Media personality and DDTG Global founder Dave Portnoy has revealed the real reason behind his growing interest in XRP, and it all comes down to FOMO and financial freedom. Speaking at the 2025 Consensus conference hosted by CoinDesk, Portnoy compared XRP to Bitcoin, suggesting that the altcoin may still carry the kind of explosive potential early BTC investors once enjoyed.
“I Like Making Money Without Working”
During his session at the conference, Portnoy candidly shared why he finds both crypto and sports betting appealing. He explained that both sectors attract risk-tolerant individuals who crave fast-paced gains without the traditional 9-to-5 hustle.
“There’s something about placing a bet, seeing Bitcoin or XRP go up, and just sitting on your couch like, ‘I made that money not working,’” he said. “That’s a great feeling.”
Portnoy tied this sentiment to a generational shift in attitudes toward wealth and risk. According to him, many younger investors now view risk-taking as not only exciting but also empowering—a way to carve their own path in a world where conventional routes to success seem increasingly limited.
The FOMO That Drives His XRP Bet
Portnoy admitted that his decision to invest in XRP is not grounded in deep technical analysis or belief in its underlying fundamentals. Instead, he’s driven by fear of missing out (FOMO), a sentiment he openly embraces.
He noted that Bitcoin has matured into a more stable asset, one that no longer ignites the same hype or adrenaline-fueled buying frenzy it once did. In contrast, XRP still carries the underdog mystique, thanks to its relatively low price and ongoing speculation about its future growth.
“I don’t know if there’s as much FOMO in Bitcoin now; it’s so established,” Portnoy explained. “But that’s why I’m in XRP. It’s just $2.40. What if that’s the next Bitcoin?”
To him, XRP feels like a speculative long shot worth taking, a bet on the possibility that history might repeat itself for another token.
Crypto’s Real-World Impact: A Lost Miami Apartment
Portnoy also shared a personal story that shaped his perspective on crypto’s disruptive power. A few years ago, he attempted to buy an apartment in Miami. Despite his financial success and years of hard work, he was outbid by a “crypto bro”, someone who had apparently made a fortune by getting into Bitcoin early, likely when it traded for around $8.
“I’ve slaved for 20 years, and he just outbid me,” Portnoy said, recalling the frustration. “He probably got into Bitcoin when it was like eight bucks.”
That moment, he admitted, forced him to recognize how crypto had rewritten the rules of wealth creation. While traditional success often demands years of labor, crypto has allowed some to build fortunes at lightning speed.
Related article: Ripple CEO Sparks Controversy, Calling Bitcoin a ‘Beta’ Blockchain
Betting on XRP’s Future
Portnoy’s stance on XRP is clear: he sees it as a modern-day opportunity, much like Bitcoin was a decade ago. Although he acknowledges the speculative nature of his investment, he believes the potential upside outweighs the risks.
The relatively low entry price, a loyal community, and market momentum make XRP appealing to him and other retail investors looking for the “next big thing.”
Whether XRP will follow in Bitcoin’s footsteps remains uncertain. However, Portnoy’s endorsement and his raw, relatable reasoning highlight why many in the crypto space still gravitate toward underdog assets. He said, “What if XRP is the next Bitcoin?” That single question continues to drive speculation, hope, and investment across the XRP community.
