In a year where Bitcoin has taken center stage in global finance, Bitcoin 2025, held at the Venetian Convention Center in Las Vegas from May 27–29, was a powerful reflection of how far the crypto movement has come. Organized by BTC Inc., the event welcomed a diverse array of voices from sitting politicians to tech entrepreneurs. But none raised more eyebrows than one name: Peter Schiff, Bitcoin’s most notorious skeptic.
A Tale of Two Philosophies: JD Vance and Peter Schiff
The conference drew major figures including U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis, Vice President JD Vance, Eric Trump, and Strategy’s Michael Saylor. Over three days, discussions explored Bitcoin’s influence on geopolitics, wealth creation, and financial reform.
JD Vance championed Bitcoin’s power to create new financial pathways, describing it as a tool to unlock economic freedom beyond traditional banking. Meanwhile, Michael Saylor envisioned a future where Bitcoin eclipses gold and fiat, boldly predicting a $13 million valuation by 2045.
Amid this optimism, Peter Schiff’s presence was a jarring contrast an outspoken gold advocate walking into Bitcoin’s beating heart.
Schiff’s Provocative Appearance
On May 28, Schiff sat down for a fireside chat with journalist Natalie Brunell, holding fast to his long-standing criticism. He called Bitcoin a “memecoin,” arguing that its value is propped up by speculation rather than fundamentals, unlike gold which retains intrinsic worth.
“If gold is the past and Bitcoin is the future,” he quipped, “why are central banks still buying gold and not Bitcoin?”
Though critical, his tone wasn’t without humor. Schiff joked, “Every time I tell people not to buy Bitcoin, they buy more. I’m probably responsible for more people owning Bitcoin than anyone else at this conference.”
He also fired back at Vance’s claims of Bitcoin-driven wealth, likening the system to a value transfer mechanism favoring early adopters what he described as “a pyramid with marketing.”
The Evolution of Schiff’s Critique
Peter Schiff’s wariness toward Bitcoin is not new. As chairman of SchiffGold and chief economist at Euro Pacific Capital, he’s likened Bitcoin to tulip mania and repeatedly warned of an inevitable collapse.
Even when Bitcoin shattered the $100,000 mark in December 2024, Schiff stood firm. He dismissed the milestone as the result of “buying off politicians,” rather than genuine demand.
More recently, he launched a tongue-in-cheek “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve” with an empty wallet, mockingly referencing U.S. fiscal policies. Ironically, contributors sent him Solana instead.
Still, Schiff’s firm belief in gold remains unchanged. He argues that Bitcoin’s volatility, seen in recent market swings, disqualifies it as a true hedge against economic uncertainty.
Schiff’s Vegas Moment: Trolling or Transition?
Schiff didn’t attend Bitcoin 2025 quietly. He posted on X, “I’ll likely be the speaker who best understands Bitcoin,” and was spotted wearing a red cap reading “Make Bitcoin Great Again.” At his modest booth, he joked that when Bitcoin crashes for good, he’ll be the one with the “fancy booth.”
While some dismissed his appearance as engagement farming, others welcomed it as a healthy dose of dissent. His presence prompted debate across Reddit and X, with some suggesting that Schiff’s consistent commentary has actually benefited Bitcoin adoption more than many realize.
Adding fuel to long-standing speculation, it was revealed in April 2025 that Euro Pacific Asset Management Schiff’s firm had indirect exposure to a Bitcoin-backed bond. Schiff deflected the irony, but it didn’t go unnoticed.
Final Thoughts: A Critic Within the Tent
Whether you see him as a necessary contrarian or a closet Bitcoin admirer, Peter Schiff’s appearance at Bitcoin 2025 underscores a larger truth: Bitcoin has grown too big to ignore even for its loudest critics.
By showing up, Schiff validated the very thing he seeks to undermine. His inclusion gave the event a broader appeal, breaking the echo chamber and proving that Bitcoin discourse now includes not just cheerleaders, but challengers too.
In the end, Schiff may not believe in Bitcoin but he certainly believes in being part of the conversation.
