The 2025 Bitcoin conference in Las Vegas wasn’t just a gathering of believers—it was a cultural moment that signaled Bitcoin’s arrival at the center of global financial discourse. From policymakers to institutional investors, the event drew luminaries who see Bitcoin as a transformative force in money, governance, and economic sovereignty. Yet among the sea of advocates, one figure stood out not for his support, but for his skepticism: Peter Schiff.
Known for his relentless criticism of digital assets and unwavering advocacy for gold, Schiff’s presence at Bitcoin 2025 sparked debate, amusement, and even admiration. His now-famous quip—“Every time I tell people not to buy Bitcoin, they buy more”—has taken on a life of its own. Could it be that the most vocal critic has inadvertently become one of Bitcoin’s most effective evangelists?
JD Vance’s Vision Meets Peter Schiff’s Skepticism
Held from May 27 to 29 at the Venetian Convention Center in Las Vegas, Bitcoin 2025 was organized by BTC Inc. and billed as the world’s largest pro-Bitcoin gathering. The three-day summit brought together a powerful coalition of voices shaping the future of finance.
Among them were Senator Cynthia Lummis, who called for clearer crypto regulations to foster innovation; Vice President JD Vance, who praised Bitcoin’s potential to generate wealth outside traditional banking systems; and Michael Saylor, whose bullish forecast predicts Bitcoin replacing both gold and fiat currency by 2045—with a price target of $13 million per BTC.
Eric Trump added a political dimension, discussing family-backed Bitcoin mining initiatives, while panels explored layer 2 scaling solutions, custody standards, and decentralized identity systems. Startups buzzed on the expo floor, pitching next-gen wallets, payment rails, and financial infrastructure.
And then there was Peter Schiff.
👉 Discover how market skeptics are shaping investor behavior in today’s crypto landscape.
The Fireside Chat That Shook the Room
On May 28, during a fireside chat with journalist Natalie Brunell, Schiff delivered a performance consistent with his long-standing views—but with an unexpected twist of self-awareness.
He dismissed Bitcoin as a “memecoin,” arguing it lacks intrinsic value compared to tangible assets like gold. “If gold is the past and Bitcoin is the future,” he asked, “why are central banks still buying gold and not Bitcoin?”
To Schiff, the continued accumulation of physical gold by global reserves underscores its enduring legitimacy. Bitcoin, in contrast, remains speculative—a product of hype rather than economic utility.
He reiterated concerns about U.S. fiscal policy: soaring national debt, inflationary pressures, and systemic fragility. But unlike many at the conference who view Bitcoin as a hedge against these risks, Schiff sees it as part of the problem. Its volatility, he argued, makes it unreliable during crises—especially when compared to time-tested stores of value.
Yet amid the critique came a moment of levity—and viral fame.
“Every time I tell people not to buy Bitcoin, they buy more,” Schiff said with a smirk. “I’m probably responsible for more people owning Bitcoin than anyone else at this conference.”
The room erupted in laughter. Online, the quote spread instantly across social platforms. For many, it crystallized a paradox: the louder Schiff warns against Bitcoin, the more attention it gains.
He also pushed back on JD Vance’s claim that Bitcoin created unprecedented wealth over the past decade:
At Bitcoin 2025, JD Vance spoke about all the wealth created by Bitcoin and crypto. No actual wealth was created, as these tokens do not represent wealth. What has happened is a massive transfer of wealth from those who bought early to those who bought later.
In Schiff’s view, Bitcoin functions less like innovation and more like a pyramid scheme—redistributing value rather than generating it.
A Decade of Doubt: The Evolution of Peter Schiff’s Stance
Schiff’s skepticism isn’t new. As chairman of SchiffGold and chief economist at Euro Pacific Capital, he has long championed precious metals while dismissing digital currencies as financial fads.
As far back as 2019, he mocked predictions of Bitcoin reaching $100,000, calling it “digital fool’s gold” and forecasting a collapse to zero. When BTC surpassed that milestone in December 2024, he didn’t retract—he reframed.
It's ironic that #Bitcoin only hit $100k by buying off politicians and getting in bed with government. Without expected government intervention, this milestone never would have been hit.
His March 2025 announcement of a “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve” raised eyebrows. He shared a wallet address and invited contributions—only to later joke that it remained empty. “Several people have already sent me Solana,” he noted dryly. “It seems that blockchain is much faster than Bitcoin.”
By April 2025, he pointed to a 12% monthly drop in the U.S. Bitcoin Reserve (a hypothetical benchmark) versus a 2% gain in gold, using the data to argue against Bitcoin’s stability.
Even more provocatively, he predicted irony in reverse: “Bitcoin was born out of the financial crisis of 2008. Ironically, the financial crisis of 2025 will kill it.”
Schiff has also mocked crypto culture—suggesting Dogecoin might be more honest than Bitcoin due to its “open stupidity.” And he’s been scathing toward Michael Saylor’s strategy at Strategy, calling it financially reckless.
But his consistent engagement fuels speculation: Is Schiff truly opposed—or secretly intrigued?
👉 See how contrasting market narratives influence real-time trading decisions.
The Contrarian Who Can’t Stay Away
Schiff confirmed his attendance at Bitcoin 2025 on May 26 with a characteristically bold statement:
I’m off to Las Vegas for the Bitcoin conference this morning, where, ironically, I’ll likely be the speaker who best understands Bitcoin.
When asked why he’d attend an event promoting what he criticizes, his answer was simple: “It’s better to present contrarian opinions. What good is an echo chamber?” He added: “I’ll bury Bitcoin in this conversation.”
Visually, he leaned into the role—wearing a red cap reading “Make Bitcoin Great Again.” He posted a photo of his modest booth in the exhibit hall:
Just set up my booth at the exhibit hall of Bitcoin 2025. It's the most modest booth here. By the time Bitcoin crashes for good, maybe I'll be the one with the fancy booth.
Some accused him of “engagement farming”—using controversy to drive clicks and attention. Others speculated he holds Bitcoin privately despite public denials.
That speculation gained traction in April 2025 when Euro Pacific Asset Management was found to have indirect exposure to a Bitcoin-backed bond via Samara Asset Group.
Most notably, Schiff was one of the few critical voices on stage. While others preached adoption and transformation, he offered intellectual opposition—the lone skeptic in a room full of believers.
Brunell challenged him to reconsider. His reply? “I’m waiting for my moment to say ‘I told you so.’”
FAQ: Understanding Peter Schiff’s Role in the Bitcoin Narrative
Q: Has Peter Schiff ever owned Bitcoin?
A: Schiff has never confirmed direct ownership. However, his firm’s indirect exposure through a Bitcoin-linked bond has fueled speculation about hidden alignment with the asset.
Q: Why does Peter Schiff keep showing up at pro-Bitcoin events?
A: He argues that dissent strengthens discourse. By engaging directly with proponents, he aims to challenge groupthink and promote critical thinking about digital assets.
Q: Is Peter Schiff helping or hurting Bitcoin?
A: Ironically, his criticism drives awareness. Each public warning generates media coverage and social engagement—often leading curious investors toward learning more about BTC.
Q: What does Schiff believe will replace Bitcoin?
A: He continues to advocate for gold and silver as superior stores of value, citing their physical permanence, historical track record, and global institutional acceptance.
Q: Could Schiff’s predictions come true?
A: While his bearish outlook hasn’t materialized yet, concerns about regulation, volatility, and macroeconomic instability remain valid risks in any investment thesis—including Bitcoin’s.
👉 Explore alternative perspectives shaping today’s most debated financial technologies.
Conclusion: The Unintended Evangelist
Peter Schiff may never embrace Bitcoin—but his influence on its journey is undeniable. In an age where attention equals value, his relentless critiques have amplified Bitcoin’s visibility far beyond what any single advocate could achieve.
At Bitcoin 2025, Schiff wasn’t just a guest—he was a phenomenon. A provocateur with a punchline that captured the irony at the heart of modern finance: sometimes, the loudest opposition becomes the most effective promotion.
Whether or not Bitcoin reaches $13 million or collapses in a future crisis remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—Peter Schiff will be there, microphone in hand, ready to say “I told you so.”
And when he does? Millions will be listening.
Core Keywords: Bitcoin 2025, Peter Schiff, Bitcoin criticism, digital gold, BTC adoption, gold vs Bitcoin, Michael Saylor, crypto skepticism