Bitcoin Whale Bets $54.2 Million on BTC Rebound with 40x Leverage

Feb 18, 2026, 3:31 p.m. 2 sources neutral

Key takeaways:

  • The whale's 40x leveraged long on BTC signals extreme conviction but risks triggering a cascade liquidation below $63,580.
  • This high-risk bet during consolidation suggests whales are accumulating, betting on a breakout from the $60k-$70k range.
  • Traders should monitor the $63.5k level closely, as a breach could induce short-term volatility and test broader market support.

A significant Bitcoin whale has placed a highly leveraged bet on a price recovery, opening a long position worth $54.2 million with 40x leverage on the Hyperliquid trading platform. The position was initiated when Bitcoin was trading around $68,200, while the asset currently hovers in the upper $67,000 range.

The trade is already showing an unrealized loss of approximately $400,000 following a slight price dip after entry. The position's liquidation price is set near $63,580, which is only about 6% below the entry point—a dangerously narrow margin for an asset as volatile as Bitcoin. This high-risk strategy has drawn significant attention within the crypto community as it signals strong bullish conviction during a period of market consolidation and uncertainty.

The timing of this massive bet is notable. Bitcoin is currently trading well below its late-2025 highs above $120,000, largely moving between the mid-$60,000s and low-$70,000s. Some analysts interpret this whale activity as part of a broader accumulation trend, with reports suggesting whales have added over 200,000 BTC recently. This aligns with on-chain data from CryptoQuant indicating increased demand from long-term holder addresses.

Market reactions are divided. Some traders view the whale's move as a powerful bullish signal, anticipating a sharp technical rebound. Others warn of the extreme risk, noting that highly leveraged long positions often fail in sideways or weak markets. A sudden drop could trigger a liquidation cascade, potentially pushing prices down further in the short term. The trade remains open, with the market closely watching the $63,580 liquidation level.

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