The lightning network torch: a bitcoin community experiment

The Lightning Network Torch was a community-driven experiment and promotional event that showcased the capabilities of the Lightning Network, a second-layer solution built on top of Bitcoin designed for fast and low-cost transactions. The event started on January 19, 2019, when a pseudonymous Twitter user named hodlonaut initiated a “torch passing” game.
 

The idea was simple: hodlonaut sent a small amount of Bitcoin (100,000 satoshis) to a trusted recipient via the Lightning Network, who then added an additional 10,000 satoshis and passed it on to another trusted recipient. This process continued, with each participant adding more satoshis and passing the torch to someone they trusted. The event aimed to demonstrate the Lightning Network’s efficiency and the community’s trust in this new technology.
 

The torch quickly gained popularity and attention, passing through the hands of notable figures in the Bitcoin space. It traveled across 37 countries, becoming a symbol of the potential and global reach of the Lightning Network.
 

The Lightning Network Torch not only highlighted the technical capabilities of the network but also fostered a sense of unity and collaboration within the Bitcoin community. It served as a practical demonstration of the network’s ability to handle transactions across borders quickly and with minimal fees, reinforcing the vision of Bitcoin as a global peer-to-peer payment system.