The cryptocurrency world has never been short on bold predictions, but when Arthur Hayes speaks, people listen. The former BitMEX CEO and respected voice in the digital asset space has once again shared his bullish vision for Bitcoin, projecting a jaw-dropping rise to $250,000 by the end of 2025. And that’s just the beginning—Hayes is also doubling down on his long-term forecast of BTC hitting $1 million, potentially by the end of Donald Trump’s upcoming presidential term.
Bitcoin’s Rollercoaster Ride and What Lies Ahead
Bitcoin has had a turbulent ride so far in 2025. After impressive gains earlier this year, the flagship cryptocurrency has recently hit a rough patch amid mounting selling pressure, currently trading just above $102,000. Despite these short-term headwinds, Hayes remains unfazed. During his recent appearance at Token2049 in Dubai, he laid out a compelling timeline for Bitcoin’s next meteoric move—and it could be sooner than many think.
According to Hayes, Bitcoin’s growing dominance over the crypto market is a key driver. If this trend continues, he believes Bitcoin could first hit $200,000 during the next bull run, eventually climbing to $250,000 by year’s end. “I think Bitcoin in this next little run could go close to $200,000. And by the end of the year, the Bitcoin price target is about $250,000,” Hayes said during his interview.
This optimistic forecast comes with a caveat—it hinges heavily on continued institutional interest and macroeconomic tailwinds, particularly in a landscape where digital assets are gaining credibility alongside traditional financial instruments like gold.
Long-Term Vision: $1 Million BTC and the Trump Effect
But Hayes isn’t stopping at 2025. His broader prediction stretches into 2028, aligning with what he expects to be the end of Donald Trump’s second term if re-elected. Hayes is confident that Bitcoin could reach $1 million within this period, thanks in part to a combination of economic uncertainty, ballooning U.S. debt, and crypto-friendly policies that may emerge under a more pro-blockchain administration.
Although Hayes acknowledges that no groundbreaking crypto policies have been introduced yet under Trump’s influence, he remains hopeful that a more supportive environment for digital assets is on the horizon.
Altcoins, Gold, and the Bigger Picture
Hayes’ vision also includes more than just Bitcoin. He believes the next BTC rally will serve as a catalyst for a more focused altcoin season. Unlike the 2021 cycle, which saw nearly every altcoin catch a bid, Hayes anticipates only the fundamentally strong projects will thrive this time around. He specifically pegs early Q3 2025 as the likely start of this selective altcoin boom, triggered by Bitcoin surpassing key milestones such as $110,000 and volume highs between $150K–$200K.
Beyond crypto, Hayes is also eyeing gold as a hedge against global economic instability. He revealed that around 20% of his portfolio is allocated to the precious metal and believes that central banks’ continued buying spree could push gold’s price to a range of $10,000–$20,000 during the current macro cycle.
Final Thoughts
Whether or not you agree with Hayes’ ambitious projections, there’s no denying his insights carry weight in the crypto community. With Bitcoin’s performance historically tied to market cycles, institutional flows, and geopolitical events, the coming months will be crucial in validating or challenging these bold targets.
For now, crypto investors are watching closely—not just for Bitcoin’s next move, but for signs that this market’s most passionate bull might actually be right. And if he is, 2025 could be a year that reshapes the financial world as we know it.
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