Wikipedia Co-Founder Says Bitcoin Survives But Declines Below $10K

In Brief

• Jimmy Wales says Bitcoin likely survives but loses dominance.
• He doubts BTC becomes global money or top store of value.
• Predicts long-term value could fall below $10K.

Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales has weighed in on Bitcoin (BTC)’s long-term future, saying the asset is unlikely to disappear but may ultimately fail as money. Wales argues that Bitcoin’s core design is resilient enough to survive major shocks. Still, he suggested its long-term value could fall sharply, potentially dropping below $10,000 in today’s dollars by 2050.

Bitcoin Survives, But Not as Dominant Money

Indeed, in an X post on February 25, Wales said predictions that Bitcoin will go to zero are probably wrong because of its decentralized architecture. He noted that only extreme scenarios like a cryptographic failure or a sustained 51% attack could threaten its survival, and even then, the blockchain could theoretically continue through a fork.

That said, he pushed back on the idea that Bitcoin will evolve into dominant global money. In his view, the asset has failed to function effectively as either a currency or a reliable store of value. Instead, he framed a future where Bitcoin still exists but plays a far smaller role in the financial system.

Wales described a scenario where Bitcoin becomes more of a niche tool for hobbyists and technical experimentation rather than a core monetary layer.

Jimmy Wales' take on Bitcoin future. — *Jimmy Wales’ take on Bitcoin future. Source: Jimmy Wales/X*

A Long-Term Bearish Take on Crypto Narratives

His comments stand out because they challenge one of crypto’s most persistent narratives: that Bitcoin will inevitably become a global reserve asset. Though skepticism toward crypto is common among tech leaders, Wales acknowledged the network’s durability while questioning its economic utility.

He also pointed to a lack of large-scale adoption beyond speculation, including limited integration into AI-driven ecosystems. That observation cuts against the idea that Bitcoin adoption will naturally expand alongside emerging technologies.

The reaction online has been mixed, reflecting the broader divide around Bitcoin’s future. Bulls continue to argue that institutional adoption and macro trends support higher long-term prices, while critics like Wales see durability without dominance.

The chances of his prediction playing out remain uncertain, but the post adds another prominent voice to the ongoing debate about Bitcoin’s ultimate role. Even after years of market cycles, the argument over whether Bitcoin becomes foundational infrastructure or a lasting niche experiment remains far from settled.