Elon Musk vs Asmongold: The Clash Over Gaming Credibility

2025-01-18

The world of gaming and tech collided recently when Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, found himself in a heated public spat with Zack “Asmongold,” one of Twitch’s most popular streamers. The controversy began when Asmongold and other gamers questioned Musk’s gaming skills, specifically his performance in Path of Exile 2. The allegations sparked a fiery exchange on X (formerly Twitter), with Musk sharing private messages and making bold claims about Asmongold’s independence.

The Controversy Unpacked

The drama unfolded after Musk showcased his in-game character during a live stream. While some viewers were impressed, others—including Asmongold—were skeptical. Asmongold, known for his candid commentary, openly doubted Musk’s gaming abilities, suggesting that the billionaire might have purchased a high-level account or received assistance to boost his performance.

“There’s no way he played that account. I’m sorry. I think he bought the account or somebody played it for him a hundred fking percent,” Asmongold said during a live stream. His comments resonated with other gamers, who pointed out inconsistencies in Musk’s gameplay.

Musk, never one to shy away from a public feud, responded by sharing private messages between himself and Asmongold on X. In a now-deleted post, Musk accused Asmongold of lacking independence, claiming that the streamer needed permission from his “boss” to act. “Asmon behaves like a maverick ‘independent,’ but in reality, he has to ask his boss for permission before he can do anything. He is not his own man,” Musk wrote.

Community Notes and Backlash

Musk’s posts quickly drew criticism, with X’s Community Notes feature flagging his claims as misleading. One note clarified, “Elon Musk seems to think Asmongold is an employee with editors overseeing him. That’s incorrect. Asmongold’s ‘editors’ are actually his employees—they edit/upload his content for a revenue share. They don’t control what he does.”

The feud took another turn when Musk unfollowed Asmongold on X, leading to the streamer temporarily losing his verified blue checkmark. However, as of the latest updates, the blue tick has been restored to Asmongold’s account.

What Undercode Say:

The clash between Elon Musk and Asmongold highlights the growing intersection of gaming, social media, and celebrity culture. At its core, this controversy is about credibility and authenticity—two values highly prized in the gaming community.

For Musk, the allegations of account boosting strike at the heart of his public persona as a hands-on, tech-savvy innovator. His decision to share private messages and attack Asmongold’s independence reflects a defensive stance, but it also raises questions about his approach to criticism. By engaging in a public feud, Musk risks alienating a segment of his audience who view gaming as a space for camaraderie and fair play.

On the other hand, Asmongold’s skepticism is emblematic of the gaming community’s commitment to transparency. Gamers value skill and dedication, and any hint of unfair advantage can spark intense scrutiny. Asmongold’s willingness to call out Musk—despite the billionaire’s influence—demonstrates the leveling power of online communities, where credibility is earned through actions, not status.

The involvement of X’s Community Notes adds another layer to the story. This feature, designed to combat misinformation, underscores the platform’s evolving role in moderating high-profile disputes. By fact-checking Musk’s claims, X has positioned itself as a neutral arbiter, even when its owner is involved.

Ultimately, this feud is more than just a spat between two personalities—it’s a reflection of broader cultural dynamics. As gaming continues to grow in popularity, it becomes a stage for debates about authenticity, influence, and the power of online communities. Whether Musk’s gaming skills are genuine or not, the controversy has already left a mark, proving that in the digital age, even billionaires aren’t immune to the scrutiny of gamers.

In the end, the Musk-Asmongold saga serves as a reminder that credibility is hard-earned and easily lost. For public figures venturing into new arenas, the rules of engagement are set by the community—and they’re not afraid to enforce them.