Crypto doomsday? Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao predicts 95% of crypto investors will fail, only a few will survive the market’s future

Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) delivered a sobering take on the crypto market this week, arguing that only a sliver of participants will thrive in the long run. Responding to a viral X post by crypto influencer EmperorBTC, who dissected investor psychology, CZ doubled down on his view that even knowledgeable traders struggle to outpace Bitcoin—let alone the majority who he claims lack strategy or discipline. EmperorBTC’s Breakdown: The “Tourist” ProblemEmperorBTC sparked the conversation by claiming the bar to succeed in crypto is deceptively low. He categorized 80% of investors as “tourists” who chase hype and exit at the first sign of volatility. Another 10%, he argued, blindly follow “foolish influencers,” while 5% fake wealth to appear successful. That leaves just 5% who truly understand the market—a group CZ says still can’t reliably beat Bitcoin’s returns. CZ’s Warning: Bitcoin’s Unmatched SimplicityCZ countered that even within that elite 5%, only a fraction (roughly 4%) actively trade or fund blockchain projects—and most still underperform Bitcoin. He emphasized that passive, long-term Bitcoin holders “outperform 99% of crypto participants” and traditional assets like stocks with minimal effort. However, reaching the top 1%, he noted, demands “extraordinary effort,” niche expertise, and emotional resilience to avoid impulsive moves. The commentary comes as Bitcoin hovers near $83,000, testing the critical $85,000 resistance level amid record outflows from crypto investment products. Analysts attribute the volatility to macroeconomic uncertainty and regulatory pressures, but CZ’s stance reinforces Bitcoin’s reputation as a “set-and-forget” asset compared to riskier altcoins. Why This MattersCZ’s critique isn’t just philosophical—it’s a reflection of his decade-long journey building Binance into a crypto titan. His warnings echo growing concerns about speculative trading and influencer-driven hype in a market still recovering from scandals like FTX. Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s resilience continues to validate its role as a digital gold standard, even as newer projects fight for relevance. FAQs:Why does CZ believe most crypto investors fail?He argues that the majority lack a disciplined strategy, chase short-term trends, or rely on unreliable influencers, whereas Bitcoin’s steady growth historically outshines active trading. What defines the “top 1%” in crypto, per CZ?It requires deep market insight, relentless research, and the ability to ignore noise—qualities most investors lack due to emotional decision-making or impatience.