Bitcoin’s 60,000% Rise: Analyst Believes XRP Could Do the Same

• Crypto analyst StephisCrypto has generated discussion in the crypto community by comparing Bitcoin’s rise from $2 in 2012 to $1,200 in 2014 to the potential for XRP to follow a similar path.
• XRP has the potential to replicate Bitcoin’s growth due to two key factors: the expected approval of XRP-based ETFs, mirroring Bitcoin’s approval in January 2024, and the potential settlement of the SEC lawsuit against Ripple.

In 2025, the cryptocurrency landscape is abuzz with the tale of Bitcoin’s astounding ascent from a modest $2 in 2012 to an eye-popping $1,200 by 2014 and further soaring to $108,000 by 2024. This impressive growth not only captured the attention of investors but also sparked widespread interest and adoption of Bitcoin as a reserve by multiple nations. As XRP carves out its niche in the market, analysts are now speculating whether it could replicate the trajectory that Bitcoin once followed.

In a tweet, crypto analyst StephisCrypto fueled this speculation by sharing two images of price charts: one that highlights Bitcoin’s performance from 2011 to 2014 and the other that shows the current price trends of XRP.

#Bitcoin went from $2 in 2012 to $1200 in 2014

What's stopping #XRP from doing the same? pic.twitter.com/zmwa43xnxR

— STEPH IS CRYPTO (@Steph_iscrypto) January 1, 2025

The Skeptics Weigh In

Not everyone agrees with the idea that XRP can follow in Bitcoin’s footsteps. A user known as El Cadejo on X provided a thoughtful critique of the comparisons made in the tweet, outlining several critical differences between the two cryptocurrencies.

One key difference between Bitcoin and XRP lies in their market context. Since its launch in 2009, Bitcoin has maintained its position as the dominant digital asset, attracting significant attention and demand. In contrast, XRP was introduced later in 2013 and now competes in a crowded market filled with thousands of cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Litecoin, limiting its potential for similar demand as Bitcoin experienced in its early years as the crypto king.

1. Btc was the only crypto in existence
2. You're measuring btc from its cycle low
3. You're measuring xrp from a local high
4. We are not in the early stages of the cycle
5. Xrp's real cycle low was around 11 cents.

— El Cadejo (@El_Cadejo_) January 2, 2025

Additionally, El Cadejo highlighted the difference in price cycles. Bitcoin’s price of $2 represented a cycle low, the lowest it reached, while XRP’s $2 price point is considered a local high, having risen significantly from prior lows.

Despite these arguments, a reply to the original post presented a counterpoint, highlighting XRP’s evolving role within the financial system and several compelling factors that could enhance its prospects.

One of the key innovations in the crypto space is the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) on blockchain networks, with Ripple leading the charge through its XRP Ledger (XRPL). The recent launch of RLUSD in December 2024 and partnerships with major financial institutions like American Express and Santander underscore Ripple’s growing influence. 

Notably, 80% of Japanese banks have adopted XRP, while U.S. institutions await regulatory clarity, indicating that 2025 may be pivotal for XRP’s widespread adoption. Additionally, Ripple aims to expand into the Middle East and Africa this year. Analysts anticipate that the potential approval of an XRP Exchange Traded Fund by the SEC and the resolution of Ripple’s long-standing lawsuit with the SEC could significantly enhance investor confidence in XRP.

XRP has surged to $2.41, reflecting a robust 4% increase in the past 24 hours and an impressive 12.95% rise over the past week.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin has experienced a more modest uptick, gaining 3.38% in the last week to trade at $97,650 currently. This divergence in performance highlights XRP’s recent momentum compared to Bitcoin’s steadier gains.