The Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas was more than just another gathering of crypto enthusiasts—it was a defining moment for the industry. Held from May 27 to 29, the event showcased Bitcoin’s growing mainstream appeal, its evolving technological landscape, and the increasingly favorable stance from institutions and policymakers. Here’s a breakdown of the most important developments across three main areas: keynote announcements, protocol advancements, and institutional involvement.
1. Key Speakers and Major Announcements
JD Vance (U.S. Vice President)
JD Vance made headlines by championing Bitcoin as a tool for economic freedom. He assured the crowd of the Trump administration’s pro-Bitcoin stance and even revealed his personal BTC holdings (worth around $500,000). Vance positioned Bitcoin and stablecoins as multipliers for economic strength.
Michael Saylor (Executive Chairman, Strategy)
Michael Saylor delivered a compelling talk titled “21 Ways to Wealth,” reinforcing his company’s deep commitment to Bitcoin. He clarified that Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) won’t become a bank, but will offer Bitcoin-backed credit and equity products—leveraging BTC as the financial base layer.
Ross Ulbricht
Recently pardoned by President Trump, Ross Ulbricht made a surprise emotional appearance, calling for unity and freedom in the crypto space. His return symbolized a powerful moment of reconciliation between early Bitcoin pioneers and today’s institutional environment.
Jack Mallers (CEO, Strike)
Mallers inspired with a passionate speech and introduced a Bitcoin-backed loan product via Strike. The program allows loans from $10,000 to $1 billion, with rates between 9% and 13%, enabling users to leverage BTC without selling it.
Eric and Donald Trump Jr.
The Trump sons delivered fiery support for Bitcoin. Eric Trump even claimed to have mortgaged Mar-a-Lago to buy Bitcoin, emphasizing the family’s belief in BTC’s long-term value.
Senator Cynthia Lummis
Senator Lummis reiterated the need for fair and clear regulations, advocating for Bitcoin to be considered a strategic national asset. Her support reinforced the conference’s theme of balanced and forward-looking crypto policies.
2. New Technology and Protocol Updates
Lightning Network Expansion
Square (Block) piloted Lightning Network payments for the first time at a major event. Attendees made instant Bitcoin purchases for food and merchandise, signaling how Lightning is ready for mass retail rollout. Square plans to bring this tech to all merchants by 2026.
ALT5 Sigma + Tether
ALT5 Sigma integrated the Lightning Network into its platform, offering real-time BTC and soon USDT transactions. Partnering with Voltage, they aim to reduce transaction costs and latency for institutional clients.
Blockstream Upgrades
Blockstream introduced a new self-custodial app (based on Green wallet) supporting both Bitcoin and the Liquid sidechain. They also showcased upgrades to Liquid and their Asset Management Platform—tools designed to support token issuance and Bitcoin-based financial infrastructure.
Developer Workshops
Workshops explored future upgrades to the Bitcoin protocol, including covenants and drivechains. These updates could enhance Bitcoin’s scalability and smart contract capabilities without compromising security.
3. Institutional and Regulatory Developments
Political Support at the Highest Levels
Vice President JD Vance’s appearance, combined with Trump’s pardon of Ross Ulbricht, underscored high-level political backing. With crypto-friendly sentiments expressed by multiple Trump family members, Bitcoin’s position in the next election cycle looks more secure than ever.
Corporate and State-Level Adoption
States like New Hampshire and Arizona are exploring Bitcoin reserves. Meanwhile, Trump Media announced a $2.5 billion raise to buy and hold Bitcoin—echoing MicroStrategy’s long-term strategy.
Global Participation and Regulation
The event included voices from global regulators and central banks. El Salvador shared progress on Bitcoin as legal tender, while criticism of restrictive regimes like New York’s BitLicense sparked calls for reform.
Industry Maturity
From BlackRock’s ETF flows to Cantor Fitzgerald’s institutional Bitcoin loan plans, the event confirmed Bitcoin’s graduation from fringe asset to cornerstone of a new financial system.
Final Thoughts
Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas wasn’t just a milestone—it was a statement: Bitcoin is no longer fighting for legitimacy. It’s building, scaling, and attracting allies from Wall Street to the White House. With technological innovation, regulatory clarity, and political support converging, the next era of Bitcoin is here—and it’s bigger, bolder, and more unstoppable than ever.
Stay tuned with CryptoOGs for more updates, deep dives, and breakdowns of where the Bitcoin revolution is heading next.
News Highlights
1. Florida Proposes Zero Capital Gains Tax on Bitcoin and Stocks
Florida lawmakers have introduced a proposal to eliminate capital gains taxes on Bitcoin, XRP, and stocks. This bold move isn’t just bullish for investors—it’s a clear message about financial sovereignty. The state is signaling that individuals should have the right to own and grow their wealth without excessive government interference.
2. Binance Launches ‘Live Trading’ for Real-Time Learning
Binance has unveiled its new ‘Live Trading’ feature, allowing users to watch creators trade in real time. The platform blends education with entertainment, enabling users to learn strategies on the fly and interact with traders directly. It marks a shift toward interactive crypto education for the next generation.
3. Circle Files for IPO on the NYSE
Stablecoin issuer Circle has officially filed for an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange. The move underscores crypto’s march toward legitimacy, with Circle aiming to become one of the first major crypto-native companies to go public. As USDC continues to play a vital role in the ecosystem, the stablecoin wars may soon unfold on Wall Street.
4. StarkWare Releases S-Two: A Mobile ZK Prover
StarkWare has launched S-Two, a zero-knowledge (ZK) prover that runs directly on smartphones. This innovation removes the need for cloud infrastructure or servers, delivering privacy and performance on-device. With this, ZK technology is no longer theoretical—it’s mobile and ready for real-world use.
5. MARA Hits $752M in Annualized Bitcoin Mining Revenue
Marathon Digital Holdings (MARA) has set a new record, reaching $752 million in annualized Bitcoin mining revenue. With over $5 billion in BTC holdings, MARA is now the second-largest public Bitcoin holder after MicroStrategy. Their strategy suggests a return to aggressive accumulation.
6. GameStop Buys 4,710 Bitcoin
GameStop, the iconic retail investor favorite, has acquired 4,710 Bitcoin. Once famous for shaking Wall Street in 2021, the company is now investing heavily in digital gold. This marks a shift from meme status to serious crypto player, as retail embraces long-term conviction.
7. SEC Reviews WisdomTree’s Spot XRP ETF Proposal
The SEC has started reviewing WisdomTree’s proposed spot XRP ETF. With public comments now open, the move signals that Ripple’s long-awaited moment on Wall Street may be closer than expected. If approved, it would mark a major milestone in XRP’s mainstream adoption.
8. Trump Accuses China of Violating U.S. Trade Deal
Former President Donald Trump has accused China of breaching its trade agreement with the U.S., potentially reigniting geopolitical tensions. If the situation escalates, market volatility could follow. Investors are warned: this isn’t just about politics—it could directly impact financial portfolios.
9. Cantor Fitzgerald Introduces Gold-Protected Bitcoin Fund
Cantor Fitzgerald has announced the launch of a Gold Protected Bitcoin Fund. The fund aims to offer Bitcoin exposure with downside protection linked to the price of gold. This hybrid investment blends the traditional safety of gold with the potential upside of Bitcoin, appealing to conservative crypto investors.
10. $644M in Long Positions Liquidated in 24 Hours
In a brutal 24-hour period, over $644 million in long positions were liquidated as the crypto market saw widespread declines. The event is a harsh reminder of the risks of leverage. As always in crypto: stay sharp, stay humble.
