Adding to the list of controversial influencers surrounding Bitcoin, Roger Keith Ver has had an interesting past. Ver’s reputation as one of the biggest advocates of all time earned him the self-proclaimed title of “Bitcoin Jesus.” Born in Silicon Valley in relatively normal circumstances, Roger had his first run-in with the law after selling explosives through eBay. After serving ten months in prison, he moved to Japan and later gained citizenship in Saint Kitts and Nevis (Eastern Caribbean Islands).

Roger Ver was an early Bitcoin investor in 2011, and he has since used his wealth to fund various crypto startups like blockchain.com, Ripple and Kraken. He also served as the CEO of Bitcoin.com until 2019, when he transitioned to the executive chairman role. He has become a huge proponent of Bitcoin Cash — enough so that Fortune Magazine made an error in 2020 by titling him as co-founder of the project.

Like many in the Bitcoin and cryptocurrency space, Ver supports and believes in individual freedoms and libertarian ideals. He has so far donated at least $3 million in Bitcoin to the Foundation for Economic Education, a libertarian think tank. Roger continues to be a force of nature in Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, and much more remains to be seen from his story. This quote from Roger Ver’s website summarizes his beliefs and advocacy well:

“Bitcoin is one of the most important inventions in all of human history. For the first time ever, anyone can send or receive any amount of money with anyone else, anywhere on the planet, conveniently and without restriction. It’s the dawn of a better, more free world.”

Roger Ver, 2011