Bitcoin enthusiasts on 18 August marked the 17th anniversary of Satoshi Nakamoto’s registration of the domain Bitcoin.org, an early milestone that laid the groundwork for the world’s first and largest cryptocurrency. The domain was created on 18 August 2008, preceding the publication of the Bitcoin white paper later that year and the network’s launch in January 2009. From that initial step, Bitcoin has grown into an asset class with an estimated market value of about $2 trillion, spawning a broader digital-asset industry that now includes thousands of tokens, dedicated trading venues and regulatory frameworks worldwide. The anniversary comes as policymakers and investors continue to debate Bitcoin’s long-term role in financial markets and its environmental footprint, underscoring the enduring influence of Nakamoto’s original vision.