Bitcoin just hit the 17-year mark. From a whitepaper released in 2008 to becoming a global financial phenomenon, the world's first cryptocurrency has come a long way. What started as an experimental peer-to-peer electronic cash system has evolved into a store of value, a hedge against inflation, and a cornerstone of the crypto ecosystem. Every year brings new adoption milestones, technological upgrades, and deeper integration into mainstream finance. Here's to the journey so far—and the chapters still to be written.