Billy Markus, famously known as Shibetoshi Nakamoto, recently stirred up the crypto community with a humorous yet thought-provoking tweet. He proclaimed, “I’m pre-rich.” While this quip reflects a light-hearted take on the current social media trend of using the “pre” prefix to denote being on the brink of something, it also hints at Billy’s satirical commentary on the aspirations of many crypto enthusiasts.
Despite the playful tone, it’s important to note that Markus is not rolling in crypto riches. Earlier this year, he candidly reminded his followers on the X app about his modest holdings, which consist of a meager 0.006 BTC and a small amount of Dogecoin. In fact, he sold off almost all his crypto back in 2015 to fund a used Honda Civic. This anecdote has become a part of the DOGE mythology, especially considering how his creation has evolved into a notable cryptocurrency, boasting nearly $47 billion in market capitalization and catching the attention of notable figures like Elon Musk.
What Markus said resonates with the sentiments of many in the crypto space who dream about transforming their digital assets into significant wealth. Many followers are eagerly anticipating an altcoin rally in 2025, especially now that Bitcoin appears to be consolidating. Historically, altcoins see surges when Bitcoin’s price stabilizes, leading investors to explore lesser-known, promising cryptocurrencies.
The reaction from Markus’s followers on X was swift and encouraging, as they shared their own “pre” states and joined in the conversation about dreams of wealth.
Just last week, Markus responded to the broader crypto market downturn, where prices for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin took a dive. He tweeted with a hint of sarcasm, “So glad I quit my job,” highlighting the mixed emotions that many feel during such market fluctuations. When a user chimed in with “WAGMI”—meaning “We’re All Gonna Make It”—Markus humorously replied with an animated GIF that seemed to embrace this optimistic outlook. On the same day, Bitcoin plummeted from over $102,000 to below $94,000, influenced by negative sentiments from the Fed.
In a landscape where many are hopeful but cautious about their crypto journeys, Markus’s commentary reminds us that while the dream of wealth is common, the reality remains grounded in a mix of irony, humor, and a whole lot of waiting.