Bettors on decentralized prediction platform Polymarket place Len Sassaman as the top candidate for HBO's upcoming reveal of Bitcoin's pseudonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto by a significant 55% margin. are.
The bet, which has raised more than $500,000 as of Oct. 4, focuses on the documentary “Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery,” scheduled to air next week.
The documentary, directed by Karen Hoback, has sparked speculation that Nakamoto may be identified, although neither HBO nor Hoback have directly confirmed this. But trailers, promotional materials and a Politico report hint at a possible reveal.
Len Sassaman
Sassaman is a developer who worked on PGP encryption and remailer technology, contributing to advances in privacy and encryption. He worked with key figures like David Schaum and Hal Finney, who influenced Bitcoin.
Additionally, his involvement in the cypherpunk movement and advocacy of privacy-enhancing technologies align closely with Bitcoin's fundamental principles, making him a strong candidate. The Bitcoin blockchain also includes a tribute to Sassaman, adding weight to the flagship cryptocurrency's connection to its origins.
Mr. Sassaman tragically passed away in 2011 after battling depression and neurological disorders. His death coincided with Satoshi's disappearance, sparking speculation about a possible connection.
Other candidates
Other notable names, including Finney and Blockstream CEO Adam Buck, trailed Sassaman in the voting pool with about 10% of the vote, while Nick Szabo and Paul Le Roux led the way. It ranks in the top five at 7.5% and 4.7%.
Craig Wright, who has long claimed to be Satoshi Nakamoto, also remains in the top five with less than 1% of the vote, despite ongoing legal challenges to his claims.
Remarkably, no substantive evidence has ever been made public to support the myriad speculations regarding Satoshi's true identity. Many of his early collaborators deny knowing who he is, but countless theories have been debunked.
In fact, it is still unclear whether Satoshi Nakamoto is an individual or a collective, making the identity of the Bitcoin creator the biggest mystery in the rapid rise of the Internet age.
Polymarket bettors will win if HBO names Sassaman as a key figure in the creation of Bitcoin. If the documentary suggests shared responsibility or a completely different person, the market will not resolve in Mr. Sassaman's favor.
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