8 Solo Bitcoin Miners Who Beat the Big Pools
In the world of Bitcoin mining, it’s easy to assume that only the big players, with their massive rigs and data centers, can hit it big. But what if I told you that there are solo miners who have defied the odds and walked away with full block rewards, some worth as much as $370,000? Sounds impossible, right? Well, it’s not.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at 8 solo Bitcoin miners who managed to strike gold, even though they didn’t have the same resources as those industrial-sized operations. And believe me, these aren’t just feel-good stories. There are real lessons you can learn from them. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
What is Solo Bitcoin Mining?
Before we get into the stories of these brave solo miners, let’s quickly break down what solo mining actually means.
The Basics of Solo Mining
In solo mining, you’re mining alone. If you successfully solve a block, you get the entire reward — no splitting with pool members. That’s 100% of the block reward if you’re the lucky one. Sounds great, right? Well, here’s the catch: solo mining is hard. Really hard. Most miners go days, weeks, or even years without solving a block. But when they do, the rewards can be enormous.
Why Solo Mining is Challenging
Why is it so hard? Well, think of it like playing a giant lottery where only one person can win. In a pool, you combine your efforts with others, so the odds of earning a reward are much higher. But in solo mining, it’s all about luck. You have to be the one who solves the block before anyone else does. And with the way Bitcoin’s difficulty adjusts, that’s no small feat.
8 Solo Miners Who Beat the Big Pools
Here’s where it gets interesting: 8 solo miners did exactly that. They went up against the big pools and claimed full block rewards. Let’s meet them, shall we?
1. Unknown Solo CK (2024)
In 2024, an unnamed solo miner using Solo CKPool managed to solve block 860,749. The reward? 3.169 BTC, worth around $181,000 at the time. The rig setup? Still a mystery. But what’s clear is that with minimal information, this miner walked away with a massive payout.
2. Bitaxe Pocket Rig (2025)
This one’s cool. A miner using a DIY Bitaxe rig (~480 GH/s) solved block 887,212 in 2025, earning 3.150 BTC (roughly $258,000). All this from a rig that likely fits on a shelf. It just goes to show that you don’t need a massive setup to compete with the big pools.
3. 9 PH/s Solo Miner (2025)
Block 910,440 in 2025 was solved by a solo miner using a 9 PH/s setup. The reward? 3.137 BTC, worth around $372,000. This miner was using a high-end rig connected to Solo CKPool, proving that the right equipment really can make all the difference.
4. Basement Rig Operator (2025)
A miner running a basement-based setup (with an Apollo miner and Bitmain Antminer S19K Pro Bitcoin Miner) solved block 888,737 in 2025, earning 3.125 BTC (approximately $265,000). Who says you need to mine in a data center to win big? This one was all about DIY hustle.
5. Bitaxe Ultra User (2025)
Using a 500 GH/s device, the Bitaxe Ultra User solved block 913,632 and earned 3.144 BTC (around $344,000). It’s a reminder that efficient hardware can outperform high-powered setups when it’s well-tuned.
6. Bitaxe Gamma Miner (2025)
Bitaxe Gamma 601 bitcoin solo miner using a 1.2 TH/s setup running on just 18 watts of power solved block 889,975 in 2025, earning 3.149 BTC (about $260,000). This just goes to show that low-energy rigs can still be incredibly effective in solo mining.
7. Home Miner (2025)
Another solo miner, using a higher-end solo rig, solved block 903,883 in 2025, earning 3.173 BTC (around $274,000). It’s clear that with a reliable setup and some perseverance, home miners can strike it rich.
8. Cloud Burst Gambler (2025)
Finally, a soloist who took a big risk by renting 259 PH/s of cloud hash power, pointed it at CKPool, and solved block 899,826. The reward? 3.125 BTC (approximately $330,000). Cloud hashing isn’t for the faint-hearted, but when it works, it really works.
Read More: Top 5 Home Bitcoin Solo Miners in 2025
What Makes These Wins Possible?
So, what was behind these solo wins? Was it sheer luck, or was there something these miners were doing that gave them an edge? Here’s a breakdown of what made these wins possible:
Efficient Hardware
A major factor in many of these solo wins was the use of efficient, low-power hardware. For instance, the Bitaxe Gamma rig ran on just 17 watts but still managed to find a block. That means you don’t have to run a massive power-hungry rig to be successful — sometimes less really is more.
Timing the Network
A few of these wins came at times when the Bitcoin mempool was clogged. A full mempool means higher transaction fees, which adds extra value to the block reward. Solo miners who were paying attention to network conditions, especially those using sites like mempool.space, could spot these moments and jump in at the right time.
Low Pool Fees
Solo miners who use pools like Solo CKPool don’t have to share their reward with anyone. If they hit a block, they keep the entire reward. No fees, no splitting — just all of it. That’s a massive advantage over pool miners, who get just a tiny piece of the pie.
Cloud Hashing (Cautiously)
While risky, some miners decided to rent hash power from cloud services to increase their chances of solving a block. One miner, for example, rented 259 PH/s, solved a block, and earned $330K. It’s a gamble, but sometimes, that gamble pays off big.
Should You Solo Mine?
Now that we’ve seen some epic solo wins, you might be wondering: Should I solo mine too?
The Risks and Rewards of Solo Mining
Solo mining is a high-risk, high-reward game. Most days, you might earn nothing. But on those rare occasions when you do strike gold, the payout can be life-changing. If you’re comfortable with uncertainty and enjoy the thrill of the gamble, solo mining could be a good fit for you.
How to Start Solo Mining
If you’re interested in giving it a shot, here’s a quick start plan:
- Get efficient, low-power gear that can run 24/7.
- Connect to Solo CKPool(it’s free!).
- Keep an eye on space to track network conditions.
- Track your power costs and keep them as low as possible.
- Be patient and keep your expectations realistic — but always stay ready for luck to strike.
Conclusion
The stories of these 8 solo Bitcoin miners who beat the big pools prove that, sometimes, the little guy can come out on top. While it’s not easy, and success isn’t guaranteed, these miners have shown that it’s possible to claim massive rewards with the right gear, the right timing, and a bit of luck.
So, should you give solo mining a shot? If you’re willing to take a risk, it might just be worth it.
FAQs
What equipment do I need for solo Bitcoin mining?
For solo mining, you'll need an ASIC miner or a custom rig that’s efficient and can run 24/7. Popular options include the Antminer S19K Pro and Bitaxe Gamma.
Is solo mining profitable?
Solo mining is high-risk. Most days, you won’t earn anything, but if you do find a block, the reward can be huge. It’s a gamble!
How can I improve my chances of solo mining success?
Monitor network conditions, use efficient hardware, and consider joining a pool like Solo CKPool to increase your chances.
Can I mine Bitcoin with just a Raspberry Pi?
Technically, you could set up a Raspberry Pi to run a mining rig, but it would be very inefficient. It’s best to use specialized ASIC miners for serious solo mining.
What are the best pools for solo mining?
Solo CKPool is one of the best options for solo miners because it allows you to mine on your own while keeping 100% of the block reward.