Public figures from diverse fields, including professional sports, are increasingly participating in discussions about national cryptocurrency adoption. This trend sees celebrities leveraging their platforms to advocate for significant financial policy changes, such as the recent call by a prominent athlete for Ireland to create a national Bitcoin reserve.
McGregor Proposes National Bitcoin Reserve for Ireland
Irish mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor has publicly advocated for Ireland to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve. He articulated that such a move would be instrumental in restoring monetary control to the Irish populace, emphasizing his belief that cryptocurrencies were initially conceived to empower individuals.
McGregor further elaborated on his vision via a social media post: “Crypto in its origin was founded to give power back to the people. An Irish Bitcoin strategic reserve will give power to the people’s money.” He announced his intention to co-host a discussion on X (formerly Twitter) to detail the transformations he envisions for Ireland. His post, dated May 9, 2025, can be found on his profile @TheNotoriousMMA.
Context and Precedents for State-Level Crypto Adoption
This proposal emerges against a backdrop of varied official stances on cryptocurrency. For instance, in May 2023, Gabriel Makhlouf, the Governor of Ireland’s Central Bank, notably likened Bitcoin to a lottery. However, McGregor’s suggestion aligns with initiatives seen elsewhere. In the United States, Arizona’s Governor Katie Hobbs signed legislation aimed at protecting digital assets and establishing a Bitcoin reserve fund. Similarly, New Hampshire has enacted a bill empowering local authorities to invest in cryptocurrencies and precious metals.
Chris brings over six years of hands-on experience in cryptocurrency, bitcoin, business, and finance journalism. He’s known for clear, accurate reporting and insightful analysis that helps readers stay informed in fast-moving markets. When he’s off the clock, Chris enjoys researching emerging blockchain projects and mentoring new writers.