Bitcoin whale short opens 3,440 BTC 10x leveraged $392M bet

A legendary Bitcoin whale reopened a 3,440 BTC short, a 10x leveraged $392M bet that reignited market debate and on-chain scrutiny.

Who is behind the 3440 BTC short position and why does it matter?

The trade is attributed to a high-profile Bitcoin “OG” whale who previously profited by shorting before the last major correction. The identity remains unconfirmed, yet the move carries weight because the trader’s prior accuracy amplified market sensitivity to their positions. Thus, some observers suspect informed timing while others call it a high-stakes wager; either way, the position reshapes risk dynamics for leveraged participants.

How large is the 10x leveraged Bitcoin short and where was it placed?

The position totals roughly 3,440 BTC (about $392 million) and was opened with 10x leverage. On-chain reporting indicates an average entry near $115,783 per BTC and a liquidation threshold around $128,000 on Hyperliquid. Given the 10x leveraged Bitcoin short, analysts warn that even small price moves could produce outsized gains or trigger rapid liquidations.

Key trade facts

  • Position size: 3,440 BTC (~$392M)
  • Leverage: 10x
  • Average entry: ~$115,783 per BTC
  • Liquidation level: near $128,000 on Hyperliquid

What Bitcoin crash indicators are flashing alongside the trade?

Several market and on-chain signals have amplified caution. Notably, large exchange Bitcoin transfers spiked above $2 billion and stablecoin outflows liquidity of roughly $8 billion has reduced buying power on exchanges. In addition, futures open interest has risen — a combination that can increase squeeze risk.

On-chain specifics to watch

  • SOPR (short-term holders): fell below 1.0, indicating many are selling at a loss
  • Large exchange Bitcoin transfers: > $2B, suggesting potential selling pressure
  • Stablecoin outflows liquidity: ~$8B drained, constraining liquidity

Could this Hyperliquid short position trigger another crash?

The Hyperliquid short position adds concentrated downside risk because liquidation cascades can exacerbate price moves. However, it would act as one of several stressors; macro drivers and overall liquidity conditions will ultimately determine whether this trade becomes systemic.

According to latest news, the OG Bitcoin whale increased his short to nearly $500 million with a liquidation price of $126,000:

What are immediate liquidation risks and price levels to monitor?

The reported liquidation near $128,000 means a sustained rebound above that level would likely unwind the trade and could create a sharp short squeeze. Conversely, technical indicators point to short-term support near $105,000 and resistance bands at $118,000–$124,000. Traders should therefore monitor volatility, exchange flows and funding rates closely.

Important price thresholds

  • Current trading level: ~ $112,765
  • Short-term support: $105,000
  • Near-term resistance: $118,000–$124,000

How are market participants reacting and what should institutions note?

Market reaction is split: some see a calculated hedge, others a speculative gamble. Institutions should note concentrated counterparty risk on high-leverage platforms and track metrics such as SOPR short term holders and large exchange inflows when sizing exposure.

Where to follow updates and on-chain evidence?

From a trader’s desk: concentrated futures open interest can act as fuel for squeezes and amplify price moves. In coverage and trading, reporters often see concentrated positions coincide with rapid funding spikes and cross-exchange arbitrage, which can worsen short-term volatility. As CME Group notes, “open interest is an important measure of market activity and where positions are accumulating.” 

Ultimately, the 3,440 BTC short is significant because it intersects leverage, liquidity and sentiment. Therefore, traders and institutions alike should monitor exchange flows, leverage pockets and on-chain indicators to judge whether this position remains an isolated wager or becomes a broader catalyst.

Source: https://en.cryptonomist.ch/2025/10/14/bitcoin-whale-short-3440-btc-10x-leverage/