The 10-Year Cycle of Cryptocurrency Bull Runs: From 2015 to 2026

Understanding the patterns of crypto bull runs over the past decade reveals a compelling story of market cycles. From the early days when Bitcoin was just emerging from obscurity to today’s sophisticated market infrastructure, each bull run has followed predictable patterns. These cycles demonstrate why crypto remains one of the most cyclical asset classes, with periods of explosive growth followed by corrections and consolidation phases.

Historical Timeline: A Decade of Market Rallies

The cryptocurrency market has experienced five major bull runs since 2015, each with distinct characteristics yet following similar cyclical patterns. The first notable surge occurred between January 2015 and June 2016, when Bitcoin climbed from approximately $152 to $780—a modest gain by later standards, but significant for that era. This initial cycle lasted roughly 17 months and demonstrated the market’s capacity for sustained upward momentum.

The 2017 bull run captured mainstream attention when Bitcoin surged from around $1,000 at the start of the year to nearly $19,891 by mid-December. This approximately 12-month rally introduced millions to cryptocurrency and established Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class worthy of institutional consideration.

The Largest Bull Run in Crypto History

The period from March 2020 to November 2021 stands as the most dramatic expansion in cryptocurrency history. Beginning from the pandemic-driven bottom of $3,850 in March 2020, Bitcoin embarked on a remarkable 20-month journey. The rally first broke through the $20,000 barrier in December 2020, before reaching a peak of approximately $69,000 by November 2021. This cycle captured the attention of major corporations and institutional investors who began accumulating Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation.

The most recent bull run commenced in January 2023 at $16,500 following the 2022 market downturn triggered by the FTX collapse. Over 14 months, Bitcoin climbed to $73,738 by March 2024, representing significant gains and renewed market confidence in the crypto sector.

Halving Events: The Engine Behind Bull Runs

A critical pattern emerges when examining these cycles: Bitcoin’s halving events serve as catalysts for bull run initiation. The latest halving occurred on April 20, 2024, reducing Bitcoin’s mining reward and creating supply-side pressure. Historically, bull runs commence 6 to 12 months following a halving event. Given this pattern, late 2025 marked the expected commencement of the next bull run, which is now unfolding in early 2026.

Current Market Status and Future Outlook

As of February 2026, Bitcoin is trading at $70,400, having already established a new all-time high of $126,080 during the current bull run. This current cycle demonstrates the continued relevance of the halving-cycle theory that has governed crypto markets since Bitcoin’s inception. Each bull run typically lasts 12 to 20 months, with explosive parabolic growth followed by extended bear markets—a pattern that investors and analysts continue to monitor closely.

The crypto bull run phenomenon remains predictable enough to guide long-term strategies, yet volatile enough to challenge short-term traders. Understanding these historical cycles helps market participants contextualize current price action within broader multi-year trends.