January 3rd, 2024 marks 15 years since the genesis Bitcoin block was mined by Satoshi Nakamoto. In that time, Bitcoin has battled critics and emerged as a top 10 global asset now worth nearly $900 billion.

In the early years after its creation, Bitcoin saw slow growth in infrastructure like ATMs which allow exchanging fiat for crypto. But after 2021, nearly 40,000 Bitcoin ATMs had been activated globally before pulling back slightly due to market conditions. Still, almost 34,000 operational ATMs now enable access.

In 15 years, Bitcoin miners have processed transactions into over 825,000 blocks, confirming mining as a viable business model that also secures the network. Neither miners nor investors show signs of stopping.

While some countries resist, others like El Salvador adopted Bitcoin early as legal tender, showing its resilience amid economic turmoil and providing a model for leaders considering crypto. But restrictions persist in countries like China and Saudi Arabia.

From early days when 10,000 bitcoin bought two pizzas, the crypto asset has soared in adoption and value. Today, one Bitcoin can fund starting a business. Major companies accept Bitcoin for real estate, concerts, travel, education and more.

Professional trader Oliver Velez notes Bitcoin has vaulted into the top 10 assets globally by market cap in just 15 years. He anticipates it reaching the top 3 by 2025, marking an incredibly transformative journey since inception.