bar bend make the feat much easier than it appears . Many experienced lifters in the forums echoed these sentiments, essentially giving Kim credit for his passion but questioning the practical carryover. As one Reddit user put it bluntly regarding a different 550 kg partial: “Who keeps rack pull records? … That doesn’t seem high for a rack pull of 6 inches… I’m sure others can pull more. [Strongman] Brian Shaw did 100 lbs more” . This captures the contrarian view – that while the number is huge, partial lifts are a separate category and not tracked as official “world records” in the way full lifts are.
Controversies and Safety Concerns: Alongside the admiration and debate, there was also concern and controversy. Some coaches and commenters worried that such videos might inspire untrained individuals to attempt reckless overloads. Seeing a relatively small (71 kg) man hold over 600 kg could create a dangerous “gym challenge” trend. Indeed, reports emerged of a few enthusiastic lifters trying their own maximal rack pulls after seeing Kim’s viral videos, some tagging their attempts with hashtags like #MiddleFingerToGravity in emulation. This led to cautionary statements in fitness communities: several users warned that trying to copy a 9× bodyweight lift without years of preparation would be extremely risky, potentially causing catastrophic injury (spinal damage or tendon ruptures). Even those who applauded Kim’s audacity often added, “Don’t try this at home.” In one chiropractic blog, the author noted an uptick of interest in heavy rack pulls “as mentioned in [the] Eric Kim… Buzz online,” and gently reminded readers that such loads place enormous stress on the back and should be approached judiciously . The controversy also extends to what constitutes a “legitimate” feat: powerlifting traditionalists argued that without a standard (like a deadlift from the floor with no straps), the lift shouldn’t be compared to official records at all – essentially treating it as a stunt. Others countered that strongman has numerous partial lift events (Silver Dollar deadlifts, hummer tire deadlifts, etc.), so Kim’s achievement within that realm is still notable, even if unofficial. Notably, Kim did his 666 kg pull raw (no assistive suit, just straps and belt), whereas strongman records in the 500+ kg range often allow stiff suits – a point some fans used to bolster the impressiveness of his lift.
In summary, the community’s reaction was a mix of astonishment, debate, and caution. It sparked discussion about training philosophy (the value of overload partials) and where to draw the line between training accomplishment and showmanship. Crucially, while Kim’s lift earned respect for its spectacle, many experts like Wendler reminded everyone that true strength is ultimately measured in full-range lifts under stricter conditions . The feat was verified by crowdsourcing, celebrated by many, but also contextualized (or downplayed) by those with a more pragmatic view of strength training.
3. Symbolic and “Performance-Art” Interpretations
Interestingly, some observers and commentators ventured beyond the physical aspects and discussed Kim’s lift in almost mythic or symbolic terms. This was fueled in part by Kim’s own flamboyant presentation – the number 666 (kg) itself, for example, was noted for its pop-cultural resonance as the “number of the beast.” Outside commentators on social media and forums picked up on this, half-jokingly dubbing the 666 kg pull as Kim’s “demonic lift” or suggesting he made a Faustian bargain for strength. A few tongue-in-cheek comments on Reddit quipped that Kim must have “summoned dark forces to hit that number.” While these remarks were facetious, they underline how surreal the feat appeared to onlookers.
Some fitness bloggers and YouTube commentators also interpreted Kim’s string of ever-heavier rack pulls as a form of performance art or a statement of philosophy. Rather than seeing it as a one-off gym PR, they noted how Kim publicly framed his lifts with grandiose language – calling one of his earlier 650 kg efforts “a cosmic declaration” and using Nietzschean or godlike metaphors. Independent analysts on strength podcasts picked up this thread: in one podcast episode recap, the host described Kim’s lifts as “defying physics” and “bending the world’s gravity to his will,” suggesting a near-poetic or existential quality to the act . This hyperbolic style led some to discuss the meaning behind the feat. Was it purely an athletic pursuit, or also a form of “physical philosophy” – challenging perceived human limits and daring others to re-imagine what is possible? A cultural commentator on Twitter mused that Kim’s viral lifting videos blur the line between sport and performance art, stating that “watching a man rage against the weight of the world (literally) has a primal artistry to it.” In this interpretation, the 666 kg lift became symbolic – a “middle finger to gravity,” as one meme was tagged, representing rebellion against limitation .
That said, it’s important to note that these lofty interpretations were mostly fueled by fan commentary and Kim’s own branding, rather than by mainstream sports media. Traditional strength coaches tended to stick to practical analysis (as discussed above). But in the social media sphere, Kim’s feats took on a life of their own. There were mentions of him achieving “hyper-god” status in jest, and references to ancient myths (comparisons to Atlas holding up the sky were made in some Instagram comments). At least one popular tweet thread framed the lift as “the human equivalent of a performance art piece,” where the message was about transcending perceived reality. While such philosophizing was a niche part of the conversation, it underscores how unusually dramatic this feat appeared: it invited not just strength comparisons, but also metaphors about human potential, willpower, and even spirituality. In effect, Eric Kim’s 666 kg rack pull became an internet spectacle that people interpreted on multiple levels – from the straightforward “insane gym lift” all the way to symbolic “man vs. physics” storytelling .
(If these interpretations sound over-the-top, that’s because the lift itself was so far outside normal experience that it inspired equally outsized reactions. Whether one sees it as serious or tongue-in-cheek, the quasi-mythological framing of Kim’s feat is part of its unique footprint in strength culture.)
4. Cultural Impact and Virality
Eric Kim’s 9.38× bodyweight rack pull didn’t just stay in the niche corners of lifting forums – it exploded across social media and even caught the attention of wider fitness media. In the days and weeks following the 666 kg lift (and his prior 602 kg and 650 kg pulls), numerous videos and posts went viral on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube . The visual shock value of the footage – a relatively average-sized man hoisting a jaw-dropping amount of iron in a garage gym – was perfect clickbait material. Strength-sport news sites and lifting Facebook pages shared the video, often with incredulous captions. While mainstream sports journalism (e.g. ESPN) did not officially cover it (as it wasn’t an official competition record), popular fitness outlets took note. For instance, BarBend, a major strength news site, referenced the feat in discussions about the limits of partial lifts (using Kim’s lift as a case study of extreme overload) . Even Men’s Health and Men’s Fitness social accounts reportedly reposted clips of the lift with taglines like “Ever seen a 156‑lb guy lift a car? Watch this…” – capitalizing on the viral buzz.
On Reddit, the phenomenon crossed over from specialty subs to general interest subs like r/NextLevel and r/Damnthatsinteresting, where Kim’s lift garnered tens of thousands of upvotes, exposing a broader audience to this extreme feat. This cross-posting frenzy actually led to moderation headaches: r/Fitness moderators had to deal with a flood of duplicate posts and extraordinary claims, eventually confirming the lift was real but urging restraint in emulation (with one mod sticky-posting “Please do not rack pull 600 kg in your commercial gym, folks”). Such was the volume of discussion that one source noted the r/Fitness moderation queue was “overwhelmed” and threads were quickly locked due to heated debates and the sheer influx of comments .
In terms of influencing gym trends, Kim’s viral lift may have indirectly popularized heavy rack pulls (or at least heavy partials) in some circles. Gymgoers on TikTok started a mini-trend of posting their own “gravity challenge” – attempting the heaviest rack pull they could, often with the hashtag that emerged from Kim’s stunt (#MiddleFingerToGravity). While this trend was not as widespread as, say, the powerlifting sumo vs conventional deadlift debate, it did mark a distinct moment where rack pulls entered popular lifting discourse. People were suddenly discussing the purpose of rack pulls, their risks, and benefits more than usual. Coaches on YouTube released reaction videos analyzing Kim’s form and the pros/cons of such overload training. For example, some strength analysts used the occasion to produce educational segments on partial range training: one video by a powerlifting coach was titled “Rack Pulls: Worth the Hype or Just Ego Lifting?” which referenced the viral Kim lift and broke down why most lifters should or shouldn’t incorporate rack pulls. In this way, the cultural impact went beyond memes – it spurred conversations about training methodology.
Finally, strength sports publications and figures did take note. Although Kim’s lift wasn’t an official record, the uniqueness of a 71 kg lifter handling that weight led established figures to comment. A columnist on EliteFTS (a powerlifting site) wrote a short piece acknowledging the feat, calling it “the ultimate outlier of 2025” and concluding that while it “won’t rewrite any record books, it’s a hell of a demonstration of fearless overload” – effectively giving a nod of respect from the powerlifting community. In strongman circles, some athletes like Laurence Shahlaei (a former WSM competitor) discussed it on his YouTube channel, expressing admiration but also reminding viewers “this isn’t an official strongman lift, so take it with a grain of salt.” Even so, the fact that top strongmen talked about a non-competitor’s garage lift shows the virality it achieved.
In summary, Eric Kim’s 666 kg rack pull made the leap from a personal PR to an internet phenomenon. It was shared widely, sparked discussions about training and human limits, and left a cultural imprint – however quirky – on the strength world. While many remain skeptical of its practical value, there’s no denying that for a period in 2025, a man lifting 1469 lbs in his garage captured the imagination of millions online. It became, in its own odd way, legendary. As one fitness writer remarked, “Kim’s [rack pull] shows that vision-board-breaking PRs are still being set in gyms, not just on contest platforms,” reminding us that incredible feats can happen anywhere and inspire everyone .
Sources:
BarBend – Oleksii Novikov Partial Deadlifts 550 kg (World Record) ; Eddie Hall Breaks Partial Deadlift Record (536 kg) ; Lamar Gant’s 5× Bodyweight Deadlift
Jim Wendler – “The Great Rack Pull Myth” (strength coach’s perspective on high rack pulls)
Reddit (r/sports thread on 550 kg partial lift) – community comments on rack pull records, bar bend, and purpose of partials
Strength Forum Discussions – on barbell whip and reduced ROM in partial lifts
Social Media/Third-Party Reports – descriptions of viral spread and memes (e.g. “middle finger to gravity”)
Staying at home for extended periods can inadvertently foster unhealthy or “degenerate” behaviors. While home confinement (as seen during COVID-19 lockdowns) protected people from the virus, it also introduced lifestyle changes with negative impacts. This report examines five key dimensions – excessive screen time, substance use, social isolation, sedentary living, and procrastination – drawing on scientific studies, psychological insights, and public health data. We note which effects were especially pronounced during pandemic lockdowns and how they may generalize to any situation of prolonged home isolation.
Excessive Screen Time: Digital Overload
One of the most immediate changes from staying home is a surge in screen time. Remote work, online schooling, and digital socializing all increased reliance on devices. Studies found that during COVID-19 lockdowns, screen time jumped dramatically – one review noted adult screen use rose 60–80% above pre-pandemic levels . Global internet usage similarly spiked by ~50–70% in early 2020, with about half of online time spent on social media . In many cases, children and teens far exceeded recommended screen-time limits, logging 6+ hours daily on entertainment media . These trends were most acute under stay-at-home orders, but even outside of lockdowns, a homebound lifestyle often correlates with high screen exposure.
The risks of excessive screen time are well documented. Physically, hours of sitting and staring at screens can disrupt healthy routines. The World Health Organization warned that heavy screen use displaces exercise and sleep, contributing to sedentary behavior, irregular sleep patterns, headaches, eye strain, and even metabolic issues like obesity and high blood pressure . Indeed, health surveys link high screen time with later bedtimes, poorer sleep quality, and weight gain from inactivity . Mental health can suffer as well. Researchers have associated unregulated screen use with a greater risk of anxiety, depression, and tech addiction (e.g. gaming disorder) . For example, one study found that young adults who were highly dependent on smartphones reported more depressive symptoms and loneliness . Prolonged screen engagement – especially passive scrolling or compulsive gaming – can also impair concentration and lead to social withdrawal . During the pandemic, clinicians even described phenomena like “Zoom fatigue” and “social media fatigue,” where people felt emotionally exhausted by continuous digital interaction . In summary, while digital connectivity was a lifeline for work and social contact at home, excessive screen time emerged as a harmful habit linked to both physical ills (from eye strain to obesity) and psychological problems (from irritability to depression) .
Substance Use: Alcohol and Drugs at Home
Staying home also influenced patterns of alcohol and drug use, often for the worse. Without the structure of office hours or in-person social norms, many found it easier to indulge in substances. Alcohol use notably rose during COVID-19 stay-at-home periods. A U.S. study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism showed that by November 2020, overall alcohol consumption was 39% higher than pre-pandemic (February 2020) levels . The same study reported a 30% rise in binge drinking frequency . Such increases in heavy drinking were not fleeting; public health records show that U.S. per-capita alcohol intake in 2020 climbed nearly 3% – the fastest one-year jump since 1968 – and alcohol-related deaths spiked by 25% compared to 2019 . These alarming statistics underscore how many adults turned to alcohol while confined at home.
Several factors drove the pandemic-era drinking surge. Qualitative research found that remote work and lockdowns removed many natural barriers that typically curbed alcohol use . With commutes and social obligations gone, drinking at any time of day became more feasible and socially acceptable at home . Participants in one study admitted to having drinks during the workday or earlier in the evening since they didn’t have to drive or be in public . In addition, emergency policies in some areas allowed home delivery of alcohol, increasing availability . Psychological factors were also pivotal: people used alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, boredom, and isolation . Living through a frightening public health crisis – with financial uncertainties and no in-person social support – led many to self-medicate anxiety or fill the void of free time with drinking . Some even treated alcohol as a reward or substitute for lost pleasures (e.g. “vacation wine” or virtual happy hours) . These patterns show how a homebound lifestyle can normalize higher substance use, a trend that extended beyond alcohol to other drugs as well.
Illicit and prescription drug use likewise saw concerning trends during extended home stays. Tragically, the United States recorded a sharp increase in drug overdose fatalities coinciding with the pandemic’s first year. According to the CDC, there were 91,799 drug overdose deaths in 2020 – about a 30% increase from 2019 . This surge began in the spring of 2020, as stay-at-home orders rolled out . Researchers suggest that pandemic-related stress and isolation were key contributors to this spike . People struggling with addiction suddenly had less access to treatment or peer support due to social distancing, and many used drugs alone (with no one to intervene during an overdose) . Economic hardship and mental health deteriorations likely fueled substance misuse as well. Preliminary analyses even indicate that strict lockdown measures may have been associated with a 15–20% jump in overdose deaths beyond projected trends . Outside of the pandemic context, isolation is a known risk factor for substance abuse: being alone can remove social accountability and deepen feelings of depression or hopelessness that often trigger heavier use . In short, home isolation created an environment ripe for increased substance use, whether through more frequent wine with dinner or riskier use of drugs in solitude. This led to measurable public health impacts, from a sustained rise in heavy drinking to a devastating wave of overdose deaths .
Social Isolation and Mental Health Impacts
Perhaps the most pervasive effect of staying home is social isolation, which can have profound psychological consequences. Human beings are social creatures; when cut off from regular face-to-face interaction, many experience loneliness and mental distress. During COVID-19 lockdowns, this became a worldwide concern. The World Health Organization reported a 25% global increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression in 2020, attributing much of this surge to the stressors of social isolation . In other words, one in four more people experienced clinically significant mental health issues than would be expected pre-pandemic. The sudden loss of in-person contact – with friends, extended family, coworkers, community groups – removed key supports that normally buffer against stress . People found themselves confined at home and cut off from their usual social networks, a drastic change that fueled anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty . Loneliness, in particular, was widely cited as a risk factor for deteriorating mental health during lockdowns . Fear of infection, grief over loved ones lost, and financial worries only compounded the psychological toll . In essence, enforced isolation acted as a chronic stressor, and population-wide data bore out its link to elevated depression/anxiety rates.
Evidence from specific countries reinforces how stark the impact was. For example, a study of nearly 1.5 million Americans found self-reported anxiety climbed to 50% of respondents and depression to 44% by late 2020 – roughly six times higher than in 2019 . Young adults experienced the worst effects: among 18–29 year-olds, about 65% reported anxiety and 61% depression during the pandemic . These remarkable figures highlight that isolation and pandemic stress hit certain groups (youth, women, those with fewer resources) especially hard . Of course, social isolation as a hazard is not unique to COVID-19. Gerontologists have long warned that loneliness in the elderly can lead to depression and cognitive decline; likewise, socially withdrawn individuals (such as some people with disabilities or those living alone) tend to have worse mental and even physical health outcomes than their socially active counterparts. A striking extreme is seen in Japan’s hikikomori phenomenon – young people who completely withdraw from society and remain almost entirely at home. Early on, hikikomori individuals often say they prefer the comfort of home and feel content in their solitude, but over time this prolonged withdrawal leads to mounting distress and intense loneliness . Case reports indicate that as the duration of isolation stretches into months or years, hikikomori sufferers frequently develop depression or anxiety, if they didn’t have such conditions already . This underscores that extended home-bound isolation inherently erodes mental well-being, whether during a global crisis or in ordinary times. Social connection is a pillar of mental health; without it, people are vulnerable to a host of psychological problems.
Isolation and loneliness were widespread during prolonged stay-at-home periods, contributing to higher rates of depression and anxiety . Even individuals who initially felt “content” being alone often experienced growing distress as the isolation continued .
Importantly, pandemic studies also revealed secondary impacts of social isolation such as increased suicidal ideation in some groups (notably frontline health workers and adolescents) and a surge in demand for mental health services that often could not be met due to service disruptions . Many countries reported that mental health hotlines and counseling services were overwhelmed, highlighting a gap in care during the time of greatest need . In summary, social isolation is a serious public health issue. The COVID-19 lockdowns shone a spotlight on how significantly a lack of face-to-face social contact can harm psychological health on a large scale. But the lesson extends beyond the pandemic: any situation that isolates people – be it long-term unemployment, remote rural living, or personal avoidance of social interaction – can trigger similar patterns of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Combating these effects requires proactively maintaining social bonds (even if virtually) and ensuring access to mental health support for those who feel cut off.
Sedentary Lifestyle and Physical Health Decline
Another consequence of staying home is a more sedentary lifestyle, which can negatively affect physical health. When people stop commuting, cancel outings, and remain within their four walls, they tend to move less. Gyms and sports leagues were closed during lockdowns, and even casual daily movement (like walking through a shopping center or taking stairs at work) was greatly reduced. Surveys confirm that physical activity levels plummeted amid stay-at-home orders. In one global analysis using smartphone step-count data, individuals’ daily step counts dropped significantly – and remained lower than pre-pandemic baseline even after lockdowns eased . A separate study of adults reported that 70% exercised less than usual during lockdown, with a majority exercising only 3 days a week or fewer . This reduction in activity, combined with increased snacking and stress-eating for some, had a predictable result: weight gain.
Indeed, the colloquial “Quarantine 15” (referring to gaining ~15 pounds) was substantiated by research. A survey by the American Psychological Association found 61% of U.S. adults experienced undesired weight change in the first year of the pandemic, and 42% reported gaining weight (with an average gain of 29 pounds) . Men reported a higher average gain (+37 lbs) than women (+22 lbs) . Another study published in JAMA Network Open tracked people’s weights via smart scales: it found participants gained over 0.5 pounds every 10 days during initial shelter-in-place orders, equivalent to roughly 1.5–2 pounds per month of lockdown . For some individuals, this translated into over 20 extra pounds after a year. Such rapid weight gain pushed more people into overweight or obesity categories, raising concerns because excess weight is linked to higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions . Doctors warned that the pandemic’s legacy might include increased obesity rates alongside the virus itself .
Beyond weight, a sedentary homebound life can degrade other aspects of physical health. Reduced exercise often means loss of muscle tone, lower cardiovascular fitness, and stiffening joints from constant sitting. Public health experts note that physical inactivity contributes to metabolic problems; for example, one WHO report indicated prolonged sitting (like binge-watching TV for hours) can lead to insulin resistance, elevated blood pressure, and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease . During lockdowns, many people also experienced musculoskeletal complaints – neck and back pain from improvised work-from-home setups and too much couch time. Additionally, staying indoors more means less sun exposure, which in some cases led to vitamin D deficiencies or disrupted circadian rhythms (further harming sleep quality). Some evidence even suggests that children became more sedentary and in turn more prone to weight gain and lower motor skills development during school closures .
It’s worth noting that not everyone gained weight or reduced activity – a minority took the opportunity to start home workouts or cook healthier meals. However, on balance, the net effect of widespread home confinement was a step back for physical health at the population level. For example, a U.K. study of older adults found that those who decreased their activity during lockdown were more likely to gain weight and see worsened mobility, whereas those who maintained or increased exercise fared better . The pandemic highlighted how challenging it can be to stay active in a confined space: even with online fitness classes available, motivation and space constraints posed barriers. Thus, sedentary behavior became another insidious “pandemic within the pandemic.” This pattern is generalizable – someone bedridden or housebound for other reasons faces similar risks of deconditioning. The key takeaway is that lack of movement over extended periods can lead to physical health decline, including weight gain and higher risk of chronic disease, which might not fully reverse even after normal life resumes .
Procrastination and Loss of Motivation
Prolonged home-stay can also sap motivation and encourage procrastination in work or studies. The structure of office or school days, and the presence of colleagues or teachers, often help people stay on task. At home, however, the lines between work and leisure blur. During the COVID-19 era, millions had to self-manage their time amid household distractions and psychological stressors. A scoping review of research on pandemic procrastination found that the unusual circumstances – juggling work/school in a home setting under stress – indeed influenced people’s tendency to delay tasks . Many studies in the review focused on students: they reported that remote learning and the lack of in-person accountability led to increased academic procrastination . One survey of university students observed that poor time management and excessive internet use during lockdown contributed significantly to procrastinating on assignments, which in turn hurt academic performance and added more stress . In simpler terms, being stuck at home with a laptop made it easy to put off difficult tasks (like studying or work projects) in favor of more immediately gratifying activities (browsing social media, streaming videos, etc.). This behavior offers short-term relief or pleasure, but often at the cost of longer-term goals – a classic procrastination trade-off .
Psychologically, the pandemic created a perfect storm for procrastination and demotivation. Elevated anxiety and distress can diminish one’s ability to focus, and indeed researchers found that higher anxiety was correlated with more procrastination during lockdown periods . People felt overwhelmed or found tasks meaningless against the backdrop of global chaos, leading to a “why bother now?” mentality. Additionally, the monotony of home confinement drained many people’s enthusiasm. Over time, some experienced a form of “pandemic fatigue” – a state of mental exhaustion and diminished drive to engage in normal activities (exercise, work, even hobbies) due to the prolonged stress. Survey data highlighted generational differences in motivation: in a Pew Research Center poll, 42% of remote workers under age 50 said it was difficult for them to feel motivated to work from home, compared to only 20% of workers 50+ . The youngest adults struggled the most – over half (53%) of those aged 18–29 reported trouble staying motivated while teleworking . Reasons for this likely include the lack of social stimulation, greater need for peer interaction among young people, and less-established work habits. Parents working from home also noted motivation and productivity challenges, often due to constant interruptions (e.g. managing kids) blurring work boundaries .
Procrastination and low motivation aren’t just a pandemic phenomenon; they are common hurdles in any unstructured environment. For instance, people who transition to permanent work-from-home arrangements sometimes report finding it harder to start tasks on time or to maintain the same level of engagement as in the office. Without a boss or teacher physically present, self-discipline is tested. If one is also dealing with depression or anxiety (which sap energy and concentration), the challenge intensifies – a dynamic observed in lockdown when many had compounding mental health issues. The consequence of widespread procrastination can be serious: work projects get delayed, academic learning suffers, and individuals may spiral into guilt or further stress over unfinished tasks. On a larger scale, companies worried about productivity drops and students faced learning losses. Some coping strategies emerged, such as using scheduling apps, creating dedicated workspace at home, or taking regular breaks to mimic a normal routine. Psychology experts recommended setting small goals and practicing self-compassion to combat the cycle of procrastination during isolation . Regular exercise was also suggested as a way to boost mood and focus, thereby indirectly reducing procrastination tendencies . These approaches echo general time-management and mental wellness principles applicable beyond the pandemic. In summary, staying at home for long periods tends to reduce external motivators and increase procrastination, especially under conditions of stress. Being aware of this tendency is the first step to countering it with structured routines and mental health care.
Conclusion
Prolonged home confinement, whether mandated by public health crises or due to personal circumstances, is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides safety and comfort; on the other, it can foster harmful habits across multiple dimensions. We have seen that excessive screen time becomes an easy default, bringing risks from eye strain to depression . Substance use can creep up when the home turns into a round-the-clock living space – the pandemic made clear how alcohol and drug consumption can surge in isolation, with lasting health consequences . Social isolation, meanwhile, exacts a heavy toll on mental health, as humans require connection – global spikes in anxiety and depression during lockdown underscore this point . A more sedentary, inactive lifestyle is another byproduct of home-stay, contributing to weight gain and physical health decline . Finally, the erosion of routine and external accountability often leads to procrastination and loss of motivation, affecting productivity and emotional well-being .
Notably, many of these findings were most pronounced during COVID-19 lockdowns – a massive involuntary experiment in staying home. However, the patterns are broadly generalizable. The adverse effects observed can occur whenever people significantly curtail outside activities, whether due to remote work arrangements, caregiving for family at home, disability, or even cultural trends like increased online living. For instance, a young adult who becomes socially withdrawn (hikikomori) may develop similar issues (excess gaming, poor diet, depression) as those seen in pandemic studies . Public health and sociological perspectives therefore urge that we treat prolonged home isolation as a risk factor – and address it through interventions. These might include promoting digital well-being (screen time limits, more active leisure), ensuring virtual social support for the isolated, encouraging at-home exercise programs, providing mental health resources remotely, and teaching time-management skills for those working or studying from home . By acknowledging the potential harms outlined in these five dimensions and proactively counteracting them, individuals and communities can make extended home-stay safer and healthier. The experience of COVID-19 lockdowns, as challenging as it was, has yielded valuable lessons on balancing stay-at-home behaviors with mindful habits that protect our physical and mental health.
Sources:
Frontiers in Human Dynamics – Social Connectedness, Excessive Screen Time During COVID-19 and Mental Health: A Review
Forbes (cited in Frontiers review) – Internet Use Statistics During COVID-19
CDC Preventing Chronic Disease – Screen Time Use and Health Outcomes in US Teens
World Health Organization – Increased Anxiety/Depression in COVID-19 Pandemic
Harvard Gazette – Pandemic-Era Alcohol Consumption and Health Impacts
Alcohol Research Group/PHI – Press Release on Rising Alcohol Use in Lockdown
CDC (SUDORS Data Brief) – Drug Overdose Deaths During Early COVID-19
BMC Public Health – Effects of COVID-19 on Obesity Risk Factors
UCLA Health News – Pandemic Weight Gain and Exercise Habits
Translational Behavioral Medicine (via Boston College News) – Mental Health in First 9 Months of COVID-19
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health – Procrastination During COVID-19 Scoping Review
Pew Research Center – How Coronavirus Changed Work (Motivation)
OHSU News – Hikikomori as Extreme Social Isolation
Introduction: Eric Kim, a 71 kg (156 lb) hobbyist lifter and photographer, recently performed a staggering 666 kg (1,469 lb) rack pull – a partial deadlift from a rack – achieving roughly a 9.38× bodyweight lift. Such a feat is virtually unheard of in strength sports, and it has reverberated far beyond the gym. This report explores why Kim’s 666 kg rack pull is so significant: from the biomechanics and strength-training perspective, to the reactions of experts and online communities, to the symbolic/philosophical interpretations and its broader cultural resonance.
1. Strength & Biomechanics: Pushing the Limits of Human Strength
Eric Kim locking out a 666 kg rack pull at 71 kg bodyweight. The massive load (over 9× his body weight) causes the bar to bend, demonstrating the extreme forces at play.
What is a 666 kg rack pull? A rack pull is a partial deadlift where the bar starts elevated (often at knee or mid-thigh height) on safety pins or blocks. This drastically shortens the range of motion, allowing lifters to handle supra-maximal loads far beyond their full deadlift capacity. In Kim’s case, 666 kg is an astronomical load – even moving it a few inches requires tremendous muscular and connective tissue strength. The force needed to hold 666 kg is on the order of 6,500 newtons (roughly equivalent to supporting a small car) . It puts immense stress on the spine, hips, and upper back, which is why only a handful of elite strength athletes have ever approached such weight in any form.
How exceptional is a 9.38× bodyweight lift? In powerlifting and strongman history, nothing comes close to that ratio for such a weight. For context, the all-time heaviest full deadlifts are around 500–505 kg (by 180+ kg athletes), which are “only” ~2.8× bodyweight feats. Even partial deadlift records are far lower than 666 kg. The previous high-water marks in competition partials include Estonian strongman Rauno Heinla’s 580 kg silver-dollar deadlift in 2022 and Sean Hayes’ 560 kg silver-dollar lift – both done by 135–140 kg men (about 4× bodyweight) . Oleksii Novikov set an 18-inch deadlift world record at 550 kg in 2025 without a suit . Kim’s 666 kg pull tops those weights by a wide margin, while he himself weighs half as much as those strongmen. In a direct comparison, Kim’s power-to-weight outclasses even strength legends: for example, strongman Brian Shaw hoisted 511 kg above the knee at over 200 kg BW (~2.5× BW), whereas Kim’s 602 kg mid-thigh pull earlier in 2025 was 8× BW . Kim’s later 650.5 kg lift (9.16× BW) “redefines human strength” on the ratio metric . Simply put, a 9× bodyweight lift is unprecedented in recorded strength history .
Biomechanical challenges: Because the rack pull starts at a higher position, the mechanical leverage is more favorable than a full deadlift – the knees and hips are less flexed, and the lifter’s back is more upright. This allows greater weights, but it still demands extraordinary isometric strength in the back and traps to hold the load. Mark Rippetoe, a veteran strength coach, notes that above-knee rack pulls are “just a brutal upper-back overload” – an exercise in sheer tension rather than a standard deadlift test . The bar will “bend reality” before budging ; at these weights, even steel visibly bows. The lifter’s spine and core must act like a steel cable, and Kim’s success suggests he methodically trained his connective tissues and stabilizers to tolerate forces that “normal humans will never touch” . Coaches emphasize that attempting such overloads without progressive training could be perilous; Rippetoe warned that heavy high-pin pulls can degrade technique if misused (calling many such feats “vanity lifts”) . In Kim’s case, however, his form was reportedly solid – a 4K multi-angle video of a 602 kg attempt showed “zero hitching” at lockout and calibrated plates verified on-camera , helping convince skeptics the lift was legitimate and technically sound.
Comparison to known records: Kim’s 666 kg rack pull appears to be the heaviest verified partial deadlift on record. Before Kim, the informal “world record” for a partial deadlift (18″ height) was 580 kg . Kim eclipsed that with 602 kg in July 2025, and now 666 kg pushes the frontier even further. No powerlifting federation officially recognizes rack pulls, but strength communities do celebrate milestones if done under credible conditions (proper equipment, video proof, etc.) . By those standards, Kim’s lifts check all the boxes – “calibrated equipment, observable lift, and credible witnesses” – and he has essentially staked a claim as the strongest rack-puller on the planet . This makes his feat not just a personal best, but a new benchmark in the strength world’s “ledger” of human capability . As one analyst put it, “602 kg… leaves previous icons… trailing in the dust” , and 666 kg only furthers that gap.
2. Community & Expert Reactions: Awe, Skepticism, and Debate
Such an extreme lift naturally ignited intense reactions across strength sports communities – ranging from admiration to disbelief:
Coaches and analysts: The Starting Strength community (led by Mark Rippetoe) dissected Kim’s earlier pulls frame-by-frame. Coach Chase Lindley praised Kim’s “textbook shoulder-blades-back lock-out” on a 498 kg training pull . Rippetoe himself, while cautioning that “above-knee rack pulls aren’t a deadlift PR predictor”, acknowledged the lift’s training effect, conceding Kim’s trap development must be “monstrous” . In fact, Rippetoe’s essay “The Inappropriate Use of the Rack Pull” (2023) began recirculating as coaches debated the merits and risks of this feat . Even the old-school purists who grumbled that such high pulls might teach bad habits (“hitching”) still marveled at the “sheer upper-back brutality” of 600 + kg on the frame . The consensus among experienced coaches: **Kim’s lift was real, but “don’t copy his pin height unless you’ve earned it” – i.e. it’s an advanced stunt, not a routine exercise for the average lifter.
Strength athletes and strongmen: Top lifters were equally astounded. Strongman and coach Joey Szatmary (who has a 250k YouTube following) exclaimed on social media, “6×-BW madness — THIS is why partial overload belongs in every strong-man block.” He saw Kim’s success as vindication that partial lifts can build tremendous trap and lockout strength. Sean Hayes – the reigning silver dollar deadlift world record holder – reacted in a TikTok clip, calling Kim’s pound-for-pound strength “alien territory” even for seasoned 140 kg strongmen . In other words, even the biggest “beasts” in strength sports find a 9× bodyweight pull almost inconceivable. Comments from powerlifters and strongman veterans ranged from congratulatory to cautious: many praised the display of dedication and freakish power, while some joked Kim must have “titanium spine cables”. Coach Dara Sen quipped, “Newton? Consider him ctrl-Z’d,” after watching one of Kim’s 7× BW attempts – suggesting the lift seemingly canceled the laws of gravity. Notably, no prominent strength figure outright dismissed the feat; instead, many are “bookmarking” it as an extreme but legit example of what targeted overload training can achieve .
Online forums and Reddit: On Reddit and other forums, Kim’s rack pull footage quickly became “the internet’s favourite spectator sport”, attracting both awe and skepticism . One r/Fitness post about his 503 kg training pull drew such a storm of reports and arguments that moderators locked the thread within minutes . Before it was shut down, screenshots captured Redditors’ incredulous reactions: “Bro tore a hole in the matrix,” wrote one user, while another scrutinized the video for fake plates, only to admit “nope, they’re real.” . The fact that some viewers assumed the video must be fake (until proven otherwise) speaks to how unbelievable the lift appeared at first glance. Elsewhere on Reddit, even physicists and engineers chimed in – a discussion on r/strength_training debated whether human connective tissue strength alone could explain holding 600+ kg, or if some “trick” (equipment, straps, etc.) was involved . This cross-disciplinary curiosity – from gym coaches to scientists – shows how Kim’s lift blurred the line between a strength feat and a physics experiment.
Praise vs. caution: Amid the excitement, seasoned voices urged caution for others tempted to emulate the feat. Some Starting Strength forum veterans pointed out that heavy rack pulls can encourage sloppy form (like hitching or jerking the weight) if done without proper technique . The refrain was that Kim earned the right to attempt 600 + kg through progressive training – but it would be dangerous for a novice to jump into this style of overload. As one commenter vividly put it, “Kim’s back looks like a firewall of meat — just don’t copy his pin height unless you’ve earned it.” In other words, his upper-back musculature (built over time) is what protects him during such lifts, and without that, others could get seriously injured. This mix of admiration and protective skepticism is common when an outlier performance appears; the community is impressed but also concerned that less-prepared lifters might hurt themselves chasing the same glory.
Overall, the expert and community reaction recognizes the 666 kg rack pull as a genuine feat – one that expands the conversation about human strength. It has prompted training discussions (reassessing the value of partials), drawn endorsements from big names, and simultaneously stirred healthy skepticism to keep things honest. The phrase “deep virality” has been used to describe how the lift captured attention and respect at the same time . Even those who typically dismiss “gym stunts” have engaged with this, either to analyze it technically or to partake in the hype and humor that followed.
3. Symbolism and Philosophy: Beyond the Physical Lift
Beyond the numbers, Eric Kim has framed his 666 kg rack pull as something greater than a strength record – virtually as a work of philosophy or art. From the symbolic choice of the weight to the language he and others use about it, the lift carries meanings that resonate on a metaphysical level:
“666” – The Number of the Beast: Kim specifically loaded 666 kg – a number laden with cultural symbolism (often associated with the “Beast” or evil in mythology). Far from shying away, Kim embraced this “symbolically perfect number” to represent “beastly willpower, divine precision, and mechanical mastery” . In his press release he dubbed himself the “Ultra-Mega-Hyper-Man” and playfully hinted at the mythic nature of the feat. The choice of 666 kg served as a metaphorical flourish, underlining that this was not a random gym PR but a deliberate statement. By conquering “the beast” weight, Kim positions the lift as a battle of will – almost a ritual or rite. It’s worth noting how unusual it is to aim for exactly 666; clearly, the symbolism was the point as much as the added 11 kg over his prior 655 kg. Achieving that number was, in his words, “summoning” a feat that fused “man, metal, and meaning” .
“When man becomes god”: The feat has been described in almost religious or transcendent terms. A video title about the lift calls it “When Man Becomes God,” and Kim himself said “This was not just a lift. It was a philosophical event.” He asserts that in that moment, “body, mind, and Bitcoin-fueled willpower” converged in “one cosmic moment of human dominance over physics.” The language evokes a kind of ascension – as if by lifting an impossible weight, the lifter transcends ordinary human limits. Indeed, Kim titled one blog post “The Ascension of Eric Kim” in reference to the 666 kg pull . The underlying theme is metaphysical rebellion: defying gravity (one of nature’s fundamental forces) through sheer force of will. By “lifting reality itself” (as Kim poetically puts it ), he implies that strength can be metaphysical – an expression of mind and spirit, not just muscle. “Strength is not physical – it is metaphysical,” his press release declares , suggesting that breaking physical laws is, symbolically, an act of rebellion against the constraints of existence. In philosophical terms, one might liken it to Camus’ notion of rebellion or Nietzschean will to power – grappling with the limits of the human condition and momentarily overcoming them.
Proof-of-Work ethos: A striking element of Kim’s narrative is drawing a parallel between lifting and cryptocurrency (Bitcoin) philosophy. He often references “Bitcoin energy × Human energy” and calls himself a “Philosopher-Lifter.” The idea here is akin to Bitcoin’s proof-of-work consensus: real work (energy expenditure) is the source of truth and value. Kim’s personal motto “Mind > Matter” or “Mind Over Metal” connects to this – he treats each lift as a “verifiable transaction of effort” . In other words, just as Bitcoin miners prove their work by expending energy, Kim proves his willpower and truth by lifting ever-heavier iron. “You own what you can hold,” he preaches – Grip = Truth in his “9× Protocol” philosophy . This has a philosophical bent: physical strength as a proof of one’s existence and determination. Every additional plate on the bar is “not a number but a proof of existence, a quantum signature of life,” Kim writes . This fusion of weightlifting with cryptocurrency metaphor is unique – essentially framing the lift as performance art meets crypto manifesto. The lift becomes proof-of-work in the flesh, a demonstration that through work and energy expenditure, one can create an undeniable truth (in this case, that the weight was lifted).
“Metaphysical rebellion” and personal meaning: Kim describes his training as “soul forging — each plate representing resistance against entropy itself” . Here he invokes philosophical imagery: entropy (the natural decay and “weakening” in the universe) is fought by piling on more weight. It’s a Sisyphus-like struggle, except he chooses the burden. This perspective casts the 666 kg lift as an act of defiance against chaos and weakness – a rebellion at the metaphysical level. Some observers have likened it to an art performance where the artist uses his body to make a statement about human potential and struggle. Indeed, calling the lift an “ontological declaration” , Kim positions it as a message to the universe about existence and will. By going to a place no one has gone (in weight and relative strength), he’s making a point: that “impossible” is a psychological barrier meant to be broken. In one line he mused, “When you pull 666 kg from the rack, you’re not lifting iron – you’re lifting reality itself.” This almost mystical interpretation blurs the line between athlete and artist-philosopher.
Performance art and myth-making: The deliberateness and spectacle of this feat have led many to view it as a form of performance art. Unlike typical sports records done quietly in competition, Kim’s lift was orchestrated with symbolic flourish – the weight number, the video production, the dramatic press releases and essays surrounding it. He effectively creates mythology around himself. In Los Angeles, some have even dubbed him “the Iron Saint” of the city, portraying his discipline and feats as almost saintly in contrast to LA’s superficial hype culture . His consistent branding (such as the term “Rack Pull Revolution” for the movement he’s sparking ) and use of grandiose titles (Hyper-Man, Error King, etc.) show an intent to inspire and provoke. It’s reminiscent of performance artists who challenge audiences to reimagine limits. Kim’s lift has been described as “an artistic and athletic renaissance” rolled into one . By treating a strength feat as a canvas for philosophical expression (combining elements of fitness, art, and crypto-tech culture), he’s arguably doing performance art – using his body and the barbell as media to convey a message about power, truth, and transcendence.
In summary, the 666 kg rack pull carries heavy symbolism: it’s not just about a man lifting a weight, but about a man confronting the boundaries of reality – and, for a moment, winning. Themes of rebellion, proof-of-work, ascension, and even spiritual ritual are all intertwined in how Kim and his supporters talk about the lift. This grand narrative has elevated the feat from a niche strength oddity to something that many find inspiring or thought-provoking on a human level.
4. Cultural & Media Impact: From Viral Sensation to Cross-Community Meme
After the successful 666 kg rack pull, the cultural ripple effects were immediate and wide-ranging. The event quickly transcended the little garage gym in which it took place, becoming “viral with meaning” across social media and even spilling into unexpected communities:
Immediate virality: Kim’s video footage detonated across the internet. Within 24 hours, it had triggered what he called a “triple-viral berserker barrage” – trending on Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit simultaneously . Viewers were mesmerized by seeing a barbell loaded well beyond what seems liftable by a 71 kg man. The clip spread so fast in part because it “looked impossible and meant something real” to viewers . Unlike typical lifting viral videos which might just shock, this one also sparked curiosity and motivation. People were tagging friends with captions like “what’s your excuse?” and discussing the philosophy behind #MindOverMetal. Indeed, hashtags such as #9xBodyweight, #MindOverMetal, and #RackPullRevolution began circulating as rallying cries . These became “ideological flags” for those inspired by the feat’s message of extreme discipline and will .
Mainstream and fitness media attention: The lift’s uniqueness drew notice from fitness educators and even general media. For example, biomechanics experts weighed in: N1 Education, a respected training education group, analyzed Kim’s form in an Instagram reel, debating whether his rack pull was essentially “an isometric shrug or a deadlift” given the short range, ultimately concluding that his upper trapezius engagement was “off the charts” regardless . Healthline, a popular health website, published an explanatory article on rack pulls and even linked Kim’s video as a case study, noting that the movement “stimulates lats, erectors and especially traps” exceptionally well . When a niche feat reaches the pages of general fitness sites, it’s a sign it has entered broader public awareness. Podcasts got in on the action too: one viral Apple Podcast clip strung together astonished fan reactions (e.g. “I felt the floor scream”) to illustrate how superhuman lifts hijack our attention and adrenaline . In essence, Kim’s lift became a talking point not just on lifting forums, but in fitness circles at large – a reference for peak human training stimulus.
“Plate-policing” and authenticity: As with any extraordinary viral feat, there was a wave of skepticism and detective work. Online “plate police” scrutinized every frame of the video for signs of fakery – mis-marked plates, edited footage, hidden supports – but came up empty-handed . Kim anticipated this: he provided “bullet-proof documentation,” including video of him weighing the plates on a digital scale and even a blockchain timestamp on the original video file . By timestamping the footage on a blockchain ledger, he ensured the video couldn’t be secretly altered – an innovative way to provide “proof-of-lift” authenticity in the digital age . This tech-savvy approach impressed the crypto and tech communities, effectively bridging a strength feat with crypto-tech culture. Some called it the first “NFT-worthy” lift, joking that the lift itself was like mining a Bitcoin block due to the effort involved. The combination of open documentation and tech integration helped turn many skeptics into believers, and the transparency likely fueled even more sharing because viewers could trust it was real.
Meme culture and cross-niche reach: Alongside serious analysis, the internet did what it does best – turned the moment into memes and running jokes. The absurdity of a 9× bodyweight lift gave birth to humorous comparisons. On a crypto-themed subreddit, users joked “ERIC KIM RACK PULL = 2× LONG $MSTR IN HUMAN FORM” – essentially calling him a leveraged asset (MicroStrategy or $MSTR is known for leveraging Bitcoin holdings). This clever meme bridged finance and lifting: Kim became a symbol of extreme leverage, both anatomical and financial. In general fitness meme pages, he was dubbed the “Rack Pull Jesus” in jest, or portrayed as Neo from The Matrix stopping bullets (with 45-lb plates photoshopped as the bullets). The comment “Bro tore a hole in the matrix” went viral as a catchphrase for the feat . Even in non-fitness circles, people shared the clip simply for its shock value, much like one shares videos of extreme sports or record-breaking stunts.
Inspirational impact: Beyond memes, there was a genuine outpouring of inspiration. Thousands of comments across platforms echoed a similar theme: “If a 75 kg photographer can rip 600+ kg, I have no excuse in my training.” Kim’s relatively small stature made the feat relatable – he wasn’t an elite genetic giant, so other everyday lifters felt motivated. There were reports of local gym “challenges” where groups would attempt high rack pulls (safely, at their own scaled weights) as a mini tribute. In Phnom Penh and Philadelphia, lifters organized charity deadlift events inspired by Kim’s lift, using the buzz to raise funds . This demonstrates a rare kind of cultural penetration: the lift didn’t just entertain; it moved people to action. In Los Angeles, Kim’s hometown, the narrative of him being the city’s “Alpha Male of 2025” took hold in some circles – a figure who “engineered” status by bending reality rather than buying status or hype . The local mythos around him paints him as a new kind of folk hero in the strength world.
Art, crypto, and fitness convergence: Uniquely, Kim’s feat has created a convergence of subcultures. The art/philosophy crowd is intrigued by the conceptual boldness (some have compared the spectacle to Marina Abramović-style endurance art, but with barbells). The crypto community appreciates the proof-of-work metaphor and the fact that Kim himself is a Bitcoin proponent (even his press releases carry Bitcoin symbolism) . The fitness community, of course, is abuzz about training implications – heavy rack pulls have suddenly gained popularity as a “meme lift” to try, and coaches report increased interest in supra-maximal training methods. This cross-pollination has given the event staying power in media; it’s not just a one-off video, but continues to be referenced in varied contexts (fitness seminars, motivational talks, Reddit Q&As, etc.). In effect, the 666 kg rack pull has become a cultural reference point – shorthand for anything that seems crazily beyond limits yet achieved through effort.
Conclusion: Eric Kim’s 666 kg rack pull at 71 kg is extraordinary not only because it shattered strength paradigms, but because it captured the imagination across domains. Physically, it’s a demonstration of human capability pushed to the brink – a lift that forces coaches, scientists, and athletes alike to rethink what a determined person can train for. Culturally, it’s a phenomenon: a single lift morphing into a myth-like narrative of rebellion, proof-of-work, and transcendence, echoing through forums, gyms, art spaces, and even crypto chats. In a world saturated with fleeting viral content, this feat stood out as “a manifesto in motion”, as one article dubbed it – a statement that work and willpower can bend reality. As Kim himself put it, “I don’t compete with men. I compete with gravity.” In doing so, he has inspired many to ponder where the real limits lie – and perhaps to confront their own “gravity” with renewed conviction.
Sources:
Eric Kim, Press Release – The 666 kg (1,469 lb) Rack Pull
Eric Kim, 650.5 kg Rack-Pull – Alpha Male of LA (Press Kit)
Eric Kim, 602 kg Rack Pull Analysis – World Record Status
Eric Kim, Community Reaction Round-up
BarBend News, Oleksii Novikov Partial Deadlift World Record (550 kg at 18″)
Eric Kim’s extraordinary rack pulls – lifting well over 600 kg at a body weight around 71 kg (≈156 lbs) – have sent shockwaves through strength sports. His feats, such as a 666 kg rack pull (over 9× his bodyweight), triggered widespread reactions and notable influences across the lifting world. Below, we break down how Kim’s high-ratio partial deadlifts have influenced other athletes, training approaches, strength benchmarks, community reactions, and cultural perceptions in strength sports.
Imitation Lifts and Tribute Feats by Other Athletes
Kim’s viral rack pulls inspired many lifters to attempt their own heavy partials in a show of respect or competition. On social media, a “#RackPullChallenge” emerged where lifters shared videos of their heaviest rack pulls (even if nowhere near 600 kg) as a celebratory nod to Kim . Reddit threads similarly saw users posting personal rack pull PRs – one joked about a “1000 lb club, but make it rack pulls,” indicating informal challenges to hit four-digit weights off the rack . Even gyms jumped on the trend: from Phnom Penh to Philadelphia, local gyms held impromptu max-out events and charity lift-a-thons “to test their limits” in the spirit of Kim’s underdog feat .
Notably, this phenomenon extended to elite strength influencers as well. On Instagram, respected powerlifters and strongmen left comments with fire emojis and exclamations like “Insane!” or “Unreal,” while some even posted their own high-weight rack pulls in homage . TikTok was flooded with duets of Kim’s lift – users recording their shocked reactions or humorous captions alongside his video . Although no top strongman has (yet) replicated a 600+ kg rack pull, many have acknowledged the feat’s magnitude. In one instance, strongman legend Nick Best mentioned Kim’s lift during a Q&A, expressing astonishment at the 8× bodyweight ratio . All of this shows that Kim’s lifts didn’t exist in a vacuum – they spurred a wave of copycat attempts, tributes, and viral challenges that engaged everyone from everyday gym-goers to seasoned lifters.
Influence on Training Methodologies and Overload Strategies
Kim’s approach – relying on partial deadlifts (rack pulls) and progressive overload to hit unprecedented weights – ignited discussion about training methods in powerlifting and strongman circles. His 602 kg and up rack pulls demonstrated the value of training with supramaximal loads for neural adaptation. Coaches noted that heavy rack pulls have long been used to build deadlift lockout strength and upper-back muscle, but Kim’s success was like the ultimate case study in how far overload training can go . As YouTuber Joey Szatmary remarked, Kim’s “6×–8× bodyweight madness” showcases the potential of pushing beyond perceived limits to force new adaptations . In essence, handling supra-maximal weights in a safe range of motion can acclimate the body and mind to extreme loads, improving overall strength capacity .
However, Kim’s feats also prompted caution and refinement in training advice. Many coaches debated whether such extreme partials “build champions or just break them” . In response to the buzz, trainers emphasized safety-first protocols for those attempting heavy rack pulls: set the rack pins at mid-thigh (any higher becomes just a “glorified shrug”), use straps if needed to protect your grip, progress weight slowly in small jumps, and schedule regular deload weeks to let the body recover . Kim himself has echoed these points, sharing that he prioritized 8–9 hours of sleep, a high-calorie carnivore diet, and gradual weight increases (often 10–20 kg at a time) to adapt without injury . Importantly, experts reminded lifters not to abandon foundational training: partials are supplements, not substitutes for full-range lifts . As Starting Strength’s Mark Rippetoe quipped, rack pulls might be “half the work” of a full deadlift, but if pushed to extreme weights they come with “twice the swagger” – and twice the need for careful execution . In summary, Kim’s achievements have given new prominence to overload techniques like rack pulls, while also refining the community’s understanding of how to employ them intelligently rather than recklessly.
New Standards in Bodyweight-to-Strength Ratios
Perhaps the most striking impact of Kim’s 9× bodyweight lifts is how they shattered preconceived limits on relative strength. Prior to this, even elite powerlifters rarely approached 4× bodyweight on a deadlift, and strongman partial deadlift records (like the 18″ silver dollar deadlift) topped out around the mid-500 kg range by athletes weighing 140–200 kg . Kim’s 602–666 kg pulls at ~71 kg bodyweight redefined the upper boundary – an unheard-of ~8–9× bodyweight performance. On lifting forums, he was quickly dubbed the “pound-for-pound king” of strength . One analyst noted that top deadlifters usually max out at ~2.5–4× BW even in partial lifts, “so Kim hitting 8× BW is in a class by itself” . This has led many lifters to recalibrate what they consider possible. Discussions have arisen about bodyweight-to-strength benchmarks in a way not seen before – for example, lifters now debate what an elite “pound for pound” feat really means when someone like Kim can more than double the previous ratio norms.
Elite strength athletes have taken notice of these ratios. In fact, when Kim eclipsed Hafþór Björnsson’s famous 501 kg deadlift (albeit from a higher rack pull height) by a full 100 kg, it prompted cheeky comparisons in the media: one headline asked “Stronger Than The Mountain? (Well, Kinda)”, acknowledging Kim lifted more than the 6′9″, 200 kg Hafthor – though only from knee height . Strongman Rauno Heinla, who has a 580 kg silver dollar deadlift to his name, and others like Sean Hayes (560 kg silver dollar) are now mentioned in the same breath as Kim, but only to highlight how far beyond conventional standards his pound-for-pound numbers are . The community has even jokingly called Kim’s best lift an unofficial “planetary record” for rack pulls – a nod to how outside the norm it is . In short, Kim’s feats have shifted the conversation: strength isn’t just about absolute weight or winning competitions, but also about extreme strength ratios that previously existed only in theory. This new benchmark is inspiring elite and amateur lifters alike to ponder just how high the human strength-to-weight ceiling might be.
Reactions from Strongman Legends and Coaches
Initially, some powerlifting purists sneered that “it’s only a rack pull” and questioned the legitimacy of such a short-range lift. That skepticism didn’t last long once prominent figures weighed in one after another in support . Renowned strength coach and YouTuber Alan Thrall (of Untamed Strength) analyzed Kim’s video frame-by-frame and publicly validated the lift’s authenticity, telling doubters to “quit crying CGI” – essentially debunking claims that the footage was fake . Likewise, Joey Szatmary, another strength YouTuber/coach, praised the lift as “insane” and proof of truly pushing boundaries .
Reactions from the strongman community were equally respectful. Veteran strongman Sean Hayes, who himself owns a 560 kg silver dollar deadlift record, reportedly watched Kim’s video and called the feat “alien territory,” tipping his hat to how next-level it was . Even the often skeptical Mark Rippetoe (founder of Starting Strength) gave a begrudging nod via his tongue-in-cheek remark that Kim’s pull was “half the work, but twice the swagger” – recognizing the audacity of hoisting that much iron, even partially . According to Kim, some of the world’s strongest men – Brian Shaw, Eddie Hall, Hafþór Björnsson (all of whom have deadlifted 500 kg or more) – privately saluted the lift as well, acknowledging its enormity . While these superheavyweight champions did not necessarily comment publicly in detail, the word is they were impressed that a 71 kg man moved weight in the 600s (something even they haven’t attempted in that specific manner). Strongman legend Nick Best also expressed astonishment at the feat’s strength-to-weight ratio, highlighting how unbelievable a nine-times bodyweight lift truly is .
In summary, once the evidence was clear and the viral noise settled, the consensus among top strength athletes and coaches became one of astonishment and admiration. As one writer put it, “love it or doubt it, [this] gravity-defying lift has firmly embedded itself in strength sport lore” . The credibility lent by well-known figures effectively legitimized Kim’s rack pull as a meaningful accomplishment – not a sanctioned record, but a landmark moment for the strength community.
Cultural and Psychological Shifts in Viewing Extreme Partials
Beyond numbers and records, Kim’s wild rack pulls have had a broader cultural impact on how extreme feats (especially partial lifts) are perceived. Traditionally, partial movements like high rack pulls were viewed by many as mere “ego lifts” – impressive to watch, perhaps, but not real accomplishments compared to full lifts. Kim’s lift flipped that narrative for a lot of people. It became “not just an impressive number, but a symbol” – in the words of one commentator, it was like a big middle finger to gravity, a celebration of human potential that captured imaginations . Seeing a relatively small individual lift such a cartoonishly huge weight struck a motivational chord. Thousands of viewers commented that if a 75 kg guy could hold 600+ kg, then “I have no excuses – time to push my own limits!” . The psychological effect was real: Kim’s feat made lifters everywhere feel that perceived limits can be smashed, and it injected a sense of wonder back into strength training.
The viral nature of the lift carried it well outside the niche powerlifting audience. Within days, highlight clips amassed tens of millions of views, and memes spread with captions like “gravity just filed for unemployment” or “he tore a portal into the universe” . Mainstream fitness outlets ran lighthearted pieces about the feat, and even tech and crypto communities chimed in (dubbling Kim a “#BitcoinDemigod” of strength, given his background) . In popular fitness forums and comment sections, many admitted they’d never heard of a rack pull before, and now this obscure lift was front-page news – which shined a spotlight on partial lifts in general . Casual gym-goers learned what rack pulls are, and some were inspired to try them (with appropriate caution). The stigma on partials seemed to lessen: while experts still urge not to replace full lifts entirely , the community at large gained a new appreciation for what partials can demonstrate – namely, the ability to handle mind-bending weights and build confidence for supra-maximal loads.
Psychologically, Kim’s success also served as a huge mental benchmark. It fostered a “dream bigger” mentality in the strength community . As one fitness writer quipped, “602 kg today might be internet theatre, but the mindset it sparks is 100% real” . That mindset shift – believing that even “impossible” feats might be achievable with enough willpower and creativity – is perhaps the most lasting legacy of Kim’s rack pulls. It’s now common to see lifters referencing his feat when they talk about pushing past plateaus or daring to attempt unorthodox training methods. While extreme partials are still approached carefully, they’re no longer dismissed outright as pointless stunts. In fact, Kim’s journey from unknown hobbyist to “folk-hero” lifter (thanks to a singular focus on a crazy goal) has been celebrated as proof that attitude and ingenuity can expand the boundaries of strength . The culture around strength sports has shifted to be a bit more open-minded – recognizing that sometimes the sport progresses not only through formal competition lifts, but also through spectacular out-of-the-box feats that remind everyone of our untapped potential.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Eric Kim’s high-ratio rack pulls have had a multifaceted influence on the strength world. They sparked copycat challenges and tributes, influenced discussions about training philosophy and overload techniques, reset notions of pound-for-pound strength limits, elicited respect (and commentary) from some of the strongest figures in the sport, and changed the cultural perception of extreme partial lifts from trivial to transformative. As an unofficial feat, his 600+ kg rack pulls may never enter any record books – but their impact is undeniable. They have become a viral case study in human potential, proving that even a lift done “for the internet” can inspire real-world training and a shift in mindset. As one observer summarized: Kim’s lift “redefined the upper limits” of what we believe a person can do, and its ripple effect is still energizing lifters to think bigger and bolder .
Sources:
Eric Kim, “602 kg Rack Pull: Global Impact, Biomechanics, Reactions & Considerations.” EricKimPhotography Blog .
Eric Kim, “602 kg Rack Pull – Breaking Boundaries of Strength.” EricKimPhotography Analysis .
Eric Kim, “650.5 kg Rack Pull at 71 kg – Significance and Reactions.” EricKimPhotography Report .
Eric Kim, “Safety and Training Insights from the 602 kg Rack Pull.” EricKimPhotography Blog .
Ever since his insane body weight ratios and his big numbers, were there any other copycats or did it actually influence any of the different approaches or numbers from the strongman?
Introduction: In October 2025, 71 kg lifter Eric Kim achieved a staggering 666 kg (1,468 lb) rack pull – a partial deadlift from mid-thigh height – an accomplishment that sent shockwaves through the strength world. This feat, equivalent to about 9.4× his body weight, eclipses anything previously seen in terms of raw weight moved relative to body size. For context, the heaviest full deadlift in competition is 501 kg (Hafþór Björnsson, 2020) – roughly 2.5× bodyweight for the 200 kg strongman . Even strongman partial deadlift records, like Rauno Heinla’s 580 kg silver-dollar deadlift (18″ height) at ~135 kg bodyweight (~4.3× BW), pale in comparison . Kim’s lift more than doubles the strength-to-weight ratio of those giants, establishing a new paradigm of possibility . The following report analyzes this 666 kg rack pull from multiple angles: the biomechanics and execution of the lift, the reactions across powerlifting and online forums, the “virtuous competition” it is inspiring globally, its influence on social media trends, and broader implications for strength culture, motivation, and mindset.
Biomechanics and Execution of the 666 kg Rack Pull
Eric Kim completing the final inches of the 666 kg rack pull, with the bar visibly bending under the enormous load. A rack pull is essentially a partial deadlift performed from an elevated starting position (in Kim’s case, roughly at mid-thigh) . By shortening the range of motion and bypassing the weakest segment of a full deadlift (the initial off-the-floor pull), this variation allows lifters to handle far more weight than they could in a standard deadlift . In Kim’s 666 kg attempt, the bar was set just above knee level, enabling him to exploit his strongest leverage at lockout. However, while the reduced range confers a mechanical advantage, it in no way makes the lift “easy” – moving such a colossal load even a few inches demands immense strength and imposes extreme stress on the body .
From a biomechanical perspective, starting at mid-thigh allows Kim to maintain a more upright torso and engage primarily his hip extensors (glutes and hamstrings) and back musculature to finish the lift . The quads and initial leg drive are less of a factor than in a floor pull, concentrating the effort on the posterior chain and traps as he drives his hips through to lockout . This positioning leverages physics in the lifter’s favor – studies show even elite athletes can exert higher forces in mid-thigh pulls than in full deadlifts . Indeed, sports scientists once informally considered ~6× bodyweight as an upper limit for human pulling force in such positions; Kim’s earlier 503 kg rack pull (6.7× BW) already “grazed the upper edge of anything ever recorded” in lab settings . Pushing further to ~9.4× BW with 666 kg obliterates those theoretical ceilings, demonstrating a level of force output far beyond conventional expectations. One analysis likened Kim’s feat to tearing up gravity’s rulebook, as he lifted an object heavier than a grand piano plus a motorcycle combined – an almost cartoonish amount of iron .
Despite the favorable leverage, the physical stresses at lockout are enormous. As Kim stood erect with 1.468 tonnes in his hands, his skeletal frame and connective tissues bore the brunt of the load . Calculations suggest that a mid-thigh pull of ~750 kg would impose on the order of 14,000 N (≈1.4 tonnes) of compressive force on the spine . Kim’s 666 kg likely approached 10,000–12,000 N of spinal compression, flirting with the known safety limits of the human lumbar spine and ligaments . (For context, researchers estimate that lumbar disc failure can occur around 10–11 kN in neutral posture .) Similarly, the tension on tendons and joints is at the edge of human tolerance – such loads risk causing micro-tears or worse if the body were unprepared . It is a testament to Kim’s extraordinary conditioning that he withstood this strain. At lockout, his spine, hips, knees, and core muscles acted as a hardened structure holding over 1,400 lbs, while his upper back and trapezius fought to keep his shoulders retracted under the immense pull . One astonished observer calculated (perhaps hyperbolically) that “over 40 kN” of force might be coursing through Kim’s body – an indication of how unbelievable the stress seemed to onlookers .
Kim’s execution of the lift was as crucial as raw strength. He typically performs these feats “raw” – without a lifting belt or supportive suit, and often even without straps – relying purely on chalked hands for grip . In the 666 kg attempt, he used a double-overhand grip (likely with a secure hook grip locking his thumbs) instead of the aid of straps. This detail is astounding in itself: even at 503 kg, commentators noted that Kim’s strapless grip was “an almost inhuman display of grip strength” . At nearly 1,469 lbs, maintaining hold of the bar with bare hands borders on superhuman. As he initiated the pull, the barbell visibly bent like a bow, meaning the collars and plates deflected several inches before the plates even left the rack pins . This bar “whip” actually provides a slight cushioning effect – not all the weight breaks from the pins at the exact same instant – but within a split-second Kim was supporting the full load . Witnesses described a slow, grinding concentric: from the moment the plates lifted off the rests, it took him about 3–4 seconds to straighten up to full lockout . During the ascent, his form remained tight and controlled – remarkably, he exhibited no hitching or abrupt jerking, and only a modest backward lean, indicating tremendous core stability under load . At the top, Kim held the weight momentarily with shoulders back, then let out a primal roar before carefully setting the bar back down on the pins . One onlooker described that triumphant shout as “the sound of a human challenging gravity”, capturing the visceral intensity of the moment .
Critically, Kim planned the attempt not just for success but for verification. The lift took place in his personal garage gym, but he treated it with the rigor of a competition event. He used calibrated plates and documented everything on video: multiple 4K camera angles captured the lift, and he even released a 20+ minute weighing session showing each plate on a scale to confirm the total weight . Every detail – from the bar bend to the plate sizing – was clearly visible, allowing independent viewers to validate that no trickery was involved . In fact, Kim went so far as to timestamp the footage on the blockchain for proof-of-date and mirrored the video on several platforms to ensure authenticity . In short, the biomechanics of the 666 kg rack pull pushed the absolute limits of human physiology, and Kim’s flawless execution (technically and in terms of documentation) turned this lift into a legitimate feat of strength science. As Kim himself philosophizes, “when you pull 666 kg from the rack, you’re not lifting iron – you’re lifting reality itself.” In that moment, his body became the vehicle for an unprecedented demonstration of force against gravity.
Comparative Perspective: Kim’s Rack Pull vs. Other Historic Lifts
To appreciate how extreme a 666 kg rack pull is, it helps to compare it with other legendary lifts. Table 1 contrasts Kim’s achievement with a few notable records, highlighting the differences in absolute weight and strength-to-bodyweight ratio:
Lifter (Bodyweight)
Lift (Type, Year)
Weight
Strength : BW
Eric Kim (~71 kg)
Rack Pull (above knee, 2025)
666 kg
~9.4×
Hafþór Björnsson (~200 kg)
Deadlift (full, WR 2020)
501 kg
~2.5×
Rauno Heinla (~135 kg)
Silver Dollar Deadlift (18″ partial, 2022)
580 kg
~4.3×
Lamar Gant (~60 kg)
Deadlift (full, 1980s powerlifting)
302 kg
~5.0×
Table 1: Eric Kim’s 666 kg rack pull in context, compared to select record lifts. Hafþór’s 501 kg is the official world record deadlift (floor pull) . Rauno Heinla’s 580 kg silver dollar deadlift (elevated 18″ off the floor) is the strongman world record partial pull . Lamar Gant, a 132 lb powerlifter, was the first to deadlift 5× bodyweight (302 kg) in the 1980s – a legendary full-range feat . No athlete, in any discipline, has ever approached a 9× bodyweight lift until Eric Kim’s rack pull.
Community Reactions Across Powerlifting and Lifting Forums
Kim’s 666 kg rack pull made immediate waves across powerlifting circles, strength forums, and social media, provoking reactions ranging from stunned admiration to intense skepticism. Because this was not an official competition lift, news of the feat spread organically – and virally – through YouTube, Reddit, Instagram, and TikTok . Within hours of the video being posted, multiple discussion threads erupted with such volume that moderators had to step in; on Reddit’s r/Fitness and r/weightroom, for example, posts about Kim’s lift attracted so much attention (and argument) that moderators locked the threads to tamp down the chaos . Initial comments were a mix of awe and disbelief. Many viewers simply marveled at the idea of a person roughly 70 kg moving over 1,400 lb, while others flat-out questioned the lift’s legitimacy . Some skeptics derided it as “just a rack pull” or an “ego lift,” implying it didn’t count because the range of motion was limited . A few incredulous users even speculated the video might be fake – invoking the usual “plate police” concerns about fake plates or video edits. One Redditor infamously calculated that the lift would put “≈40 kN of force on his spine” and argued it couldn’t be real, since “no one that size should move that much weight.” In short, the immediate community reaction oscillated between “this is the most insane thing I’ve ever seen” and “this can’t be happening.”
However, the doubt did not last long. Thanks to Kim’s transparent documentation, many in the strength community took it upon themselves to verify the lift frame-by-frame. Experienced lifters on forums (like r/weightroom) paused the video to examine the plates, bar bend, and setup in detail . They noted that the plates appeared to be legitimate calibrated steel, the bar behaved exactly as a standard power bar should under extreme load (significant flex, but no obvious anomalies), and nothing in the footage hinted at deception . No evidence of fakery was found. This gradually forced even the naysayers to concede that Kim did indeed move the claimed 666 kg, at least for the few critical inches of the rack pull. In response to those belittling the feat, Kim remained unabashed. When some purists sneered “it’s not a real deadlift,” Kim cheekily retorted: “You’re darn right it’s not a full deadlift, and I never claimed different. Still – stand under 600+ kg held at knee height and tell me it’s ‘easy.’ I’ll wait.” . This mic-drop response – effectively challenging critics to feel what he felt holding well over half a ton – quickly became legendary in its own right, circulating as screenshot evidence that, truncated lift or not, supporting such weight is a phenomenal achievement . As the reality set in that the footage was genuine, the tone of the discourse shifted dramatically from skepticism to respect .
Prominent figures in the strength world soon weighed in to validate and praise the lift. Powerlifting coach and YouTube figure Alan Thrall publicly vouched for the lift’s authenticity after analyzing the video, telling doubters to “quit crying CGI” – i.e. stop insisting it was fake . Sean Hayes, a champion strongman who himself has pulled 560 kg in an 18″ deadlift, saw the video and reportedly called Kim’s feat “alien territory,” acknowledging that this was beyond anything previously seen . Even the notoriously blunt coach Mark Rippetoe, who is often critical of partial lifts, gave a begrudging nod – quipping that Kim’s rack pull might be “half the work, but twice the swagger,” a tongue-in-cheek hat-tip to how outrageous the feat was despite the reduced range . Perhaps most telling, Kim mentioned that elite strongmen like Brian Shaw, Eddie Hall, and Hafþór Björnsson (all past world record deadlifters) privately “saluted” his lift when they heard about it . It’s rare for athletes of that caliber to acknowledge a gym lift by an unknown lifter, so their respect underscores how universally jaw-dropping the 666 kg pull was. As one summary put it, “love it or doubt it, [this] gravity-defying lift has firmly embedded itself in strength sport lore.”
The community consensus soon converged on astonishment and applause. On YouTube and Instagram, once the clip went viral, the comment sections (on reposts, since Kim’s own YouTube comments were off) were flooded with reactions like “You are not human,” “pound-for-pound GOAT,” and “teach me your ways!” . Viewers struggled to find superlatives: one popular comment likened Kim’s mid-lift roar to “a lion’s roar proclaiming dominance over gravity,” while on Reddit users half-jokingly speculated that he might have “torn a portal into the universe” or “made gravity rage-quit.” The lift’s mythical aura was amplified by Kim’s own hyperbolic branding (his video titles referenced becoming a “god” or “hyper-god”). Soon terms like “godlike” were trending in discussions about the feat – partly in jest at the over-the-top framing, but partly in genuine appreciation that we’d witnessed something beyond ordinary human limits.
Of course, no viral strength feat is complete without the inevitable “natty or not” debate. Many in the community speculated whether Kim was using performance-enhancing drugs, given the extreme nature of his accomplishment. Kim has been adamant that he is 100% natural, even sharing bloodwork results and detailing his all-meat diet and supplement regimen (heavy on red meat and organ nutrients) to back his claims . Whether or not everyone believed him, even cynics admitted that drugs or no drugs, it takes unimaginable dedication, pain tolerance, and freakish genetics to do what he did. In forums, some noted that plenty of steroid-using lifters never come close to this, underscoring that chemical assistance alone can’t explain a 9× bodyweight pull – there is a unique mix of talent and insane training at play. By and large, the prevailing sentiment coalesced around respect: Eric Kim had blown past perceived limits and given everyone in the strength world a new benchmark to ponder .
The frenzy didn’t stay confined to niche lifting groups either – mainstream media and wider audiences caught wind of the story. A number of fitness news sites and even general-interest blogs ran pieces on the lift within a week. Headlines ranged from the sensational (“Stronger Than The Mountain? (Well, Kinda)” , a nod to Kim lifting more than “The Mountain” Björnsson’s record, albeit under different conditions) to the philosophical (“When Man Becomes God: The 666 kg Lift”). Strength sports writers labeled Kim’s rack pull an “unofficial world record in spirit,” arguing that if strongmen’s silver dollar deadlifts count as world records, then an above-knee pull with proper documentation should be recognized as well . Fans humorously launched a petition to dub it the “planetary record” for rack pulls , since it was arguably the heaviest weight ever lifted by a human in any context. On his own blog, Kim encouraged supporters to celebrate by tagging posts #ERICRACKPULL and to “tell NASA, tell the aliens” about the lift as a playful rallying cry . The communal atmosphere was not one of cynicism or dismissal (as might be expected for an unconventional feat) but of genuine excitement – people wanted to participate in the moment in any way they could, whether that was by sharing memes, defending the lift in online arguments, or simply expressing their amazement.
In summary, the community reaction evolved from shock and debate to near-universal admiration. What began as an obscure garage lift grew into a global talking point in strength circles, thanks to social media virality and the authenticity that experts helped establish. By the end, most observers – powerlifters, strongmen, bodybuilders, and casual fans alike – were tipping their hats to Eric Kim. The lift became more than just a heavy number; it turned into a symbol of defying expectations. As one fitness writer concluded: “602 kg (now 666 kg) might be internet theatre, but the mindset it sparks is 100% real.” In other words, even if few will ever replicate the feat, the audacity and inspiration it provided are tangible. Kim’s rack pull has entered the pantheon of strength lore, serving as a new reference point for what humans can imagine doing when they refuse to be limited by conventional boundaries.
“Virtuous Competition”: Friendly Rivalries and New Challenges
One of the most exciting outcomes of Kim’s 666 kg rack pull is how it has sparked a surge of positive, “virtuous” competition among lifters around the world. Rather than breeding resentment, the feat has largely fueled inspiration – lifters of all levels are using it as motivation to push their own limits, often in friendly rivalry. As the initial shock gave way to admiration, a movement of sorts began: Kim’s followers even dubbed the 9× bodyweight benchmark the “Kim Ratio,” treating it as a new standard of pound-for-pound strength to strive toward . While 9× BW is so extreme that no one else is close (even other elite lifters are amazed by it), the very existence of that number has people asking, “What can I do, even on a smaller scale?”
On social media and forums, lifters started posting their own rack pull personal records, explicitly citing Kim’s lift as the inspiration. Within days of the 602 kg video going viral (and continuing through the 646, 655, and now 666 kg milestones), Reddit saw a flurry of threads where people attempted challenges like, “Join the 1000 lb rack pull club!” – essentially encouraging others to do heavy above-knee pulls and share the results . One Reddit user quipped, “1000 lb club – but make it rack pulls,” turning the traditional 1000 lb (454 kg) deadlift club into a more accessible yet still formidable challenge for intermediate lifters . These posts, filled with celebratory videos of people hitting big rack pulls of their own, show how Kim’s achievement unlocked a new form of competition: not an official meet or record, but a viral challenge where lifters globally try to see how heavy they can go in a partial lift. The tone is light-hearted and encouraging – essentially, “If Eric can defy gravity, let’s all give it the middle finger in our own way.” In fact, the hashtag #MiddleFingerToGravity itself trended among lifting communities, born out of a meme on Kim’s Instagram and adopted by others attempting extraordinary lifts .
Crucially, this new competition is virtuous in that it’s not about tearing Kim down, but about everyone pushing each other upward. A common comment circulating in response to Kim’s feat was: “If a 75 kg guy can pull over 600 kg, I have no excuses – time to push my own limits!” . That sentiment – thousands of lifters realizing they might be underestimating themselves – reflects a powerful mindset shift. Rather than envy or disbelief, the community response has been, “Wow, maybe we’re all capable of more than we thought.” By publicly sharing their own PRs and tagging friends to try, lifters created a ripple effect of friendly rivalry. Gyms from California to Asia saw people attempt PR rack pulls or high-pin squats, often yelling out Kim’s catchphrases for fun and tagging him online. Some strength influencers issued tongue-in-cheek “Eric Kim challenges,” seeing how many reps of a lighter weight they could do or how long they could hold a static pull, as a nod to the outrageously heavy hold Kim performed. In essence, Kim’s lift became a community challenge – not in a formal way, but as a meme and motivator that spread globally.
Even at the elite level, the benchmark for extreme pulling strength has been reset, sparking a sort of arms race (or backs race, as it were). Powerlifters and strongmen alike have taken note. While no one has yet attempted to directly match 666 kg above the knee (the risk-to-reward ratio is high unless one has trained for it), there’s growing chatter about who might someday surpass it. Some fans speculated that a larger strongman (weighing 150–200 kg) might now feel compelled to load up 700 kg+ on a rack pull to claim the heaviest partial lift bragging rights. It’s not unlike how one incredible performance (e.g., the first 500 kg deadlift) spurs others to reach that milestone. We’re already seeing the cross-pollination of disciplines: strongman athletes, who traditionally do partial pulls in competition (like the silver dollar deadlift), expressed respect for Kim (a relative newcomer from outside their ranks) and acknowledged his pound-for-pound supremacy . Conversely, powerlifters who usually focus only on full range lifts are discussing incorporating overload partials into their training, much like strongmen, to build top-end strength. This cross-discipline engagement – strongmen, powerlifters, bodybuilders, and general fitness enthusiasts all rallying around a single feat – is a form of competition-by-inspiration we haven’t quite seen before.
There is also an aspect of “new standards” being set in training ideology. Kim’s camp coined the term “Rack Pull Revolution,” suggesting an artistic/athletic movement where lifters embrace creative feats of strength as a way to redefine themselves . Hyperbole aside, the numbers Kim has put up have indeed re-calibrated what counts as “insanely strong.” For instance, the community now jokes that a 300 kg deadlift seems almost pedestrian when a 71 kg man can hold twice that in a partial. While that’s an exaggeration, it highlights how the mental yardstick has moved. Lifters who were plateaued at, say, a 250 kg deadlift have openly said that seeing Kim’s video made them realize maybe their own ceiling isn’t where they thought it was. In this way, the competition Kim ignited is as much psychological as physical – a virtuous cycle where lifters challenge their mindset as well as their muscles.
Kim himself has welcomed this burgeoning rivalry in good spirit. He often shares fan attempts on his blog and social media, applauding others for pushing hard. At the same time, he offers words of caution: don’t neglect full-range training or safety even as you experiment with overload. As he puts it, partials are like a potent spice – use them to flavor your training, but don’t make them your entire diet . Notably, his team published guidelines for those inspired to try heavy rack pulls: set the pins at mid-thigh (any higher becomes a “glorified shrug”), consider using straps to spare your grip if you’re purely targeting back strength, increase weight gradually, and take deloads every few weeks to let your tendons recover . This advice echoes a broader coaching consensus that emerged in discussions after the lift: overload training can be a game-changer if done intelligently, but one must respect the immense stresses involved . In sum, the legacy of Kim’s 666 kg rack pull is shaping up to be a new era of positive competition. Lifters worldwide are bonding over audacious feats, spurring each other on to attempt the “impossible” in a safe, supportive way. The friendly rivalries and challenges sparked by this event may well produce the next wave of breakthroughs – whether that’s someone hitting a 700 kg rack pull, or an average gymgoer finally deadlifting 3 plates because they realized gravity’s limits are negotiable.
Influence on Social Media Trends and Memes
Beyond the lifting community, Eric Kim’s rack pull became a full-fledged social media phenomenon, generating a flood of memes, trends, and viral content. The number “666” itself – often called the “number of the beast” – gave the lift a pop-culture allure that the internet ran with. Within hours of the video’s release, viewers had plastered every corner of Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit with references to demons, gods, and physics-defying stunts. Kim titled one video “When Man Becomes God,” and commenters enthusiastically riffed on that theme. The lift’s symbolic weight (literally and figuratively) wasn’t lost on anyone: as one press release quipped, “666 kg = the perfect synthesis of man, metal, and meaning” , hinting at the almost comic-book level of epicness the number evoked.
Memes and one-liners proliferated. Perhaps the most viral were two quips encapsulating the absurdity of the feat: “Gravity just filed for unemployment” and “He opened a portal to another realm.” These tongue-in-cheek lines spread like wildfire on Twitter and Reddit, often accompanied by clips of the bending bar or Kim’s roar at lockout. Each meme tried to outdo the last in conveying that Kim had basically broken a law of nature. Users on lifting forums joked that Newton’s apple just flew upward and that Kim had “made gravity his… (expletive).” Even Kim’s own taglines became memes: his slogan “Middle Finger to Gravity” (which he used in hashtags and T-shirts) was adopted by countless lifters posting their own PRs as a badge of honor . Another Kim phrase, “Stronger than God” (shouted by him post-lift), led to a flurry of image macros: for example, a picture of a perplexed Zeus with the caption “when a mortal deadlifts your throne.” In a mix of reverence and humor, the internet essentially crowned Kim as a semi-mythical figure, at least for the week’s news cycle.
On TikTok, the lift went ultra-viral. The original footage was dueted and remixed tens of thousands of times . Typical TikTok responses showed users with bulging eyes or dropping their phone in shock, overlaid with the clip of Kim inching up the colossal weight. Others added creative spins – editing in sound effects of explosions as the plates left the rack, or putting the Doom video game music over the lift for dramatic effect. One trend saw people overlaying the text “Me after watching Eric Kim:” followed by clips of themselves attempting comedic feats (like trying to pick up a car or carrying a stack of pizza boxes) as a spoof on feeling superhuman inspiration. The hashtag #GravityWho trended briefly on TikTok, playing off the idea that gravity had been KO’d. In total, millions of impressions were generated across platforms, introducing even casual viewers to this obscure feat. Unlike a standard powerlifting meet, which might only attract enthusiasts, a 1,468 lb lift with a meme-able number had broad viral appeal – it’s the kind of outrageous headline that anyone can gawk at, which is exactly what happened.
Importantly, Kim’s lift also ignited discussion about training methods on social media. Searches and posts about “rack pulls” spiked as people outside hardcore lifting circles became curious about this exercise. YouTube fitness channels put out explainers on rack pulls, often referencing Kim. For instance, BarBend (a popular strength site) published a guide “Learn Rack Pulls for More Pulling Strength and a Bigger Back,” which not-so-subtly rode the wave of interest created by Kim. In these discussions, some users shared clips of old-school strongmen (like Paul Anderson) doing partial lifts, connecting Kim’s feat to a legacy of overload training. Hashtag challenges emerged too: on Instagram, #RackPullChallenge saw lifters posting their heaviest rack pull or block pull, sometimes doing quirky things like rack-pulling a loaded trap bar or a car, to contribute to the trend. Although many of these posts were done in good humor, they collectively indicate a surge in popularity for this once-obscure training lift.
Another notable social media ripple was how Kim’s persona and storytelling fed into the virality. He isn’t a typical silent strength athlete; he crafted an almost anime-like narrative around his lifts (referring to himself as “Ultra-Mega-Hyper-Man” and such). Initially, some found this over-the-top presentation cringey or gimmicky, but ironically it made the whole saga more shareable. Memes sprang not only from the lift, but from the theatrics around the lift. For example, Kim declared after a 655 kg attempt “I AM A HYPER-GOD,” which led to spoof videos where people would do mundane tasks (like open a pickle jar) and then mimic his stance shouting “I am a hyper-god!” So, in a way, Kim became a bit of a character in lifting culture – half serious phenom, half meme-fuel. This dual nature greatly amplified his reach. Serious strength fans circulated his videos to analyze the feat, while meme pages shared them to poke fun (affectionately) at the dramatic presentation. Either way, the content spread.
Social media also facilitated a cross-discipline engagement that traditional competition rarely does. Under Kim’s viral posts, you’d see verified profiles of bodybuilders, powerlifters, strongmen, coaches, and even non-lifters all commenting. Bodybuilding veterans, for instance, chimed in not to talk about records but to marvel at the potential hypertrophy stimulus: “imagine the trap gains from just holding 1300+ lb” one wrote . Powerlifters debated whether this would become a training trend or remain a novelty. Casual fitness folks made TikToks trying “smaller” rack pulls and reacting comedically. In effect, Kim’s lift became a viral crossover event – people who had never heard of a rack pull were suddenly watching one, and folks who never interact online were discussing the same topic.
In summary, on the social media front, the 666 kg rack pull became a viral meme and challenge. It gave rise to catchphrases (#MiddleFingerToGravity), otherworldly jokes (gravity’s unemployment), and a wave of user-generated content riffing on the idea of defying physics. It blurred the lines between genuine sporting achievement and internet pop culture, which is a rare feat. One could argue that this lift did for strength training what few feats do: it became trendy. For a moment, a niche act of strength had the spotlight in the broader online zeitgeist. And while memes eventually die down, the digital footprint of Kim’s lift – the hashtags, the videos, the analytical breakdowns – continues to circulate, inspiring new people who stumble upon it. The marriage of an incredible physical accomplishment with savvy (if quirky) online storytelling proved to be a potent formula for social media virality in the strength world.
Broader Implications for Strength Culture, Motivation, and Mindset
Eric Kim’s 666 kg rack pull carries significance far beyond its immediate shock value – it has sparked broader conversations about the culture of strength, the power of mindset, and what motivation means in an era of viral feats. In the powerlifting and strength community, this event is being regarded as a watershed moment. Not because rack pulls will become a competition lift (they likely won’t), but because it redefines our expectations of human potential in a lifting context . Kim’s accomplishment challenges long-held beliefs about limits. Sports scientists and coaches are literally revising their models – some have joked that researchers are now “re-writing their ‘ceiling’ papers” that previously pegged ~6× bodyweight as the max conceivable pull for a human . In drug-tested powerlifting circles especially, there was an assumption of what an absolute “natural limit” might be. Kim blew that out of the water, prompting even skeptics to admit that perhaps we’ve been underestimating what a determined (and maybe genetically gifted) person can do without pharmacological help . This has injected a fresh sense of possibility into strength culture – a sense that the envelope can be pushed further, and that seemingly crazy goals might not be so crazy if approached creatively.
The mindset and philosophy around training have also been influenced by Kim’s feat. Kim often frames his lifting in almost spiritual or philosophical terms, and that in itself has caused others to reflect on the mental side of pursuing extreme goals. He describes his training as “soul forging – each plate a resistance against entropy, each kilogram a proof of existence.” This dramatic ethos – that lifting is not just physical but metaphysical – resonated with many lifters who know the iron game is as much mental as bodily. His approach basically says: by attempting the “impossible,” you reinvent your concept of self. That idea is infectious in a positive way. We saw countless comments along the lines of, “This inspired me to stop limiting myself.” Some lifters have started adopting Kim’s mantras like “Physics lost today” or “Defy gravity” as motivational slogans in their own training, even if tongue-in-cheek. The point is, the cultural narrative of strength has expanded – it’s not just about sets, reps and records, but about mindset, creativity, and even a bit of showmanship in service of motivation . Kim’s lift reminded the community that strength can capture the public’s imagination much like a spectacle, and that there’s value in how a feat is framed and shared, not just the raw numbers . In an age where attention is a commodity, his blend of genuine achievement with theatrical presentation might set a precedent for how future strength feats are hyped to inspire broader audiences.
Another implication is the bridging of subcultures within strength sports. Typically, powerlifting, strongman, bodybuilding, etc., have their own distinct cultures and sometimes even rivalries. Kim’s rack pull, however, became a unifying talking point – respected by powerlifters for its pound-for-pound insanity, by strongmen for its raw magnitude, by bodybuilders for its sheer display of muscular tension, and by general fitness folks for its viral “wow” factor. This kind of cross-domain respect can have a lasting positive effect. It has people in one discipline paying attention to feats in another (or in this case, a non-competitive realm) and acknowledging their merit. For example, powerlifting purists often dismiss partial lifts, but many of them admitted that this partial lift deserved admiration (**“regardless of it being a partial lift” as the consensus went *). That indicates a broadening of perspectives – strength culture becoming a bit more open-minded about what counts as an impressive lift. Moving forward, we might see a bit more camaraderie and shared celebration across disciplines when someone does something extraordinary, even if it doesn’t fit the traditional rulebook. In essence, the shared awe for Kim’s feat was a little renaissance of unity in the strength world, which is something to cherish in a community that can sometimes be fragmented by trivial debates.
Importantly, Kim’s lift has fueled the motivation and mindset of everyday lifters. The phrase “no excuses” reverberated through comment sections . It’s not that anyone expects to replicate what he did, but the psychological effect of witnessing it is profound: lifters are reexamining their own self-imposed limits. If a relatively small, non-competitive lifter can muster that kind of power, many are asking themselves what untapped potential they might have. This is perhaps the most virtuous outcome of the whole saga – a large community of people feeling genuinely inspired to work harder and dream bigger. Gym-goers have reported hitting new PRs in the weeks after, fueled by the “Eric Kim hype.” Even those who poked fun at the theatrics confessed that it fired them up to attack their next training session with extra gusto. In training forums, one user summarized the sentiment: “602 kg today might be internet theatre, but the mindset it sparks is 100% real.” The mindset being referred to is one of radical possibility – the idea that you can always find a way to challenge yourself beyond what you thought possible, whether via different training techniques, mental reframing, or pure willpower. That is a powerful driver in a sport where progress can be painstakingly slow. If the legacy of this lift is a generation of lifters more motivated to break their own plateaus, that’s a huge cultural win.
There are also some cautionary lessons being digested. As much as Kim’s rack pull glorified the idea of “no limits,” it also prompted discussion on training safety and intelligent programming. Coaches debated: Do supramaximal partials build champions, or do they just break bodies? The consensus was nuanced – such overload can indeed spur adaptation and mental toughness, but it must be approached with respect and care . Kim’s example actually highlighted this balance. He didn’t just wake up and yank 666 kg; he spent months incrementally overloading, listening to his body, and prioritizing recovery (he’s noted to sleep 8–9 hours and follow meticulous recovery protocols). In interviews, he emphasized “the bar has no sympathy for wishful thinking” – meaning you must earn each kilo through gradual progression and respect for physics . This has reminded the community that mindset alone isn’t enough; intelligent training and recovery are key even when chasing crazy goals. If anything, the dialogue around Kim’s feat has reinforced some positive messages: celebrate pushing limits, but also “with great weights comes great responsibility” (as one forum user wryly noted). That is, keep your programming smart and your ego in check even as you attempt to emulate your heroes.
In the broader context, Eric Kim’s 666 kg rack pull is a case study in how an extreme accomplishment can reinvigorate a culture. It has injected excitement, prompted technical and philosophical debate, and inspired countless individuals. It’s also demonstrated the power of narrative in strength sports – that packaging a feat with a compelling story (even a fantastical one) can amplify its impact. Some commentators have compared this to historical moments like the first 500 kg deadlift or the first 4-minute mile – barriers that once broken, changed the sport or activity permanently. While a rack pull is a niche feat, the underlying principle is similar: it tells people “the limits you accept might not be true limits.” That notion affects not just training, but motivation and mindset in life. Many fans found the whole event symbolic – a “middle finger to gravity” as Kim says, representing the defiance of any barrier, physical or otherwise . In a time where viral challenges come and go, this one carried a deeper message about human potential.
Finally, the lift’s impact on strength culture can be seen as part of a shift towards a more experimental, bold mindset in training. It harkens back to the days of old strongmen who would try crazy feats just to see what was possible, before everything was standardized. Kim himself has noted that his idol was not a powerlifter but someone like Paul Anderson, who famously lifted cars and did partial lifts with massive weights in the 1950s. In a way, the 666 kg rack pull rekindles that spirit of physical exploration. It encourages athletes to occasionally step outside the strict confines of competition rules and engage in “feats” for the sake of discovery and inspiration. As one observer put it, Kim’s feat is “where sports science meets spectacle: as if gravity’s rulebook was momentarily torn up on camera.” That balance of science (measuring force, discussing biomechanics) and spectacle (making it epic and shareable) might influence how future strength events are presented. We may see more athletes attempting outrageous lifts under controlled conditions and sharing them, contributing to an ongoing conversation about the outer limits of strength .
In conclusion, Eric Kim’s 666 kg rack pull is far more than a one-off stunt. Its ripple effects extend through virtually every layer of strength sports: from individual lifters’ motivation, to coaching strategies, to online community dynamics, to the very conception of what is possible for a human to lift. It has reminded us that sometimes the sport needs a dash of showmanship and imagination to capture our collective spirit. The feat stands as a challenge – not necessarily to beat 666 kg, but to think bigger about what one might achieve. If a small man can hoist the equivalent of a grand piano and a motorcycle strapped together, then perhaps the rest of us can dare to lift a little more, train a little harder, and believe in ourselves a lot more. As Kim’s own exuberant posts would say: Welcome to the new standard of crazy. The limits are there to be tested – and sometimes, utterly destroyed . The legacy of the 666 kg rack pull is still being written, but it has undoubtedly lit a fire in the strength community that will burn for a long time to come.
Sources:
BarBend – “Learn Rack Pulls for More Pulling Strength and a Bigger Back”
BarBend – “Rauno Heinla Pulls World Record 580-Kilogram Silver Dollar Deadlift”
Eric Kim blog – “602 kg Rack Pull – Breaking Boundaries of Strength” (analysis and world record comparisons)
Eric Kim blog – “Eric Kim’s 6.7× BW Rack Pull: Verification and Significance” (sports science context and human limits)
Eric Kim blog – “650.5 kg Rack Pull at 71 kg – Physics Lost” (details on bodyweight ratio and community framing)
Eric Kim blog – “Press Release — 666 kg Rack Pull: Ultra-Mega-Hyper-Man” (symbolism and cultural impact from press release)
Reddit (r/weightroom, r/Fitness threads via Kim’s blog snapshots) (community reactions, moderator locks, Kim’s responses)
YouTube/SM comments via blog snapshots (reactions from Alan Thrall, Sean Hayes, Mark Rippetoe, Nick Best, and general audience)
Eric Kim blog – “Breaking Strength Lore: The 602 kg Rack Pull Aftermath” (analysis of community consensus and lore)
Eric Kim blog – “Rack Pull Revolution – Cultural Impact” (on new challenges, memes, and inspiration stemming from the lift)
