Who Is Elin Zetterstrand? Everything About Markus Persson’s Ex-Wife and Her Private Life

Elin Zetterstrand is a Swedish computer programmer and artist who gained public attention as the ex-wife of Markus “Notch” Persson, the creator of the legendary video game Minecraft. Known by her online username “Ez,” she was once an active part of the Minecraft community and contributed to building the early culture around the game. However, after her short marriage to Markus, Elin decided to live away from fame and lead a quiet life. Apart from her connection with the gaming world, she is also known for her battle with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), a condition that deeply affects her daily life. Here’s a detailed look at Elin Zetterstrand’s life — from her early years in Sweden to her marriage, motherhood, and beyond.

Profile Summary: Elin Zetterstrand

Early Life and Background

Elin Zetterstrand was born on November 9, 1981, in Stockholm, Sweden, into a creative and intelligent family. Although she prefers privacy and keeps her personal background away from the spotlight, it is known that her parents raised her and her brother in a supportive environment that valued both art and education. Her brother, Kristoffer Zetterstrand, is a well-known Swedish artist who designed all the paintings in Minecraft, except for the wither paintings. His unique blend of classical art with modern digital themes influenced Elin and helped shape her creative outlook. Growing up in such a creative family likely encouraged Elin’s own interest in computer programming and design.

For her education, Elin studied in Stockholm and later pursued a degree in computer programming. She was a bright and curious student who had a strong interest in technology and art. After completing her programming studies, she reportedly went on to study Philosophy in Science, showing her diverse intellectual interests. Her educational background perfectly blended logic, creativity, and analytical skills — qualities that shaped her professional journey later in life.

Career and Professional Life

Before gaining attention as Markus Persson’s wife, Elin Zetterstrand had already built a reputation as a talented computer programmer. She worked in the technology field and was involved with the Minecraft community from its early days. Using her online username “Ez”, she became a well-known moderator in the Minecraft forums. Many early Minecraft players remember her as a kind and respected presence who helped keep the community running smoothly.

Her work as a programmer and her involvement with Minecraft showed her strong technical understanding and leadership skills. She was part of a growing online culture around gaming and programming during the 2000s, and her contributions helped shape the social side of one of the most successful games in history. Although there is limited public information about her professional career after her marriage ended, reports suggest that she continued working as a programmer for some time and also explored other intellectual interests. In 2020, she studied Philosophy in Science, which shows her dedication to learning and expanding her understanding of the world.

Marriage to Markus Persson

Elin Zetterstrand’s life changed when she met Markus “Notch” Persson, the Swedish video game programmer and designer who created Minecraft. The two reportedly met through their shared interests in technology and creativity, possibly through Markus’s gaming company, Mojang. After dating for several years, they decided to take their relationship to the next level. On August 13, 2011, Elin and Markus got married in Stockholm, Sweden, in a private ceremony attended only by close friends and family.

At that time, Minecraft was already one of the most talked-about games in the world, and Markus’s fame was growing rapidly. The news of their marriage attracted global media attention, and fans of Minecraft were curious to learn about Markus’s new wife. Despite the attention, Elin maintained her calm and chose to stay private rather than become a celebrity. She preferred a peaceful life away from cameras, which contrasted sharply with Markus’s rising public profile as the creator of one of the most popular video games of all time.

Divorce and Custody

Unfortunately, Elin Zetterstrand and Markus Persson’s marriage did not last long. After only about a year of marriage, the couple began facing personal challenges that eventually led to their separation. In July 2012, Elin filed for divorce, and the process was finalized in March 2013. The exact reasons for their divorce were never revealed, as both Elin and Markus preferred to keep their personal matters private. However, they continued to maintain mutual respect for each other, especially for the sake of their child.

Following the divorce, Markus reportedly agreed to pay £4,000 (approximately $5,300) every month as child support for their daughter. The pair also had a prenup agreement, ensuring that Markus’s wealth — which skyrocketed after he sold Minecraft to Microsoft for $2.5 billion in 2014 — remained separate property. Despite their split, both Elin and Markus tried to prioritize their daughter’s well-being. Markus eventually moved out of his Stockholm home, while Elin chose to focus on her family and live a quiet, private life.

Motherhood: Meet Her Daughter

Elin Zetterstrand is a proud and loving mother. In 2012, she gave birth to her daughter, Minna Almina Zelda Zetterstrand, with Markus Persson. The name of her daughter reflects the couple’s shared love for gaming and creativity — the middle names Almina and Zelda are inspired by famous Nintendo characters. Elin has dedicated much of her life to raising her daughter and ensuring that she grows up away from the public eye.

Unlike many celebrity families, Elin and Markus have chosen to keep Minna’s life completely private, protecting her from unnecessary media attention. It is believed that Minna lives with her mother in Sweden, while Markus continues to provide support as a father. Elin’s role as a single mother is one of the most defining parts of her life, and she takes pride in balancing motherhood with her health and career.

Health Condition: ME/CFS Awareness

One of the most challenging parts of Elin Zetterstrand’s life has been her struggle with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). This is a long-term illness that causes extreme fatigue, muscle pain, and cognitive difficulties. People who suffer from ME/CFS often experience exhaustion even after rest, making it hard to perform daily activities. In severe cases, it can confine a person to bed for long periods.

Elin has openly shared her experience with this condition, raising awareness about ME/CFS through her Twitter account, especially during ME/CFS Awareness Month in August 2019. Her advocacy work has helped educate others about the struggles faced by people living with chronic fatigue. Despite her illness, Elin continues to live with determination and positivity, showing great resilience while balancing her role as a mother and a survivor of a life-altering disease.

Net Worth and Lifestyle

Elin Zetterstrand’s net worth has been a subject of curiosity since her marriage to Markus Persson. While Markus became a billionaire after selling Minecraft to Microsoft, Elin has maintained a much simpler lifestyle. Her estimated net worth is between $200,000 and $1 million, which includes her earnings from her programming career, possible settlement from the divorce, and minor social media income.

Elin’s lifestyle stands in sharp contrast to her ex-husband’s. Markus, known for his extravagant spending, once bought a $70 million mansion in Beverly Hills. In contrast, Elin prefers a quiet, low-profile life in Sweden. She is focused on raising her daughter, maintaining her health, and staying out of the public spotlight. Her values of privacy, simplicity, and peace reflect her desire to lead a meaningful life beyond fame or wealth.

Where Is Elin Zetterstrand Now?

As of today, Elin Zetterstrand continues to live a peaceful life in Sweden, away from the glitz of the media world. She has no active public social media accounts and rarely appears in the news. Her main focus appears to be her daughter and her personal well-being. Elin occasionally participates in online discussions related to ME/CFS awareness and intellectual subjects such as science and philosophy, but she avoids public appearances.

Her decision to live privately reflects her strong personality and independence. She has successfully distanced herself from fame and has built a life centered on family, self-growth, and inner peace. While her name may always be linked to Markus Persson, Elin’s life story stands on its own as an example of quiet strength and resilience.

Lesser-Known Facts About Elin Zetterstrand

1. Elin’s Minecraft username was “Ez,” and she was a popular forum moderator.

2. Her brother, Kristoffer Zetterstrand, designed all the paintings in Minecraft.

3. She holds degrees in Computer Programming and Philosophy in Science.

4. Elin suffers from ME/CFS, a chronic fatigue syndrome.

5. She named her daughter after Nintendo game characters.

6. Despite being once married to a billionaire, she now lives a modest life.

7. She values privacy and avoids all major social media platforms.

8. Elin once actively promoted awareness for ME/CFS through Twitter campaigns.

Conclusion

Elin Zetterstrand’s life is a story of quiet courage and dignity. Once known as the wife of Minecraft’s creator, she has chosen to step away from fame and focus on what truly matters — her health, her daughter, and her peace of mind. From being a respected Minecraft community member to an advocate for ME/CFS awareness, Elin has shown strength, intelligence, and independence. Her journey proves that even in a world filled with wealth and fame, living simply and authentically can be the greatest success of all.

FAQs About Elin Zetterstrand

1. Who is Elin Zetterstrand?
Elin Zetterstrand is a Swedish computer programmer best known as the ex-wife of Markus “Notch” Persson, the creator of Minecraft. She was also a former Minecraft community moderator known by the username “Ez.”

2. When was Elin Zetterstrand born?
Elin Zetterstrand was born on November 9, 1981, in Stockholm, Sweden. As of 2025, she is 44 years old.

3. Does Elin Zetterstrand have any children?
Yes, Elin Zetterstrand has one daughter named Minna Almina Zelda Zetterstrand, born in 2012 with her ex-husband Markus Persson.

4. What health condition does Elin Zetterstrand have?
Elin Zetterstrand suffers from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), a long-term illness that causes extreme fatigue and reduced ability to carry out daily activities.

5. Where is Elin Zetterstrand now?
Elin Zetterstrand currently lives in Sweden, leading a quiet and private life focused on her health, personal growth, and raising her daughter away from public attention.

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