The Ultimate Guide for Independent Bitcoin Miners: Practical Cases and Strategies for Ordinary People to Successfully Capture Million-Dollar Blocks

In today’s Bitcoin network, with total hash rate approaching 1 ZettaHash (ZH/s), large mining pools seem to have monopolized the distribution rights of block rewards. However, an exciting fact is: independent miners (Solo Miners) have never disappeared. In just the past two years (2024-2025), dozens of “lone heroes” have emerged, using home equipment to “challenge” the entire network, successfully mining full blocks and enjoying rewards of over 3.125 BTC. Their stories are not only about luck but also reveal the deeper Satoshi Nakamoto spirit of the Bitcoin network—decentralization and equal opportunity. This article will delve into the current state of Solo Mining, analyze successful cases, and provide a pragmatic survival guide for those interested.

Miracles Reappear: Those Amazing Independent Mining Success Stories

Despite the extremely low success rate, stories of independent mining success are played out every year. These cases prove that with the right strategies and a bit of luck, small-scale hash power can still create miracles.

• March 2025: The Pocket Miner’s Comeback

A miner using a Bitaxe pocket miner with only 480 GH/s hash rate successfully mined block #887,212 via Solo CKPool, enjoying 3.15 BTC. At that time, this reward was worth about $258,000. It is estimated that the probability of this device mining a block in a single day is only one in a million. This is undoubtedly a classic combination of “technological optimism” and “extreme luck.”

• January 2025: The Home All-in-One Machine’s Victory

Another enthusiast used a home all-in-one device like the FutureBit Apollo, with less than 1 TH/s hash rate, and successfully mined two blocks in that month (#881,423 和 #867,760), earning rewards of 3.15 BTC and 3.16 BTC respectively. This demonstrates the value of continuous participation— even with minimal hash power, long-term operation can eventually bring lucky moments.

• June 2025: The High-Stakes Temporary Hash Power Rental

Faced with a record-high mining difficulty (126.98 T), a miner adopted an unconventional strategy: temporarily renting cloud hash power, boosting their hash rate to 259 PH/s and pointing it to Solo CKPool. This “precise strike” successfully captured block #899,826, earning about $330,000 worth of Bitcoin. Although costly, it reflects the strategic flexibility of independent miners.

Most of these success stories were achieved through Solo CKPool. This mining pool allows miners to work independently, charging only very low fees upon success, and pays the full block reward (approximately 3.125 BTC new coins issuance + transaction fees) directly to the discoverer, making it one of the preferred platforms for independent miners.

Practical Considerations: Independent Mining vs. Joining a Pool, How Should You Choose?

Behind these passionate success stories, we must calmly examine the mathematical reality of independent mining. The table below clearly shows the fundamental differences between the two paths:

Essentially, independent mining is a game of probability. Your chance of winning is directly related to your share of the total network hash rate. For example, an Antminer S19 with 100 TH/s hash rate has an extremely tiny chance of mining a block in a day when the total network hash rate is 1 ZH/s. You need nearly “astronomical” luck.

Beginner’s Guide: If You Still Want to Try Independent Mining

If, after understanding the risks, you still want to experience the most primitive “treasure hunt” fun in the Bitcoin world, you can follow these steps:

1. Hardware Preparation: Choose energy-efficient ASIC miners (such as Antminer S21, Whatsminer M60 series, etc.). Start with one or a few units for safety and household electrical considerations.
2. Software & Connection: Download and run a full Bitcoin node (like Bitcoin Core) to enhance network privacy and independence. Then configure your miner to point to Solo CKPool or other pools supporting solo mining mode.
3. Wallet Setup: Prepare a secure Bitcoin wallet where you fully control the private keys, for receiving potential large block rewards. Never use exchange wallet addresses.
4. Cost Management: Accurately calculate electricity costs, and be mentally and financially prepared for long periods without income. View mining as a high-risk, high-reward “experiment” or contribution to decentralization, rather than a guaranteed profit business.

Market Perspective: Independent Mining and Bitcoin Ecosystem Health

As of January 12, 2026, according to Gate market data, Bitcoin (BTC) price remains around $91,500. The current price makes the fiat value of each block reward exceed $282,000, further increasing the potential earnings for independent miners upon success.

From a broader perspective, the existence of independent miners is an important indicator of Bitcoin network health. Blockchain data shows that blocks mined by “unknown” independent miners still account for a significant proportion. Each of their successes is a strong declaration of hash power decentralization, resisting the potential risks of excessive concentration.

Independent mining is a game for idealists and lucksters. It is no longer a mainstream profit-making method, but its significance far exceeds economic benefits. It represents the grassroots rebellion and hope within the Bitcoin network—an unquenchable spirit of decentralization. Whether you choose to join pools for steady farming or decide to fight for that faint yet brilliant miracle as a Solo Miner, you are participating in and safeguarding this decentralized financial network in your own way. At Gate, we continue to focus on and support the diverse development of the Bitcoin ecosystem, providing a safe and reliable environment for transactions and information, and witnessing every breakthrough and legend in the cryptocurrency field.