Elon Musk, a name synonymous with innovation and controversy, has long been a prominent figure not just in the realms of technology and business but also in the gaming world.
Known for his interests in popular titles like Overwatch, Diablo 4, and Path of Exile 2, Musk has often flaunted his gaming achievements online. However, his recent foray into Path of Exile 2 has sparked widespread debate among gamers, streamers, and fans alike, as accusations of “boosting” have cast a shadow over his supposed gaming prowess.
On January 7, 2025, Musk surprised the online gaming community by live-streaming Path of Exile 2 gameplay on X.com. Using an account named “Percy_Verence,” Musk showcased his character, which had impressively reached the top 15 hardcore ranking—a feat requiring an immense amount of skill, dedication, and time.
His account played on a map titled “Elon’s Map” and featured an arsenal of rare and powerful items. However, Musk’s commentary about the equipment being insufficiently leveled and his apparent lack of familiarity with certain game mechanics raised eyebrows.
Particularly telling was his decision to bypass Chaos Orbs, a valuable resource in the game, which puzzled seasoned players who argued that a truly skilled Path of Exile 2 player would never overlook such items.
The inconsistencies didn’t go unnoticed by viewers, who began questioning the legitimacy of Musk’s achievements. For a man juggling the demands of running multiple high-profile companies, skeptics pointed out that dedicating the hundreds of hours necessary to organically reach such an elite level in a complex game seemed improbable.
Path of Exile 2 is notorious for its intricate leveling systems, which require meticulous planning, efficient farming, and in-depth understanding of the game’s mechanics to succeed. With over 12 character classes, 1,500 unique skills, and hundreds of bosses and items to master, many doubted Musk could balance these gaming commitments alongside his corporate responsibilities.
Streamers, too, chimed in on the debate. One notable critic was the popular streamer Asmongold, who reacted to Musk’s gameplay with skepticism.
In an unexpected escalation, Musk leaked his private direct messages with Asmongold and subsequently unfollowed him on X.com. Following this incident, Asmongold’s verification checkmark on the platform was removed, leading fans to speculate about potential retaliation by Musk.
The drama sparked heated conversations across social media, with many accusing Musk of abusing his influence, while others defended his actions, suggesting he was merely reacting to criticism.
This isn’t Musk’s first brush with gaming controversy. Back in November 2024, he claimed to be one of the top players in Diablo 4 during a podcast appearance. He later shared a video clip of himself clearing the notoriously difficult Tier 150 Artificer’s Pit in under two minutes, a feat that would place him among the game’s elite.
However, the official Diablo 4 leaderboard did not validate his run, citing a lack of necessary verification. Though the platform did not explicitly accuse Musk of foul play, runs are typically rejected if found to be illegitimate or inadequately documented.
This incident, coupled with the recent allegations in Path of Exile 2, has led many to question Musk’s integrity when it comes to his gaming accomplishments.
Boosting accusations have long plagued the gaming community, especially in competitive and highly complex games like Path of Exile 2. For those unfamiliar, “boosting” refers to the practice of paying or relying on others to enhance a player’s account or progress.
While Musk has denied such allegations, his behavior during the live stream—combined with his previous controversies—has done little to dispel the suspicions. Fans and critics alike argue that Musk’s gaming achievements, like his business ventures, often come with an air of mystery and controversy.
Despite the backlash, Musk’s gaming endeavors have undeniably drawn attention to Path of Exile 2 and other titles, sparking discussions about the balance of gaming and professional commitments.
The mogul’s involvement in the gaming scene, whether genuine or contrived, has amplified interest in these games, with many curious to see how the drama unfolds. As for Musk, his next moves in the gaming world remain uncertain, but one thing is clear: his every action will continue to be scrutinized by an ever-watchful audience.
In the end, the controversy surrounding Musk’s gaming skills highlights a broader conversation about authenticity and merit in the digital age. Whether Musk’s achievements are legitimate or embellished, his involvement underscores the growing intersection of celebrity culture and gaming, where the lines between entertainment, skill, and spectacle often blur.