The US Army veteran and influencer in the XRP community caught attention with a bold prediction: he believes that XRP could overtake Bitcoin as the leading cryptocurrency within six years.

His comments come during a period of market turmoil during which the value of Bitcoin and XRP has plummeted price oscillate. Analysts warn that this scenario is highly speculative, but has sparked debate among traders and enthusiasts alike.

Market size and market history

Reports note that Bitcoin continues to dominate. With a market capitalization of almost $1.37 trillion, it dwarfs XRP’s $86 billion. At current prices, XRP would need to rise to around $22.50 per token to match Bitcoin’s market value.

This represents an enhance of almost 1,500% compared to today’s trading levels. The scale of the gap concerns Patrick Riley forecast ambitious, especially given Bitcoin’s long-standing role as a leading crypto asset.

If Bitcoin does not break $150,000 this year and regain its twelve-year trendline, it will test $1,000 again. Anyway, $XRP will take the top spot in the next 6 years, after which Bitcoin will be relegated to a nostalgic collection for those interested… pic.twitter.com/TxOnCdCqHB

— Patrick L. Riley (@Acquired_Savant) February 10, 2026

Riley bases some of his forecasts on long-term trend lines. According to him, Bitcoin’s price has fallen below significant trend lines drawn over the last decade.

Whether Bitcoin rebounds above these levels or continues its decline, Riley believes XRP can rise and take the top spot. It sets a six-year timeline for this change, placing the potential event around 2032.

Technical lines and storytelling

Reports have revealed that trend lines can influence traders’ behavior but do not guarantee results. A chart spanning over a decade may seem decisive, but actual price movements are shaped by many factors: market confidence, institutional activity, regulation and capital flows.

Riley has previously made headlines by suggesting that celebrities are linked to the rise of Bitcoin and portraying market fluctuations as deliberate attempts to suppress XRP. Such claims energize communities but provide no evidence of likely outcomes.

Currently, Bitcoin transactions are approximately 16 times larger than XRP in terms of market capitalization. Even after recent market declines, it maintains deep liquidity and a sturdy network effect.

XRP would need a combination of broader adoption, investor confidence, and market dynamics to close this gap.

According to reports, this would require events that fundamentally change the way capital is allocated in the crypto space.

What would have to happen

Reports that XRP will overtake Bitcoin remains a speculative scenario. Bitcoin would need to experience a piercing decline, otherwise XRP would need an extraordinary rally – perhaps both – for the top spot to change hands.

Market observers suggest keeping an eye on adoption trends, partnerships and pricing actions in the coming years. For now, Bitcoin’s position remains secure and XRP’s potential growth continues to excite the community.

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView