Many people search for Elin Zetterstrand because of her link to Markus “Notch” Persson, the creator of Minecraft. But she is more than a famous ex-wife. She is a Swedish programmer, an artist, a former Minecraft community moderator, and a private person who has faced real health challenges.’
Quick Bio of Elin Zetterstrand
| Bio Box | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elin Zetterstrand |
| Nickname / Alias | Ez (Minecraft community) |
| Date of Birth | 9 November 1981 |
| Age (as of 2025) | Around 44 years old |
| Birthplace | Sweden (commonly reported Stockholm) |
| Nationality | Swedish |
| Profession | Computer programmer & artist |
| Famous For | Ex-wife of Markus “Notch” Persson |
| Minecraft Link | Former Minecraft forum moderator (“Ez”) |
| Ex-Husband | Markus Alexej Persson (Notch) |
| Marriage Date | 13 August 2011 |
| Divorce Year | 2012 |
| Family | Daughter: Minna Almina Zelda Zetterstrand (born 2012); Brother: Kristoffer Zetterstrand |
Early life and family background
Elin Zetterstrand was born in Sweden, and most public sources say her birth date is 9 November 1981. She grew up in Stockholm or near it, in a normal Swedish family that stayed out of the media. Her parents’ names are not public, and she has never tried to become a celebrity.
A key part of Elin Zetterstrand’s family story is her brother, Kristoffer Zetterstrand. He is a respected Swedish painter. Many people do not know that several framed artworks inside Minecraft were made by Kristoffer. So the game connects to her family in two ways: through her brother’s paintings and her marriage to Notch.
Education and interests
Elin Zetterstrand studied in Stockholm and later went to university. She learned computer programming, and she finished a degree in that field. Some biographies also say she studied philosophy of science. This shows she enjoys deep thinking, not only coding.
Because of her studies, Elin Zetterstrand developed two strong sides: technical skills and creative interests. She was linked with art education in Stockholm, including mentions of the Royal Institute of Art. That mix of logic and creativity fits well with the early Minecraft world.
Career as a programmer and artist
Before her marriage became news, Elin Zetterstrand worked as a computer programmer. Public sites do not list her company or specific projects. She has always kept her work life private, so we only know the general role, not the exact job details.
Some sources also describe Elin Zetterstrand as an artist. She may not have a public gallery career, but art is clearly important in her family and education. Her quiet approach makes sense for someone who prefers a life away from cameras.
Her role in the Minecraft community
Long-time Minecraft fans remember Elin Zetterstrand by her online nickname “Ez.” She was a moderator and administrator on the official Minecraft forums during the early years of the game. This means she helped manage discussions, supported players, and kept the community safe.
When people search “Elin Zetterstrand Minecraft” or “Elin Zetterstrand and Notch,” they are often looking for this community role. She was not a random outsider; she was part of the game’s world before and during its rise.
How she met Markus Persson
Elin Zetterstrand and Markus Persson dated for around four years. The full story of their first meeting is not public, but they were together while Minecraft was becoming famous. Markus was already a fast-rising game developer, and she was active online as Ez.
Some reports say Markus proposed during a trip to Indonesia. That detail appears in several biographies, though they never gave full personal notes. Their relationship was mostly private until they married.
Marriage to Markus “Notch” Persson
In August 2011, Elin Zetterstrand married Markus in a small, private ceremony. The wedding was not a large media event, and there were few photos. At that time, Markus was already known worldwide as the creator of Minecraft.
Many fans still connect Elin Zetterstrand to the game’s golden early era. She stood beside Notch during a moment when Minecraft was no longer a small indie project but a global cultural hit.
Divorce and separation
The marriage did not last long. In 2012, Elin Zetterstrand and Markus separated and later divorced. Reports say the divorce was announced around August 2012, only about a year after the wedding. The reasons were not shared publicly, and both stayed quiet.
People often search “Elin Zetterstrand divorce” because they want to understand what happened. The best answer is simple: the couple ended the relationship privately, with no major public drama.
Their daughter Minna
In 2012, Elin Zetterstrand and Markus became parents. Their daughter is named Minna Almina Zelda Zetterstrand, often shortened to Minna. Her parents protect her privacy, so only basic facts are known.
After the divorce, Minna reportedly lived mainly with her mother. Markus pays child support, and media sources mention regular payments. Still, exact legal agreements are not public, so we should not treat all numbers as certain facts.
Health and ME/CFS
A major and serious part of Elin Zetterstrand’s life is her health. Several sources say she lives with ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). This illness can cause extreme tiredness, pain, and limits in daily life.
Elin Zetterstrand has spoken online about the condition. She has also criticized weak medical research about ME/CFS, referencing the PACE trial, which many patients say was flawed. Her voice matters because she speaks as a person living the reality, not as a distant observer.
Social media: Twitter/X
If you search “Elin Zetterstrand Twitter,” you will find her most known account. She uses the handle @ezchili on Twitter/X. She joined in 2010 and has posted for years about science, disability, ME/CFS, photography, games, and culture.
Her posts show a thoughtful personality. She does not focus on fame or Minecraft gossip. Instead, she shares ideas, health experiences, and daily reflections. This helps people see her as a real person, not only Notch’s ex-wife.
Instagram and online privacy
Many biographies say Elin Zetterstrand does not have a confirmed public Instagram. Some accounts with her name exist, but they look like fan pages or people reposting old images. She has never promoted an official Instagram link.
This fits her style. She prefers quiet spaces and avoids sharing private family life online. So if you cannot find her on Instagram, that is likely on purpose.
Other platforms
Besides Twitter/X, some sites link Elin Zetterstrand to newer platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky. These accounts also share topics like ME/CFS, disability rights, and science. They look consistent with her public writing style.
Still, she uses these platforms in a normal way, not like a brand. Her content is personal and human, and she stays far from influencer culture.
Net worth: what is real and what is not
A common search is “Elin Zetterstrand net worth.” Many websites guess numbers from $200,000 up to $5 million. But none of these estimates are official. She has no public business records that show her real wealth.
The only confirmed facts are that Elin Zetterstrand worked as a programmer and received child support after divorce. Her ex-husband became extremely rich after Microsoft bought Minecraft for about $2.5 billion. But that does not automatically mean she shares that wealth.
Life after divorce
Since the split, Elin Zetterstrand has lived a very private life in Sweden. She has not done big interviews or public events. Most reports say she focuses on her daughter, her health, and her personal interests.
This silence is not strange. Many people who face chronic illness prefer stable routines and low media pressure. Her quiet life also protects her child from public attention.
Why people remain curious
Even today, fans search “Markus Persson Elin Zetterstrand” and similar phrases. Part of this curiosity comes from Minecraft’s huge cultural impact. Another part is that Elin stayed mostly hidden, which makes people wonder more.
But Elin Zetterstrand is not a mystery celebrity. She is a private Swedish woman with real skills, family ties to art, and strong views about science and health.
Her connection to Minecraft’s history
It is fair to say Elin Zetterstrand is part of Minecraft history, even if she never worked as a game developer. She helped the early forums, knew the creator personally, and came from a family whose art is inside the game.
This makes her a special figure in the Minecraft story. She shows how indie game communities were built by real people, not only by code.
What we can learn from her story
Elin Zetterstrand teaches a quiet lesson. She was close to a world-famous creator, but she never chased fame herself. She built her own path as a programmer and community helper. And when life became hard through illness, she used her voice to speak for patients.
Her story reminds us that behind big tech success, there are many supporting people with their own lives and struggles.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Elin Zetterstrand?
Elin Zetterstrand is a Swedish programmer and artist, best known as the ex-wife of Markus “Notch” Persson. - Was Elin Zetterstrand involved in Minecraft?
Yes. She was an early Minecraft forum moderator and used the nickname “Ez.” - When did Elin Zetterstrand marry Markus Persson?
They married on 13 August 2011 in a private ceremony. - Why did Elin Zetterstrand and Notch divorce?
The couple divorced in 2012, but they did not share public reasons. - Does Elin Zetterstrand have children?
Yes. She has one daughter, Minna Almina Zelda Zetterstrand, born in 2012.
Final thoughts
So, who is Elin Zetterstrand? She is a Swedish programmer and artist, the former wife of Markus “Notch” Persson, and the mother of Minna Almina Zelda Zetterstrand. She helped the Minecraft community early on as Ez, and she now speaks about ME/CFS and science on social media.
If you came here only to read about a divorce, you still leave with a fuller picture. Elin Zetterstrand is not just a headline. She is a real person with talent, family roots in art, and a life that continues beyond Minecraft’s fame.
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