[Digital Today reporter Yoonseo Lee] A bold projection has been raised that 5,000 XRP could come to hold a value comparable to 1 bitcoin (BTC).

The Crypto Basic, a blockchain media outlet, reported on Jan. 13 that a cryptocurrency influencer active in the XRP community known as Bird recently posted on social media that “5,000 XRP will reach the value of 1 BTC,” arguing XRP could be revalued.

The projection is based on expectations for a rotational market known as “altcoin season.” Given the tendency for altcoins to rise after bitcoin strengthens, the view is that XRP is also likely to join an upswing. When “altcoin season” arrives, investors tend to move funds from bitcoin to other cryptocurrencies in search of bigger returns, and XRP could be part of that flow.

Fundamentals around XRP are also seen as stronger than ever. An XRP spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) launched in November 2025 has drawn $1.23 billion in inflows to date, showing institutional demand. Ripple has also secured an electronic money institution (EMI) licence in Britain, easing regulatory uncertainty and laying the groundwork for business expansion, which is also cited as a driver.

Past data also supports the claim. During the 2017 to 2018 bull market, XRP surged 5,122 percent, outpacing bitcoin’s rise. At the time, the market even saw 5,000 XRP valued at 1.227 BTC.

Cautious views are also considerable. XRP has continued to underperform relative to bitcoin since the last bull market. The analysis is that XRP would need strong momentum beyond a simple rotation to regain value against bitcoin.

Ultimately, whether the projection becomes reality depends on how much money circulates in the market. If funds that flowed into bitcoin start spreading to other coins, attention is focused on whether XRP can use recent good news as a springboard to rise again as a coin that leads the market.

Prediction: 5,000 XRP will be worth 1 Bitcoin in 2026.