It’s easy to see why some high-profile investors have given up on Bitcoin (BTC +0.94%) entirely. After all, it’s still down nearly 35% from its October 2025 all-time high of $126,000. Moreover, other cryptocurrencies are suddenly soaring in value, making Bitcoin look like a laggard.

That being said, if I could pick only one cryptocurrency, it would be Bitcoin. Here’s why.

Bitcoin’s long-term track record

Bitcoin now has an enviable track record that dates back to 2009. For more than 17 years, it has demonstrated its staying power across multiple crypto market cycles.

For much of that time period, Bitcoin was the top-performing asset in the world. Bitcoin has routinely turned in triple-digit annual returns. As a result, it has produced…