Introduction to the Bitcoin Puzzle
On August 23, 2026, a new Bitcoin puzzle emerged, intriguing enthusiasts and analysts alike. This challenge draws from the seminal Genesis Block, originally crafted by Bitcoin’s enigmatic creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. The puzzle can be found within the human-readable text of Bitcoin Block 963,629, according to updates from the Galaxy Research X account.
The Puzzle’s Design and Key Details
The designer of this puzzle claimed to have generated a wallet with exceptionally low entropy, ensuring it would not require a backup, which has piqued the interest of the broader Bitcoin community.
As part of the puzzle-solving process, two key questions were directed to its creator, who provided insightful responses. In particular, when asked whether the witness script represented a hash lock or a multisig, the creator affirmed that it was indeed a multisig. The inquiry continued, focusing on the number of keys involved and the method of their derivation from the Genesis Block. The puzzle creator disclosed the existence of two keys, emphasizing that both are essential for unlocking the challenge and encouraging participants to deduce the remaining details.
Current Status and Rewards
Following up on August 25, Galaxy Research updated that the current potential reward for solving this puzzle stands at 125,779 sats. They also reiterated the puzzle creator’s clues, stating that
“the witness script is a multisig, two keys are required, and must be derived independently, sharing commonality with the Genesis Block.”
These keys, crucially, are not related through a hash.
Insights from Alex Thorn
In a recent update shared on X, Alex Thorn, Galaxy’s Head of Research, expressed his commitment to cracking this complex riddle. As per his report, the jackpot prize has since grown to 142,779 sats, valued at approximately $111. Although he hasn’t sought additional hints for himself, he noted that others have done so. Thorn’s understanding, based on the clues provided, is that the puzzle entails a 2-of-2 multisig configuration. He suggests that both keys utilize data from the same segment of the Genesis Block, without any hashing, and they must be independently derived.
The Ongoing Quest
Thorn has been actively sifting through over 19.3 billion possible scripts in his quest to unravel the puzzle, although many options have ultimately been dismissed. The Genesis Block, also known as Block 0, holds a historic significance as the inaugural block on the Bitcoin blockchain, created by Nakamoto on January 3, 2009. This initial block contains a poignant message referencing a significant news headline from The Times, further intertwining the blockchain’s story with contemporary economic narratives.
Despite the ongoing efforts to solve this Bitcoin puzzle, the mystery continues, with Thorn encouraging fellow enthusiasts to join in the collective problem-solving endeavor.
