Elon Musk’s Claim to Quake Fame Met With Skepticism
Billionaire and tech mogul Elon Musk has made the bold claim that he was once among the world’s elite Quake players, boasting that he even won money from tournaments. This statement, which surfaced during an interview with podcaster Lex Fridman, was met with a mix of amusement and skepticism. Musk, known for his ventures into space with SpaceX and electric vehicles with Tesla, also shared insights into his broader gaming habits, including his experiences with the highly anticipated Diablo 4.
Despite the incredulous reactions, Musk’s gaming anecdotes paint a picture of a man who has long found solace in the digital realm, stating, “Killing the demons in a videogame calms the demons in my mind.” His passion for gaming, especially in the realm of first-person shooters like Quake, has been a significant part of his recreational activities over the years.
Elon Musk’s Gaming Prowess and Community Reactions
Reflecting on his Quake playing days, Elon Musk reminisced about being a formidable competitor in what he believes was one of the first paid esports tournaments in the US. Despite his team only securing second place due to a teammate’s computer crash, Musk confidently stated that he had “skills” from his time as a gamer. The gaming community, however, has been quick to cast doubt on the veracity of these claims.
Adding to the narrative, esports legend Dennis ‘Thresh’ Fong, recognized as one of the best Quake players of the ’90s, acknowledged Musk’s presence in the gaming scene. Fong recalled seeing Musk, who went by the username ‘Zip2’, on the same Quake server almost daily. While Fong noted that Musk “wasn’t very good,” he affirmed that Musk is indeed an original gamer (OG) and a legitimate part of the gaming community.
The lack of comprehensive record-keeping from the competitive gaming scene of the 1990s makes it challenging to verify claims like Musk’s. However, the anecdotes from respected figures like Fong lend some credibility to Musk’s assertions of his gaming past.
Tim Willits, former studio head at id Software, also chimed in on the conversation, challenging Musk to a match in Quake and asserting his own prowess in the game.
Current Gaming Interests
Despite his storied past with Quake, Elon Musk has shifted his gaming focus to the world of Diablo 4. Musk shared his frustrations with the game, particularly his challenges in defeating Lilith as a druid. He humorously advised against playing as a druid, suggesting that the sorcerer, with their “huge balls of lightning,” is currently the most powerful character in the seasonal game.
The character classes mentioned by Musk include:
- Druid
- Sorcerer
Musk’s engagement with Diablo 4 demonstrates his continued passion for gaming and provides a glimpse into the preferences of one of the tech industry’s most influential figures.
Elon Musk’s Enduring Gaming Legacy and Diablo 4 Challenges
Despite the mixed reactions to his claims about his Quake prowess, Elon Musk remains a prominent figure in the gaming community. His candid discussions about his current gaming struggles with Diablo 4 resonate with many gamers who face similar challenges. Musk’s continued engagement with video games underscores the enduring appeal of gaming across different generations and professional backgrounds.
As Musk battles the virtual demons of Diablo 4, his experiences remind us that even industry titans can find themselves vexed by the complexities and challenges of modern video games.
