A single old-generation ASIC with just 6 TH/s unexpectedly solves a BTC block, earning over $265,000 in rewards and fees.
In an extraordinary stroke of luck, a hobbyist Bitcoin miner operating with only 6 terahashes per second (TH/s) — the output of a single outdated ASIC — successfully mined a full Bitcoin block, securing 3.146 BTC in rewards and transaction fees valued at nearly $265,000. This rare achievement underscores the unpredictable nature of Bitcoin mining, even as the network’s hashrate reaches record highs.
The miner had an estimated one in 180 million chance of solving a block on any given day. Controlling just 0.0000007% of the global Bitcoin hashrate, this win stands out as one of the most improbable solo-mined blocks in recent years.
A Remarkably Rare Event in Modern Bitcoin Mining
Bitcoin’s overall network power recently climbed to 855.7 exahashes per second, making it increasingly difficult for small miners to compete. Yet this event shows that even minimal hashpower can occasionally strike gold.
Mining analyst and pool operator commented that such a result is “statistically extraordinary and a reminder that mining is ultimately a probabilistic game.”
The block was mined through a solo-mining setup that allows individuals to mine independently while relying on shared infrastructure. Because of this structure, the miner retained the entire block reward minus a small pool fee.
Why This Win Stands Out
Experts note that this case is significantly more improbable than previous solo-miner wins. In 2022, a miner using 126 TH/s managed to secure a block against 1-in-1.3 million odds, but the gap between 6 TH/s and today’s massive global hashrate makes this new event far more exceptional.
A Reminder of Bitcoin’s Probabilistic Nature
As Bitcoin’s hashrate grows, solo mining becomes increasingly rare, reducing the likelihood of small miners discovering blocks while strengthening network security.
Still, this event highlights a key principle of proof-of-work:
Even the smallest miner has a non-zero chance of winning.
This improbable success will likely inspire hobbyists worldwide — proving once again that, sometimes, extraordinary luck can defy impossible odds.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.