
The cryptocurrency market is abuzz with speculation following the emergence of an unprecedented $520 million short position against Bitcoin (BTC). According to Cointelegraph, an unidentified whale placed this record-breaking bet using 40x leverage, making it one of the most daring trades in Bitcoin’s history.
⚡️ LATEST: A Hyperliquid whale placed the largest $BTC short ever, betting $520M on #Bitcoin’s decline with 40x leverage, 6,210 $BTC at $83,898 entry, liquidation at $85,561. pic.twitter.com/mfxtdsrh6s
— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) March 18, 2025
The High-Risk Short Position
The whale’s position comprises 6,210 BTC, entered at a price of $83,898 per Bitcoin. Due to the extreme leverage, a mere 1.75% price increase to $85,561 would trigger a full liquidation of the position. This means the trader is teetering between immense profit and total loss, adding a layer of high-stakes drama to the market.
Market Reactions and Speculation
The move has ignited discussions across the crypto community. Prominent analyst Jane Adams expressed skepticism over the whale’s strategy, questioning whether they foresee an imminent correction or are attempting to manipulate market sentiment. “This level of risk suggests either extreme confidence or recklessness,” she stated. If Bitcoin experiences a downward correction, the whale stands to make a massive profit, but if the price surges, the losses could be catastrophic.
Traders Push Back Against the Whale
The revelation of this massive short has triggered counteractions from traders looking to force liquidation. A group of market participants, allegedly organized by a pseudonymous trader known as Cbb0fe, has coordinated efforts to push Bitcoin’s price higher. Their efforts have already resulted in a 2.5% price surge, inching BTC closer to the liquidation threshold. However, the whale has injected additional capital to adjust the liquidation price, prolonging the battle between market forces.

This historic short position underscores the power that large, leveraged trades have in influencing market volatility. It also highlights how coordinated efforts from traders can impact price movements, leading to unpredictable swings. Should Bitcoin’s price remain stable or trend upward, the whale’s position could be in serious jeopardy, potentially triggering further price momentum.
Also Read: Bitcoin Whales Dump $4.5B: Selling Pressure Signals Bearish Trend
For now, the crypto market remains on edge, watching closely as this high-stakes bet unfolds. Will the whale’s gamble pay off, or will Bitcoin’s resilience lead to a spectacular liquidation event? Time will tell.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of CoinBrief.io. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Coin Brief is not responsible for any financial losses.