Bitcoin’s Final Bull Run: Slow Climb Expected Before 2026 Peak

The prevailing narrative of explosive, overnight gains in cryptocurrency is being challenged by a more measured forecast for Bitcoin’s next major advance. According to analyst Crypto Waterman, the final leg of the current bull cycle is expected to be a ‘slow and deliberate process,’ potentially unfolding over one to two months. The timeline points toward a completion window in the first quarter of 2026, suggesting a prolonged period of upward pressure rather than a fleeting spike. This outlook necessitates a shift in trader psychology, from anticipating rapid moonshots to preparing for a sustained, volatile climb where patience and strategy will be paramount.

However, the path to this parabolic peak is not expected to be smooth. Crypto Waterman warns of ‘intense market pressure’ designed to push out inexperienced investors before the final surge. This period could feature sudden shakeouts and heightened volatility, testing the resolve of retail traders. The analyst emphasizes that this is a typical market mechanism where ‘smart wallets and BTC whales tend to sell into strength,’ creating downdrafts that can shake out weak hands. For the average investor, this phase represents both a risk of premature exit during euphoria and the danger of becoming a ‘bag holder’ if one overstays the rally’s climax.

In this environment, having a clear exit strategy is as crucial as the initial entry. Crypto Waterman advocates for a methodical, rules-based approach to profit-taking to avoid emotional decision-making. His personal strategy involves selling 25% of his holdings when the price doubles. If Bitcoin triples, he plans to offload 30-40% of his position. The final step involves selling nearly everything if the market feels ‘overheated,’ though he advises retaining a small ‘moonbag’ to capture any remaining, unexpected upside. This phased approach allows investors to systematically lock in gains while remaining partially exposed to the rally’s tail end.

For retail traders without the resources of BTC whales, the analyst suggests a careful strategy of dollar-cost averaging out of positions once gains become significant. He identifies a key signal for starting to reduce exposure: observing coins doubling in a single day, which can indicate overheating. This disciplined framework is designed to counteract the greed that often peaks during market euphoria, helping investors secure profits before a potential reversal. The core principle is to have a pre-defined plan, removing emotion from the critical decision of when to sell.

Positioning for this final run requires strategic accumulation. Crypto Waterman suggests that the next two to three weeks may represent the ‘last chance’ to accumulate Bitcoin at relatively favorable prices before the anticipated parabolic move begins. His guidance stresses the importance of timing, recommending that investors ‘buy Bitcoin during significant dips rather than chasing rising prices.’ He has hinted at having insight into the timing of an expected market shakeout, noting that conditions in the coming days will determine its exact moment, underscoring the need for vigilance and readiness to act.

Navigating the coming volatility demands more than just timing; it requires foundational trading discipline. Crypto Waterman explicitly references the ‘Warren Buffett’ principle of being ‘cautious when others are greedy and opportunistic when others are fearful.’ This mindset is presented as an antidote to the emotional swings that characterize peak market phases. By adhering to this contrarian philosophy, investors can aim to accumulate during fear-driven dips and distribute during greed-fueled rallies, making rational moves as Bitcoin approaches what is projected to be its final bull phase before a new market cycle begins.