Block, the fintech company led by Jack Dorsey, gave one full bitcoin to a lucky attendee at this year’s ComplexCon in Los Angeles. At the time, the prize was worth about $85,000.
According to Bitcoin Magazine, Block joined the annual Complex Networks event over the weekend as part of an effort to introduce newcomers to bitcoin through what it described as "culture, shopping and play." At the venue, Cash App operated a booth called "Lightning Lake," a fishing-style game that let attendees win small amounts of bitcoin.
One player, however, walked away with the top reward: 1 BTC.
"We wanted bitcoin to feel approachable, tangible and fun," Maria Pesce, Head of Bitcoin Marketing at Block, told Bitcoin Magazine. "People could go from never having used bitcoin to paying with it, all in a trip around the lake."
She added: "At Block, our goal is to make bitcoin everyday money, and ComplexCon gave us a chance to introduce bitcoin to a new audience through culture, shopping, and play."
Block has spent years pushing bitcoin adoption across its companies and products. Cash App allows users to send, receive and buy bitcoin. Square point-of-sale terminals also accept bitcoin through the Lightning Network.
Bitcoin Magazine said the New York Stock Exchange-listed company launched an advertising campaign this month aimed at encouraging people to use bitcoin as a medium of exchange.
Dorsey left Twitter in 2021 to focus on payments and bitcoin adoption. He has repeatedly said that he wants the cryptocurrency to become a global currency and "everyday money."
Block’s presence at ComplexCon also drew attention from celebrities. Kanye West’s daughter North West and rapper French Montana were seen near Lightning Lake trying to fish for bitcoin.
The report first appeared in Bitcoin Magazine and was written by Mathew Di Salvo.