A post shared by the “Internet Hall of Fame,” a social media page known for archiving iconic moments, has gone viral for showcasing a StarCraft tournament’s prize structure from 2010. The tournament awarded $500 to the first-place winner, $250 to the second-place winner, and decreasing amounts for third and fourth places.
However, what stood out was the reward for fifth to eighth place: 25 bitcoins. At the time, bitcoin was a little-known cryptocurrency with negligible value, making the reward a novelty rather than a treasure.
In hindsight, the value of those 25 bitcoins has become astonishing. With bitcoin trading at $94,600 per coin as of January 2025, the 25 bitcoin prize would now amount to $2,365,000, making this one of the most striking examples of missed financial opportunities.
— internet hall of fame (@InternetH0F) January 1, 2025
Winners’ Decisions and Missed Potential
The post attracted several comments, shedding light on how the prize was perceived at the time. One commenter, Space Man, reflected on his own experience with bitcoin in its early days: “In college, I was mining bitcoin out of interest while studying computer networking. I don’t remember how much it was, but I spent all my coin on 2 mp3s 😭 it was at least 15 bitcoin at that time.”
Another commenter, Clover Lavender, shared insight into the tournament winners’ choices: “There was a follow-up of all the bitcoin winners, and they all opted for a lesser cash compensation. Apparently none of them took the bitcoin prize.” This suggests that the winners, understandably, prioritized immediate, tangible rewards over an unfamiliar and experimental currency.
At the time, Bitcoin was trading for mere cents, and its utility was largely theoretical. In hindsight, this decision appears to be a significant missed opportunity, but it underscores how little was known about Bitcoin’s potential.
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A Snapshot of Bitcoin’s Evolution
In 2010, Bitcoin was far from the globally recognized asset it is today. BTC was introduced in 2009, and primarily used by tech enthusiasts and a small online community.
Its value rose gradually, reaching $1 per coin in 2011 and gaining traction throughout the next decade. By the 2020s, Bitcoin became synonymous with the cryptocurrency revolution, regularly trading at five-figure prices.
This tournament is a fascinating piece of history, reflecting how early adopters of technology often grapple with uncertainty about its future. StarCraft, a popular competitive strategy game at the time, was frequently associated with innovative prize structures.
The inclusion of Bitcoin in its rewards demonstrates how niche communities experimented with new ideas, even if their significance was not immediately apparent.
Today, this moment is both a humorous and sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of technological progress.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.
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