Elon Musk has once again found himself at the center of internet controversy — but this time, it’s not about rockets or social media. The world’s richest man has riled up a passionate and deeply scrutinizing community: gamers.
In recent livestreams, Musk showcased gameplay from Path of Exile 2, an online action RPG with complex mechanics and a fiercely competitive community. However, several prominent voices in the gaming world now accuse Musk of faking his gaming prowess by either account boosting or having someone else play for him — a serious offense in the world of online gaming ethics.
Top Characters, Poor Play?
The controversy began after Musk played Path of Exile 2 on hardcore mode, where player deaths are permanent. Two characters tied to Musk were ranked among the top 100 globally — an achievement typically requiring dozens or even hundreds of hours of skilled gameplay. However, viewers noticed glaring errors, such as ignoring rare in-game loot and showcasing below-average tactics.
This inconsistency led to rampant speculation on forums like Reddit, where users claimed Musk was either boosted (a practice where another player levels up your character) or using someone else’s account entirely. Theories multiplied after top content creators began weighing in.
Gaming Community Responds
YouTube personality Zack Hoyt, aka Asmongold, with over 3 million subscribers, criticized Musk publicly:
“I’m a huge fan of Elon Musk — but this is embarrassing and very silly. It makes him look bad and it’s for absolutely no reason. It’s of no consequence and it achieves no goal.”
Other creators like Charlie White Jr., known online as MoistCr1TiKaL, also pointed to Musk’s past claims of being in the top 20 in Diablo IV, saying the skillset should translate to Path of Exile 2 — but clearly didn’t.
Musk Fires Back
Musk didn’t stay silent. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he lashed out at critics like Hoyt, accusing them of being good at “caustic commentary” but not much else. He also unfollowed Hoyt and removed his blue checkmark — which has since been restored.
In another post, Musk defended his gaming, saying:
“I do play video games as my one recreational activity to quiet my mind. Some days are real tough, so playing video games is my strange solace.”
Gaming Culture and “Earned Respect”
The gaming community operates with an informal but deeply respected code: skill is earned, not bought. High-ranking characters must be the result of effort and mastery — anything else is frowned upon. Boosting is seen as cheating, and famous individuals claiming elite status without proof often face backlash.
This isn’t Musk’s first brush with gaming controversy. Back in 2022, his Elden Ring character was mocked for inefficient builds that contradicted expert strategies, like carrying two heavy swords and two shields on a magic-based character.
How Does He Find the Time?
Critics also question how Musk balances intense gaming with his roles at SpaceX, X, and the newly announced Department of Government Efficiency under the Trump administration. If he’s not being boosted, is he shirking real-world responsibilities to level up?
The Verdict?
Whether Musk is truly an elite gamer or just enjoys casual play remains unclear. But what is certain is that in gaming — unlike business or politics — skills speak louder than names. And when you enter a game like Path of Exile 2, you’re just another player on the battlefield.
Quick Recap
- Game: Path of Exile 2 (hardcore mode)
- Accusations: Account boosting, poor skill despite top-tier characters
- Critics: Asmongold, MoistCr1TiKaL, Reddit community
- Musk’s Response: Defensive posts on X, personal retorts
- Larger Issue: Trust and authenticity in online gaming
As this digital drama unfolds, it’s a reminder that in the realm of gaming, reputation must be earned pixel by pixel.
