Rise of Solo Bitcoin Miners: Decentralization Fuels a Growing Trend

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06.04.2025 135 times read 5 Comments Read out

Bitcoin Mining: Solo-Miners on the Rise

In the world of Bitcoin mining, a surprising trend has emerged: solo-miners are increasingly managing to process entire blocks and claim the full reward of 3.125 BTC. Just last week, a solo-miner announced on social media that they had hit the jackpot, earning approximately $259,000. This development has sparked curiosity about the factors driving this phenomenon.

What is Solo Mining?

Solo mining refers to individuals or smaller groups who choose to mine Bitcoin independently, rather than joining large mining pools. This can include hobbyists with mining equipment at home or independent operators using services like Solo CKPool, which allows mining without the need for a personal Bitcoin node. When a block is successfully mined, the solo-miner receives the entire reward, unlike in mining pools where earnings are distributed among participants.

Increasing Numbers in Solo Mining

Data indicates a slight increase in solo mining activity. In 2022, only 7 blocks were mined through Solo CKPool. This number rose to 12 in 2023 and further to 16 in 2024. While these figures are minimal compared to the total volume of Bitcoin blocks, they highlight a growing interest in decentralized mining practices.

Year Blocks Mined via Solo CKPool
2022 7
2023 12
2024 16

Debunking the "Hobby-Miner" Myth

On platforms like Twitter, stories often circulate about small-scale miners using basic equipment, such as a Bitaxe miner, to find a block. However, this is not always accurate. In many cases, larger setups or external computational power play a role. For instance, in January, a FutureBit Apollo miner successfully processed a block with the help of additional hash rate.

Motivations Behind Solo Mining

For many solo-miners, the primary motivation is not financial gain but the decentralization of the Bitcoin network. Bitcoin maximalist and miner "Econoalchemist" emphasizes this point, stating that decentralization is the main goal, with monetary rewards being a secondary benefit. Similarly, Matt Howard from Solo Satoshi, the manufacturer of Bitaxe, highlights the aim of achieving greater independence in mining.

"The goal is more independence in mining. The reward is a bonus." – Matt Howard, Solo Satoshi

Challenges and Realities of Solo Mining

Despite the allure of solo mining, the chances of success remain slim. For example, a Bitaxe Gamma miner with a hash rate of 1.2 TH/s has a daily probability of just 0.00068% to find a block. Nevertheless, the trend underscores Bitcoin's openness as a technology, allowing even small players to participate.

  • Solo mining activity has slightly increased over the years.
  • Motivations include decentralization and independence, rather than profit.
  • Success rates for solo-miners remain extremely low.

Summary: Solo mining is experiencing a modest rise, driven by a desire for decentralization and independence. While the chances of success are minimal, the trend highlights Bitcoin's inclusivity and the enduring appeal of its decentralized nature.

Source: Block-Builders.de

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I totaly get that solo miners are a thing now but what if like, these peeps using basic miners really just got super lucky?? I mean its nuts how som1 with like just a Bitaxe can hit a jackpot, but is it rly decentralization if bigger setups are also in the mix? Maybe its like playing lottery but with computers lol. Still cool tho.
I think what's really interesting here is how people talk about "hobby miners" without looking deeper. That January example with the FutureBit Apollo shows it's not always small scale, and I wonder how often folks underestimate the additional setups behind these "lucky" wins. It’s cool that decentralization is a goal, but yeah, the narrative of a beginner hitting gold is probably not the full picture.
I wonder if those using CKPool feel it's still true solo mining since the setup itself offers a bit of external support?
Okay idk if anyone else noticed this but that story bout the hobby miner winning 3.125 BTC feels kinda fishy?? Like dont get me wrong I love the idea of decentralization an ppl using smaller tools to like.. fight against big corporations or whatevr. But come on, the article even says in most cases its not REALLY just a little "hobby miner" on their own, its bigger setups or like "external computational power" – which sounds sus if u ask me LOL. Makes me think about how "solo mining" isnt really SOLO sometimes you kno? Its like in name only but still run by ppl with bigger resources... Idk, its sorta like calling urself a ‘small business’ but u actually own 10 stores in the mall yk?? ?

Also, wait can we pls talk about how these stats barely move between 2022 to now. The graph has like what... 7 to 12 to 16... like yea an increase's cool I guess, but out of how many blocks total?? I feel they shoulda added that info. Otherwise it just sounds like a drop in the ocean tbh. And ngl I dont really get the "decentralization" point... Isnt bitcoin already decentralized?? Whats the diff btwn solo or a pool thing, if both lead to keep mining... decentral or not its the same coins at the end right?

Oh but also randm thought anyone heard of FutureBit Apollo miner?? Why does that name sound fake or lyk, sci fi tech ahah. I thought this stuff usually had boring names like "hash miner 24xx" or somth LOL. So cool to see tech gettin creative w branding eh?
If decentralization is the goal, wouldn't relying on additional hash power or larger setups kind of defeat the purpose for some of these solo-miners?
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