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How bitcoin could crash: exploring a hypothetical scenario

Bitcoin's Looming Crash | New Concerns Emerge Amid Speculation

By

Fatima Javed

Feb 7, 2026, 01:45 AM

Edited By

Nate Robinson

Updated

Feb 7, 2026, 08:19 AM

2 minutes reading time

A graphic showing a declining Bitcoin symbol alongside mining equipment and a graph with a downward trend, illustrating potential risks to Bitcoin's value.

As Bitcoin prices fluctuate between $65,000 and $70,000, the chatter about a potential price drop to $20,000 is becoming more than just a joke among people. There are real worries about how a sudden decline would affect the Bitcoin network and those involved in mining.

Skyrocketing Mining Costs

Commercial mining setups requires investments that can range from $85,000 to $97,000, a fact that some believe is higher than typical estimates. Many miners are struggling, operating at a loss due to prices hovering around breakeven.

โ€œSome miners can sustain until Bitcoin hits around $60,000,โ€ said a participant on a popular user board, arguing that the reality is grim for many major operations.

Danger Zone Ahead

The critical danger zone for miners lies between $40,000 and $50,000. This level could push even the most efficient miners towards significant losses.

"Mining at these prices just doesn't make sense anymore for many," a prominent miner shared, emphasizing the growing trend of miners selling off Bitcoin to manage costs. This could trigger further downward pressure on prices.

If Bitcoin were to fall below $20,000, we could face a severe situation known as the "death spiral," where mining profitability collapses, forcing miners to cease operations.

Transaction Fees Could Spike

Interestingly, many people fail to consider the implications of transaction fees in this environment. If numerous miners disconnect from the network, congestion could lead to higher fees for transactions. This situation may compel miners to return once they see fees rising significantly. One user pointed out that many years down the line, with the block subsidy decreasing, this dynamic could recurrently challenge miners' revenue.

Community Concerns: A Divided Crowd

Online reactions range from skepticism to optimism. Some point out that Bitcoin has bounced back from sharp declines in the past, yet the sentiment regarding a potential crash remains mixed:

  • "Yes, Bitcoin has survived big drops before, but is the death spiral close?"

  • "Itโ€™s extremely unlikely for hash rate to drop that dramatically; the network is adapting!"

Implications for Miners and Beyond

Current estimates suggest thereโ€™s a 60% chance Bitcoin might drop to between $40,000 and $50,000, which poses serious operational challenges for miners. Should that happen, the potential for further sell-offs could exacerbate price declines. Experts see about a 25% chance that Bitcoin could dip below $20,000.

A Lesson from History

The potential decline of Bitcoin may echo historical financial events, such as the tulip bulb market crash in 1637. Just as tulip investors faced ruin, Bitcoin miners stand on shaky ground. The future of Bitcoin depends on how resilient the community remains in the face of uncertainty.

Important Notes:

  • โš ๏ธ Rising mining costs are pushing many operations into the red.

  • ๐Ÿ” Increased skepticism overshadows optimism about Bitcoinโ€™s recovery.

  • ๐Ÿ’ก Transaction fees will significantly influence miner behavior as the network fluctuates.

As the market evolves, investors and players are closely monitoring the situation. The stakes are high, and the next moves within this sector could reshape everything.