Is XRP the Next Bitcoin? BitBoy Weighs In

Famous crypto influencer Ben Armstrong, aka BitBoy, recently shared his perspective on whether XRP could become the next Bitcoin.

In a video shared on X, he explored the possibilities and challenges surrounding XRP’s future. On a general note, BitBoy argued that XRP could indeed become the next Bitcoin. However, he highlighted that it is important to define what it really means for XRP to be the “next Bitcoin.”

What Does “Next Bitcoin” Even Mean?

He suggested the phrase could have multiple interpretations. One possibility includes XRP becoming the number-one cryptocurrency by market cap, or surpassing Bitcoin in terms of speed, adoption, or decentralization.

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According to BitBoy, while XRP excels in transaction speed compared to Bitcoin, it falls short in decentralization. “XRP is more centralized than Bitcoin,” he said, adding, “It’s not even close.”

To him, this is a key philosophical pillar where Bitcoin has a clear advantage. A major factor behind this view is the fact that Ripple controls a significant portion of the XRP supply.

For context, Ripple currently holds 35.3 billion XRP in escrow and 4.959 billion tokens in liquid supply. This brings Ripple’s holdings to 40.25 billion XRP, accounting for over 40% of XRP’s maximum supply.

XRP’s Edge: Speed and Banking Integration

Regardless of the centralization concern, one of XRP’s strongest selling points is its speed and efficiency. Notably, XRP transactions can settle in as little as 7 to 30 seconds, whereas traditional systems like the SWIFT network can take 5 to 7 business days.

Armstrong also noted that Ripple aims to revolutionize the global banking system by encouraging banks to use XRP for cross-border payments. He believes this ambition could be a game-changer for XRP’s adoption and long-term value.

XRP vs. Ethereum and Bitcoin: The Gap is Closing

Further, Armstrong pointed to XRP’s improving market position. For years, Ethereum was the only cryptocurrency close to challenging Bitcoin’s dominance. But with XRP jumping to $3, Armstrong observed that XRP is now about three times away from Ethereum’s market cap. Meanwhile, Ethereum is roughly four times away from Bitcoin’s.

This progress leads him to believe XRP could eventually surpass Ethereum. He also referenced XRP’s strong performance against both Bitcoin and Ethereum in recent months and noted that XRP briefly overtook Ethereum back in 2018.

Investment Perspective: $100K in Bitcoin or XRP?

From an investment standpoint, BitBoy is more bullish on XRP’s potential. He stated that if given the choice between holding one Bitcoin, worth over $117,000 today, or the equivalent value in XRP, he would choose XRP.

“XRP has much more juice in the tank,” he said, suggesting that the coin has a more explosive outlook from its current position than Bitcoin.

He pointed to upcoming catalysts such as Ripple’s IPO and the potential launch of an XRP ETF as factors that could significantly boost XRP’s market presence.

XRP Could Challenge Bitcoin Market Cap

Notably, Armstrong does not expect XRP to match Bitcoin’s price per coin or its level of decentralization. However, in terms of total market capitalization, he believes XRP could eventually challenge Bitcoin.

For context, Bitcoin’s market cap stands at $2.33 trillion, while XRP’s is just $180 billion, a gap of over $2.1 trillion.

Essentially, for XRP to rival Bitcoin, it would need to soar 12x to reach approximately $39. Given the formidable journey, Armstrong reminded viewers that the crypto scene can change dramatically over five to ten years.

While it may seem unlikely today for XRP to catch up to Bitcoin, he said the industry has repeatedly defied expectations.

“You’ve got to remember what a different world this will be 5–10 years from now. Right now, we’re looking at this and thinking, ‘Ah, it could never happen,’ but certainly, we’ve seen things happen in crypto that nobody thought would,” BitBoy concluded.