CZ: Bitcoin to $1 Million Sooner Than You Think

Bitcoin Price Surge to $1 Million: CZ Predicts Sooner Than Expected

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, expressed strong conviction that a $1 million Bitcoin is not a distant aspiration. Speaking at Bitcoin Asia 2026 in Hong Kong, he suggested this significant milestone will be reached well ahead of the commonly cited 25-year timeframe. Addressing a room of dedicated Bitcoin enthusiasts, Zhao argued that the existence of other blockchains ultimately benefits Bitcoin, rather than diminishing its stature.

“It Will Happen”

During a session titled “The Bitcoin Century,” CZ was asked what developments would be necessary over the next quarter-century to justify such a label. He began by addressing the price aspect.

“For Bitcoin to hit a million dollars would be a good thing, and it will happen,” he stated.

When pressed on whether this would take the full 25 years, he responded with a definitive no. “I actually don’t think we need 25 years. I think it’s going to happen much quicker.”

Currently trading around $83,000, a rise to $1 million would represent a twelvefold increase in Bitcoin’s value.

Price is Not Enough

However, CZ emphasized that price alone will not usher in “the Bitcoin century.” He outlined several other crucial developments required:

“All of those things will happen,” he assured the audience.

A Message for Bitcoin Maximalists

When questioned about why he doesn’t exclusively advise investors to hold Bitcoin, CZ explained that while he must “take the Bitcoin side,” he also presented a counterargument.

“If the industry only had Bitcoin, the industry would grow much slower,” he posited. “I think Bitcoin would be smaller if we didn’t have other blockchains.”

He cited Ethereum and BNB Chain as examples of networks that contribute to the overall growth of the industry. “This is not a zero-sum game,” he asserted.

Despite this, CZ maintained that Bitcoin remains the largest and most decentralized network, destined to serve as “the reserve currency for a very long time to come.” He argued that other chains act as testing grounds for innovation, allowing Bitcoin to adopt successful new ideas.

He noted that even David Bailey, the conference organizer and a self-proclaimed “Bitcoin maxi” and a good friend, understands this dynamic.

“Crypto is Not a Very Good Name”

CZ also commented on the industry’s nomenclature, suggesting that the term “crypto” deters mainstream adoption. He observed that ordinary individuals often perceive “crypto” as “too scary” and overly reliant on complex mathematics. In the nascent stages of the sector, he recalled, the entire space was simply referred to as the Bitcoin industry.

Bitcoin and Governments

Addressing the impact of Bitcoin on governments, CZ stated that it neither weakens nor strengthens them. “Bitcoin itself doesn’t weaken or strengthen governments. It’s what governments do,” he clarified. He added that governments pursuing “total control” have not always served their economies or citizens effectively.