Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX, maintained his year-end Bitcoin price target of $250,000. With Bitcoin trading around $70,100, this target would represent approximately a 256.5% upside from current levels and a clear break above the previous high of $126,000 in October 2025.

Maintaining bullish forecasts

Arthur Hayes is one of the most outspoken supporters of the bull for Bitcoin. He has repeatedly indicated that Bitcoin has broken above $200,000 among his long-term bullish expectations for the asset. This earlier position has now been adopted confirmed on a recent YouTube interview.

Considering how Bitcoin’s price action has changed has developed since these earlier calls, In a recent YouTube interview, Hayes was pressed on whether his views had changed. Hayes was asked if his 2026 Bitcoin predictions had changed, and his answer left little room for interpretation.

He stated that he would “go for the same number,” reiterating his $250,000 Bitcoin goal by the end of the year. The consistency in his views shows that his belief has not changed despite recent price fluctuations and Bitcoin’s failure to find a bottom.

Although the $250,000 prediction had no direct bearing at this point, Hayes always gave other reasons for being hopeful in other similar predictions. He he had noticed it before a prolonged U.S.-Iranian conflict could force the Federal Reserve to print more money, which in turn would enhance the price of Bitcoin.

Can Bitcoin Reach $250,000 in 2026?

At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading at $70,100 and currently appears to have bottomed just above $61,000. Therefore, a move to $250,000 would push Bitcoin well above the previous high of $126,000 and establish a completely recent price range.

Recent price action shows that Bitcoin has struggled to break out of its current consolidation, repeatedly moving in a wide range between $60,000 and $74,000, with no decisive trend in either direction. A rise to $250,000 would require Bitcoin to first clear its current range and then regain higher price zones that were lost during the correction from the 2025 high. Technical analysis suggests that once Bitcoin breaks through some supply gaps above $76,000, it could rise quickly due to thinner resistance.

Hayes previously predicted a Bitcoin’s larger target of $500,000 to $750,000 by the end of 2026, and its predictions are based on escalating tensions in the Middle East. However, he also noted some caution towards Bitcoin during the speech another similar podcast interview. “If I had $1 to invest right now, would I put it into Bitcoin? No. I would wait,” Hayes said, stating he would only become a buyer when the Federal Reserve starts easing.

Featured image from Getty Images, chart from Tradingview.com