Elon Musk, the tech billionaire known for leading SpaceX and X (formerly Twitter), has once again sparked a heated debate—this time in the gaming community. His recent livestreams playing Path of Exile 2, a popular action RPG, have left gamers questioning his true skill level. Is Musk genuinely a top-tier player, or has he received outside help to enhance his in-game performance?
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Gaming Community Questions Musk’s Skills
Musk has frequently expressed his passion for gaming, but his recent gameplay sessions have raised eyebrows. Path of Exile 2 is notorious for its punishing difficulty, and Musk chooses to play in hardcore mode, where character deaths are permanent. Despite these challenges, two of Musk’s characters ranked among the top 100 globally before being eliminated. Such progress usually demands intense dedication and skill, yet Musk’s actual gameplay performance appeared inconsistent with that level of expertise.
Allegations of Account Boosting and Suspicious Gameplay
The controversy escalated after Musk livestreamed Path of Exile 2 on January 7. Soon after, Reddit discussions emerged, speculating that he may have had another skilled player assist him or even played on someone else’s high-ranking account. Well-known gaming personalities, including Zack Hoyt (Asmongold) and Charlie White Jr. (MoistCr1TiKaL), analyzed Musk’s gameplay and pointed out inconsistencies. Their YouTube videos, which gained millions of views, highlighted moments where Musk overlooked valuable in-game items—something an experienced player would not typically do.
Hoyt voiced his disappointment, saying, “I’m a huge fan of Elon Musk, but this is embarrassing and unnecessary. It serves no real purpose and only damages his credibility.” Many gamers echoed his thoughts, emphasizing that true gaming reputation is built through skill and dedication, not status or wealth.
Musk’s Response to the Backlash
Instead of ignoring the allegations, Musk directly addressed them on X. He defended his gaming prowess and even took jabs at Hoyt, suggesting that the YouTuber excelled at commentary but not at actually playing games. The situation escalated further when Hoyt revealed that Musk unfollowed him and briefly removed his verified status on X.
Musk’s History of Gaming Controversies
This is not the first time Musk’s gaming claims have been scrutinized. In 2022, gamers criticized his Elden Ring build, which featured an unconventional combination of heavy swords and shields for a magic-based character—raising doubts about his true understanding of the game mechanics.
In 2023, Musk made another bold claim during The Joe Rogan Experience, stating that he ranked among the top 20 players worldwide in Diablo IV. However, White Jr. challenged this assertion, arguing that if Musk was indeed an elite Diablo IV player, his Path of Exile 2 gameplay should have demonstrated much higher skill.
Balancing Business, Government, and Gaming
Another pressing question is how Musk finds the time to engage in extensive gaming sessions while managing multiple high-profile responsibilities. As the CEO of SpaceX and X, and with his new advisory role in the U.S. government overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency, his schedule is packed. Critics argue that if Musk truly dedicates significant time to gaming, it could raise concerns about his commitment to his business and governmental duties.
Musk addressed these concerns in a post on X, stating, “I do play video games as my one recreational activity to quiet my mind. Some days are tough, so gaming is my solace.” While this explanation sheds light on his motivations, it has not completely silenced skepticism regarding how he balances gaming with his leadership roles.
The Gaming Community’s Standards and Ethics
The gaming world values authenticity, skill, and dedication. High-ranking players invest countless hours honing their abilities, and any suggestion of shortcutting this process—whether through account boosting or external help—can tarnish a gamer’s reputation.
Musk’s latest gaming controversy highlights the importance of credibility within the gaming community. While he remains a tech icon, his self-proclaimed elite gamer status is under increasing scrutiny. Whether his achievements in Path of Exile 2 are genuine or not, the debate underscores the gaming culture’s deep-rooted emphasis on merit over celebrity status.
