The status of Elon Musk as a self-proclaimed world-class gamer has taken a hit after a public clash with Twitch streamer Asmongold, who challenged him to prove his skills in exchange for streaming exclusively on X for a year.
Instead of stepping up to the challenge and potentially drawing Asmongoldโs 3.6 million followers to X, Musk chose a different pathโleaking private messages and stripping the streamer of his verification badge. The badge allows ad revenue sharing.
Luring Twitch Creators to X
This incident adds another twist to Muskโs ongoing campaign to lure Twitch creators to X. Musk has recently criticized Amazonโs platform over adult contentโironically, just before allowing similar content on X.
In a series of tweets, Musk claimed, โAsmon behaves like a maverick โindependent,โ but in reality has to ask his boss for permission before he can do anything. He is not his own man.โ
These tweets, which included the leaked messages, were quickly flagged with Community Notes for spreading disinformation.
Despite Muskโs track record of suspending accounts when conflicts arise, Asmongoldโs account remained active, and his checkmark was quietly restored without explanation.
Fortune reached out to Musk via X for comment but has not yet received a response.
Skepticism Over Musk
Muskโs alleged ranking as a top-tier player in games like Diablo IV or Path of Exile 2 might seem like a trivial matter for someone celebrated as one of the most influential innovators of his generation.
However, the controversy raises larger questions about his credibility.
If Musk, who once fought to be recognized as a Tesla co-founder, isnโt transparent about something as minor as gaming, it invites skepticism about his honesty on weightier issues.
The criticism escalated earlier this month after Musk hosted a gaming livestream.
Instead of showcasing elite-level gameplay, the stream inadvertently highlighted his lack of expertise. Had Musk simply presented himself as a casual gamer, the community might have forgiven a boosted account.
But his grandiose claims have sparked widespread scrutiny.
โIt was stupid for him to have done this. The fact is people respect authenticity more than they respect success,โ Asmongold said in a video this week. โIt just makes him look like an insecure a–hole.โ
is @ElonMusk lying about being good at video games? pic.twitter.com/TDGb4vsgXf
โ Quin (@quinrex) January 11, 2025
The fallout has been harsh, with gamers roasting Musk for targeting Asmongold. โThis is a legendary meltdown, abuse of his power, & exactly what the left does,โ wrote The Quartering, a popular commentator in the gaming community.
Elon Musk Has A MELTDOWN & Leaks DM’s, Matt Walsh Vs OF Girls, & the WORST Video We’ve Ever Seen! https://t.co/j3NQRzlIwA
โ TheQuartering (@TheQuartering) January 16, 2025
This backlash is notable, given Muskโs historically strong support from gamers. Many in the community once viewed him as a kindred spiritโa fellow outsider challenging establishment norms. Long before Musk openly criticized diversity initiatives and political correctness, gamers rallied against similar themes being imposed on their medium, as seen in controversies surrounding games like Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
Shattered Perception
However, gamers value authenticity above all else.
For many, Muskโs recent actions have shattered the perception of him as a relatable figure. โIโm a huge fan of Elon Muskโbut this is embarrassing and very silly,โ Asmongold remarked in his Monday video.
โIt makes him look bad, itโs of no consequence, and it achieves no goal.โ
Ultimately, Muskโs gaming controversy underscores a universal truth: even the most successful figures can fall out of favor when they lose sight of authenticity. In a community that prizes passion over status, Muskโs missteps serve as a reminder that credibility, once lost, is hard to regain.
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