URGENT UPDATE: This year’s Burning Man festival appears to be missing many of its high-profile billionaire attendees, including tech giants like Elon Musk and Sam Altman. As of September 1, 2023, the absence of these renowned figures raises questions about the festival’s allure for the ultra-wealthy.
Burning Man, known for its anti-commercial ethos, has paradoxically attracted some of the richest individuals in the world. In previous years, names like Josh Kushner, Dustin Moskovitz, and the Google cofounders were regulars, often arriving in luxurious RVs or private jets. However, reports indicate that these billionaires are largely absent this year, with many not spotted or posting about their attendance on social media.
The reasons behind this trend may vary. A spokesperson for Josh Kushner noted that he has been “busy” with funding rounds for ventures like Databricks and OpenAI. Additionally, Kushner’s wife, Karlie Kloss, is currently in her third trimester of pregnancy, adding to his responsibilities. Similarly, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who has attended the festival multiple times, is likely preoccupied with his six-month-old baby and the competitive landscape of the AI industry.
Moreover, the festival itself has faced challenges in recent years, including severe weather conditions that have disrupted attendance. Last year, Burning Man was marred by flooding, while this year’s festival has dealt with intermittent closures of the Black Rock City gates due to storms.
The evolving perception of Burning Man among its once-dedicated billionaires could be another factor. As they become more recognized as “Burners,” some may feel that the festival has changed fundamentally, particularly with the advancements in technology they helped create. For instance, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who have not been seen at the event in years, played a significant role in transforming the tech landscape, making their presence at such a countercultural event more complicated.
Despite the general absence of billionaires, there remains a possibility that some may be attending incognito. Burning Man is famous for its elaborate costumes and anonymity, allowing attendees to blend in with the crowd.
One notable figure, Elon Musk, has not yet posted about attending in 2023, although he has been active on social media regarding other matters. If he were to make an appearance later in the festival, it would likely reignite discussions about the cultural significance of Burning Man among the elite.
As the festival unfolds, many are left wondering whether the trend of billionaires skipping out will continue, or if they will reclaim their place in the desert before the event concludes on September 4, 2023.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
