Bitcoin’s $100K Milestone and the Crypto Rollercoaster of 2024

If you thought 2024 was just another year in crypto, think again. It was the year Bitcoin blazed past the $100,000 mark, reshaping expectations and reaffirming its place as the king of digital assets. But that wasn’t the only headline—far from it!
Over the last 12 months, the decentralized world saw a whirlwind of events: the much-anticipated approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, regulatory battles, dramatic arrests, high-profile predictions, and, yes, even crypto-savvy hamsters making headlines.
To make sense of it all, Decentralize with Cointelegraph brought together a star-studded panel from their editorial team to break down the biggest trends—and to give us a sneak peek at what 2025 might bring.
2024: A Year of ETFs, Regulations, and Bitcoin Dominance
One of the most defining moments of the year came early—January 10, to be precise—when spot Bitcoin ETFs were finally approved. This singular event paved the way for institutional money to pour into the crypto space, contributing to Bitcoin’s meteoric rise past six figures.
The Cointelegraph team widely agreed that Bitcoin was the undisputed star of 2024. Gareth Jenkinson, managing editor and head of multimedia, summed it up best:
“For me, 2024 was like Bitcoin summer. Everybody was talking about Bitcoin again. We hit $100,000, major investors doubled down, and Michael Saylor’s relentless conviction paid off. It felt like all those years of belief in Bitcoin finally materialized.”
Meanwhile, breaking news reporter Zoltan Vardai marveled at how the market has evolved since he first entered the space in 2017:
“We now see whales making hundred-million-dollar moves, and the market barely flinches. That’s a testament to how far crypto has matured.”
Regulations also played a crucial role in shaping the industry. Although governments worldwide debated how to handle digital assets, the path toward clearer crypto policies seemed more defined than ever.
Related: US crypto execs express hope for regulatory clarity in 2025
What’s Next for 2025?
If 2024 was historic, what should we expect in 2025? According to the Cointelegraph team, crypto is poised for even greater mainstream adoption. Here are some key predictions:
- Artificial Intelligence Meets Blockchain: AI-driven agents managing crypto investments could become the norm.
- The NFT Revival: After a quiet period, non-fungible tokens might stage a comeback with improved utility.
- More Institutional Adoption: With ETFs thriving, traditional finance players may deepen their involvement in the space.
Curious to hear more? Be sure to check out the full episode of Decentralize with Cointelegraph!
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