Canadian Bitcoin developer Peter Todd, who gained attention last year as a top candidate for the mysterious identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, recently stirred the cryptocurrency community with an unexpected mention of XRP. The developer’s comment, made during a Bitcoin mining conference, quickly became a talking point on social media, with many speculating on the reasoning behind the remark.

Todd, known for his prominent advocacy for Bitcoin, has been a key figure in the development and promotion of the cryptocurrency. His reputation as a Bitcoin supporter is well-established, so his mention of XRP—Bitcoin’s long-standing rival—caught many by surprise. Some in the community even humorously suggested that Todd had been hacked, while others questioned whether his stance on Bitcoin had shifted.

It wasn’t long before Todd addressed the situation, explaining that the mention of XRP was part of a challenge posed to him during the event. He clarified that it wasn’t a serious endorsement but rather a playful dare, intended to provoke reactions. Despite his explanation, the comment still made waves across social media platforms, with many Bitcoin supporters questioning why he would bring up the controversial token.

The mention of XRP by such a prominent Bitcoin figure reignited long-standing tensions between the two communities. For years, Bitcoin and XRP advocates have been at odds over the purpose, value, and decentralization of their respective projects. While Bitcoin is often praised for its decentralized nature, XRP has been criticized for its perceived centralization. Ripple Labs, the company behind XRP, holds a significant portion of the total XRP supply, which has led many in the Bitcoin community to label the token as a “centralized corporate coin.”

This rivalry was further fueled in recent years after Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, publicly advocated for a multi-token reserve system, which could include XRP alongside Bitcoin. Garlinghouse’s push for XRP’s inclusion in the global reserve fueled outrage in the Bitcoin community, with many viewing it as an attempt to undermine Bitcoin’s dominance in the cryptocurrency space.

Todd, who has historically been a vocal critic of XRP, expressed concerns about the token in previous years. In 2019, Todd argued that XRP had little reason to exist, suggesting that the token’s only purpose was to generate profits for Ripple Labs. His comments in 2020 about a large number of bots promoting XRP further fueled skepticism, with Todd calling it an “interesting legal case” for those involved.

Despite his past criticisms, Todd has largely remained on the sidelines during the ongoing feud between Bitcoin and XRP supporters. His comment, however, suggests that the rivalry is far from over, with both communities continuing to defend their respective projects fiercely.

The mention of XRP by a prominent Bitcoin developer highlights the ever-present tensions in the cryptocurrency world. While Bitcoin remains the leading cryptocurrency by market capitalization, XRP has carved out a niche for itself with its focus on cross-border payments and partnerships with financial institutions. The ongoing rivalry between the two projects is a reminder of the diverse views within the cryptocurrency space and the competition that continues to shape its future.

As for Todd, his comment about XRP may have been a lighthearted moment, but it serves as a reminder that even the most prominent figures in the crypto world are not immune to controversy. Whether it was a simple joke or a strategic move to fuel conversation, the incident underscores the passion and divisions that remain in the cryptocurrency community.

Despite the stir his comment caused, Todd’s overall stance on Bitcoin remains unchanged. However, this incident serves as a reminder of the volatile and sometimes unpredictable nature of the crypto space, where even a casual remark can ignite heated debates and fuel long-standing rivalries. The Bitcoin versus XRP debate continues to be one of the most fascinating dynamics in the world of digital currencies.