- Kim predicts Bitcoin could surge to $276K by Feb 2026 amid fiat weakness.
- Skepticism grows as Kim’s past BTC targets, like $220K, failed to materialize.
- XRP could hit $1,000 long-term if inflation and crypto adoption accelerate.
World’s highest IQ holder YoungHoon Kim has turned heads again after predicting a major Bitcoin breakout in early 2026. Kim, who describes himself as the world’s smartest man, said Bitcoin could surge to $276,000 by February 2026. The forecast suggests BTC could more than triple from current levels within weeks.
Significantly, Kim linked his outlook to rising global debt pressure and weakening fiat currencies, which he believes could push more capital into scarce digital assets. His claim arrives as Bitcoin remains volatile and closely tied to macro headlines, including inflation shifts, interest rate expectations, and broader currency stability concerns.
Kim Targets $276,000 as Macro Risks Grow
Kim’s latest call centers on the idea that fiat currencies could continue losing purchasing power over time. Hence, he expects Bitcoin to benefit as investors search for alternative stores of value.
Additionally, he pointed to Bitcoin’s history of sharp trend changes, where major rallies can form quickly after long periods of pressure. Even so, Bitcoin has not shown clear momentum recently. The coin continues to react to liquidity changes and investor risk appetite across global markets.
Track Record Raises Doubts Despite Confidence
However, Kim’s earlier price targets missed the mark. In November, he predicted Bitcoin would reach $220,000 within 45 days. That move never materialized, and BTC failed to deliver the surge he expected.
By the time the 45-day window expired on January 2, 2026, Bitcoin was trading near $88,000, not $220,000. The outcome represented a miss of roughly 60 percent versus the projected target, highlighting the risks tied to short-term forecasting.
Despite that setback, Kim has now shifted his focus toward a longer-term structural thesis. On Tuesday, Kim said Bitcoin may be entering a “decade-long supercycle.”
In a post on X, Kim argued that Bitcoin’s traditional four-year cycle has ended. Instead of repeating boom-and-bust patterns tied to halving events, he claimed the market is transitioning into an extended growth phase driven by structural adoption.
Kim’s view echoes a broader narrative gaining traction among industry figures. Binance co-founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao made a similar argument last December at the Bitcoin MENA conference, suggesting that Bitcoin’s historical cycle model may no longer apply.
XRP Optimism Adds to the Bullish Narrative
Besides Bitcoin, Kim has shared aggressive long-term expectations for XRP. He has said XRP could approach $1,000 over the next decade under extreme conditions. Those conditions include high inflation and a major capital rotation into crypto markets.
Bitcoin currently trades near $82,899 after a modest daily gain. However, it remains down over 7% for the week. Consequently, Kim’s prediction stands as another high-profile reminder of crypto’s bold narratives. Yet the market still demands proof through price action.
Related: Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC Faces Tight Range as Spot Flows Turn Slightly Positive
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Source: https://coinedition.com/worlds-highest-iq-holder-predicts-bitcoin-surge-to-276k/
