A $1,000 Bitcoin bet placed at 2021's market low could yield a startling return by now

Imagine risking $1,000 on Bitcoin ($BTC) during the May 19, 2021, crash, which caused the asset to plunge more than 30% to a low of about $30,316. As of May 19, 2026, you would be sitting on an unrealized gain of more than 150%.

Furthermore, during the May 19 Bitcoin crash, $1,000 fetched roughly 0.033 $BTC, which could be worth approximately $2,529 at press time. Despite the $BTC price volatility over the years, the flagship coin has climbed 152% to trade at about $76,650 on Tuesday, according to data from TradingView.

$BTC/USD 1-day chart. Source: TradingView

Several catalysts converged to trigger the May 19, 2021, Bitcoin crash. Among the top was China’s State Council, which renewed its crackdown on $BTC mining and trading activity.

Additionally, Elon Musk had just suspended Tesla Inc.’s (NASDAQ: TSLA) Bitcoin payments over environmental concerns, reversing a position he had championed only months earlier. Binance’s perpetual futures market was carrying record open interest, largely built on leverage, thus setting the stage right for a single push lower that would trigger a cascade of forced liquidations.

How did the $1,000 invested in Bitcoin on May 19, 2021, perform over the years?

Given the volatility over the years, the 0.033 $BTC purchased during the May 19 crash appreciated to about $2,277 by the end of 2021. Moreover, Bitcoin price surged to an all-time high ($ATH) of approximately $69,000 in early November 2021.

$BTC/USD 1-week chart. Source: TradingView

The $BTC holdings, however, crashed in value during the 2022 bear market, reaching a low of $517 during the FTX-induced capitulation. In 2025, the same portfolio surged to around $4,141, as the flagship coin reached an $ATH of $125,531.

Among the likely investors who risked $1,000 on Bitcoin during the May 19, 2021, crash were U.S.-eligible adults who had received $1,400 via the third round of federal stimulus checks.

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