What Are Taproot Wizards and Quantum Cats?

The launch of the Ordinals protocol in January 2023 birthed a new wave of Bitcoin-native digital assets. Among the first to capture the community’s imagination was Taproot Wizards, a project aiming to “make Bitcoin magical again.” Closely following was the launch of Quantum Cats, further cementing the team’s place at the center of the Ordinals movement.

In this guide, we’ll explore the origins, cultural impact, and market performance of both Taproot Wizards and Quantum Cats, and how they reflect the evolving identity of Bitcoin.

What Are Taproot Wizards?

Taproot Wizards is a collection of 2,121 unique JPEGs of pixelated wizards inscribed directly on Bitcoin using the Ordinals protocol. The project is inspired by the “Magic Internet Money” meme that originated on Reddit’s r/Bitcoin subreddit in 2013.

That meme featured a wizard drawn in Microsoft Paint by a user named Mavensbot. It helped double the subreddit’s user base from 37,000 to over 74,000 and became a symbol of Bitcoin’s early internet culture. Taproot Wizard #0001 pays homage to this meme, replacing “Magic Internet Money” with “Magic Internet JPEGs.”

Who Created Taproot Wizards?

Taproot Wizards was founded by Udi Wertheimer, Eric Wall, and OxFAR. The team believes that Bitcoin’s early culture of innovation has been replaced by rigid maximalism. With Taproot Wizards, they aim to reignite the spirit of experimentation and open development.

In February 2023, they inscribed Taproot Wizard #0001 using a 3.96 MB block, the largest block in Bitcoin history by that time — nearly maxing out the 4 MB limit. The inscription occupied 99% of the block’s space, symbolizing the creative potential unlocked by the Taproot upgrade.

Their message is clear: Bitcoin isn’t just digital gold — it’s programmable magic.

What Are Quantum Cats?

Before Taproot Wizards, the team launched Quantum Cats first, a collection of 3,333 Ordinals inscribed on Bitcoin. Quantum Cats are tributes to OP_CAT, a proposed Bitcoin script opcode originally disabled by Satoshi in 2010.

Quantum Cats leverage Evolving Inscriptions, making them dynamic rather than static — a technical innovation that aligns with the themes of change and experimentation the collection celebrates. Each cat references Bitcoin culture, meme history, and advanced scripting capabilities.

The public sale launched on February 5, 2024, with all 3,000 cats selling out, raising approximately $13 million. Despite some early delays, the successful mint was a major milestone for Ordinals.

Why Are These Collections So Popular?

Taproot Wizards and Quantum Cats aren’t just JPEGs. They represent a rebellion against Bitcoin conservatism and an embrace of art, memes, and on-chain culture. Both collections:

• Utilize Bitcoin’s Taproot upgrade for expressive, permanent inscriptions

• Pay homage to early internet and Bitcoin meme culture

• Spark discourse on what Bitcoin can and should become

The creators often dress in wizard costumes, organize viral campaigns, and challenge cultural norms in the Bitcoin space. Events like Wizard School require users to complete quests — both creative and technical — to earn whitelist spots.

This fusion of fun, tech, and cultural critique has helped them stand out in the Ordinals ecosystem.

Quantum Cats at Sotheby’s

In a historic moment for Bitcoin digital art, a Quantum Cat sold for $250,000 at Sotheby’s, one of the world’s most prestigious auction houses. This sale highlights the growing legitimacy of Ordinals as fine art and pushes Bitcoin further into mainstream digital culture.

Using Taproot Wizards in Bitcoin DeFi

Holders of Taproot Wizards can now put their magical JPEGs to work on platforms like Liquidium.wtf.

• Borrow BTC using your Taproot Wizard or Quantum Cats as collateral

• Earn interest by lending BTC against premium Ordinals

This turns historically significant, culturally rich artifacts into financial primitives — enabling holders to stay long on Ordinals while accessing liquidity.

Taproot Wizards and Quantum Cats are more than just PFPs. They’re blue-chip artifacts in the Bitcoin NFT space and symbols of a resurgent Bitcoin culture — one that values openness, creativity, and memes.

Whether you’re here for the pixel art or the philosophical battle between maximalists and meme lords, one thing’s clear: Bitcoin is getting weird again — and that’s a good thing.

Explore BTC loans backed by Taproot Wizards and Quantum Cats today at Liquidium.wtf

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many Taproot Wizards are there?
The collection plans for 2,121 total.

What is the origin of Taproot Wizards?
Inspired by a 2013 Bitcoin meme, it was created by Udi Wertheimer, Eric Wall, and OxFAR to revive innovation in Bitcoin culture.

What is OP_CAT and how does it relate to Quantum Cats?
OP_CAT is a disabled Bitcoin opcode proposed for reactivation. Quantum Cats pay tribute to its potential by exploring dynamic, evolving Ordinals.

Where can I buy a Taproot Wizard or Quantum Cat?
You can find them on Ordinals marketplaces or through official Taproot Wizards releases.

Can I use these Ordinals in DeFi?
Yes — you can borrow BTC using them as collateral on Liquidium.wtf, unlocking real yield from your digital artifacts.