As Bitcoin crossed $122,000 on July 13, 2025, its mysterious creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, quietly climbed to the 11th spot on the global billionaire list. His fortune is now valued at $133 billion, thanks to the 1.096 million BTC believed to be in his possession, spread across thousands of dormant wallets.
This puts Nakamoto ahead of billionaires like Michael Dell and Bill Gates, highlighting not just the power of Bitcoin, but also reigniting global curiosity around its anonymous founder.
However, Nakamoto is not officially recognized by Forbes, since the publication excludes crypto holdings from its rankings unless they’re tied to publicly verifiable assets.
Bitcoin’s Growth Drives Satoshi’s Massive Fortune
Bitcoin has historically grown at an average rate of 50% per year. If that trend continues, Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas says Nakamoto could rise to the second-richest spot by 2026. He would be behind only Elon Musk, whose net worth is currently estimated at $342 billion.
To Beat Elon, Bitcoin Needs to Reach $374K
At his current standing, Nakamoto’s $133 billion wealth lands him 11th globally. But to overtake Elon Musk, Bitcoin would need to hit around $374,000 per coin – a jump of over 200%. While some analysts expect BTC to reach $200,000 by 2026, Musk will likely stay on top unless the crypto market rallies even further.
Compared to other major holders, Nakamoto’s stash remains unmatched. Corporations and custodians hold about 847,000 BTC combined. The Winklevoss twins have 70,000 BTC, Tim Draper owns 30,000 BTC from a government auction in 2014, and Michael Saylor reportedly holds just under 18,000 BTC personally.
Satoshi’s Wallets: A Legacy Untouched!
What makes Nakamoto’s fortune even more remarkable is that he has never touched it. Not a single Bitcoin has been moved from his wallets since he disappeared in 2011. Balchunas compares this discipline to that of Jack Bogle, the investor who reshaped finance but never cashed in like others did.
Nakamoto’s wallets currently hold around $117 billion in Bitcoin. If these wallets ever became active, it would likely cause major waves across the global crypto market.
$20K Sent to Satoshi: Tribute or Mistake?
Adding to the intrigue, someone recently sent $20,000 worth of Bitcoin to Nakamoto’s Genesis Block address — the wallet tied to Bitcoin’s very first block. It was the largest such transfer in four months.
According to blockchain intelligence firm Arkham, this could have been either a mistaken withdrawal from an exchange or a deliberate tribute from a long-time Bitcoin supporter. Similar transactions have occurred in the past, with some donations reaching over a million dollars.
Who Really Is Satoshi Nakamoto?
The question of Nakamoto’s identity still hasn’t been answered. Recently, speculation resurfaced around Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey after users pointed to possible connections though no solid proof has come forward.
Earlier theories involving names like Hal Finney and Nick Szabo have been widely debated, while Craig Wright’s claims were dismissed in court. For now, the true identity remains one of crypto’s biggest mysteries.
What’s Next for Bitcoin’s Silent Billionaire?
Nakamoto’s growing fortune continues to reflect the strength of decentralized finance and Bitcoin’s impact on the world. As of now, he’s the 11th richest person globally, though that position could shift depending on market moves.
Whether Nakamoto ever reveals himself or stays hidden forever, his presence looms large over the crypto world. And as Bitcoin climbs, so does the legacy of its silent creator.
