The crypto world never takes a break, and this week proved it once again. Between quantum computing anxieties, contrarian predictions, and the eternal Bitcoin versus Ethereum debate, there was plenty to digest. Let's walk through the stories that shaped the conversation.
Is Quantum Computing Already Scaring Off Bitcoin Users?
Cryptocurrency analyst Willy Woo raised eyebrows with his observation that Bitcoin's Taproot adoption has cratered. The numbers tell a striking story: adoption fell from 42% to just 20% since 2024. For context, Taproot launched in November 2021 as a major upgrade designed to improve privacy and make complex multi-signature transactions more efficient.
So what's driving the decline? Woo suggests that perceived quantum risk might be spooking users. The concern isn't entirely unfounded. Quantum computers could theoretically crack the encryption protecting Bitcoin wallets, though functional quantum computers capable of doing so remain more science fiction than reality for now.
Peter Schiff Makes Another Bearish Call
If you've followed crypto for any length of time, you know Peter Schiff loves playing the skeptic. This week, the gold-bug economist doubled down with specific targets: he expects Bitcoin to tumble to $50,000 and Strategy Inc. shares to get cut in half, dropping from around $160 to $80.
Schiff's bearish take on Strategy, the world's largest corporate Bitcoin holder, comes at an interesting moment when institutional adoption has been a key narrative for crypto bulls. Whether his prediction materializes or joins his long list of missed calls remains to be seen.
What Happens If Quantum Computers Hack Satoshi's Stash?
Speaking of quantum threats, Willy Woo weighed in on another hypothetical scenario that keeps crypto enthusiasts up at night. What if a quantum computer using Shor's algorithm cracked the encryption on Satoshi Nakamoto's dormant Bitcoin fortune?
Woo's take is surprisingly optimistic. He predicts that early Bitcoin believers would swoop in during any quantum-induced flash crash, buying up the selling pressure. It's an interesting thought experiment, though one that assumes rational behavior during what would likely be a panic-inducing event.
Arthur Hayes Sees $200,000 Bitcoin by 2026
BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes is thinking bigger. Much bigger. He believes Bitcoin could reach $200,000 by 2026, and he's hanging his thesis on the Federal Reserve's new Reserve Management Purchases program.
Hayes argues that RMP is essentially Quantitative Easing with a fresh coat of paint. If he's right that this represents renewed monetary expansion, it could provide the liquidity conditions that historically fuel crypto rallies. It's a bold call, but Hayes has never been shy about making waves.
Ethereum's Identity Crisis Deepens
While Bitcoin debates dominated headlines, Ethereum continues wrestling with existential questions. Is it digital money like Bitcoin, or is it primarily a technology platform? Early 2025 hasn't been kind to ETH believers.
The second-largest cryptocurrency has underperformed Bitcoin significantly, briefly fell behind XRP in fully diluted valuation, and watched competitors like Solana chip away at its Layer-1 fee dominance. The fundamental question facing Ethereum heading into 2026 is whether it can reclaim its narrative or if the market has moved on.
One thing's certain: crypto never lacks for drama, predictions, or wildly divergent opinions. Whether you're worried about quantum computers, betting on Fed policy, or trying to pick the winning Layer-1, this week reminded us why this space stays fascinating.