Questions surrounding the identity of Satoshi Nakamoto have gained traction on Polymarket, with Len Sassaman emerging as a leading candidate in the upcoming HBO documentary Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery, set to premiere on October 8, 2024.
Sassaman, a notable cryptographer and key figure in the cypherpunk movement, tragically took his own life in 2011, shortly after Satoshi’s last message hinted at stepping away from Bitcoin.
Directed by Cullen Hoback and produced by Adam McKay, the documentary aims to unravel the enigma of Bitcoin’s creator, exploring whether Satoshi operated independently or collaborated with others, as well as the impact of their work on the global financial landscape.
Evan Leung Hatch’s theory bolsters Sassaman’s candidacy, linking his suicide to Nakamoto’s final communication, which read, “I’ve moved on to other things and probably won’t be around in the future.” This connection, along with Sassaman’s role in the creation of PGP encryption and remailers, aligns with essential aspects of Bitcoin’s development.
Speculation surrounding Sassaman has intensified, particularly regarding the unrealized Bitcoin features that Nakamoto hinted at prior to their exit. Some observers have noted that Sassaman’s late-night social media activity bears similarities to Satoshi’s posting habits, lending credibility to the theory.
As the documentary’s release approaches, opinions within the industry vary on the implications of revealing Nakamoto’s identity. Notably, wallets attributed to Satoshi hold approximately 1.1 million BTC, valued at around $67 billion today. A potential revelation of Nakamoto’s identity, particularly if they are still alive, could trigger panic in the Bitcoin market due to the substantial amount of Bitcoin controlled by one individual.
Polymarket betting odds reflect Len Sassaman’s strong position, with a 46% likelihood of him being identified as Nakamoto during the documentary. Hal Finney, an early Bitcoin supporter, follows with a 13% chance, while Craig Wright holds just a 1% likelihood. Other figures such as Elon Musk, Jed McCaleb, and Dorian Nakamoto also have low odds.
As the premiere draws near, the community is eagerly anticipating the documentary’s revelations amid uncertainty about whether it will indeed unmask Satoshi Nakamoto as it promises.
