The Surprising Hobbies of Big Tech Leaders

Tim Cook: A Passion for Hiking and Cycling

Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, has made a name for himself not only as a business leader but also as an avid outdoor enthusiast. While Cook is known for being a private individual, his love for hiking and cycling is well documented. In 2014, The Wall Street Journal shared that Yosemite and Zion National Parks are among Cook’s favorite places to relax. These iconic destinations offer Cook the opportunity to disconnect from the high-pressure world of technology and enjoy the peace and beauty of nature.

Cook’s interest in outdoor activities isn’t just about relaxation; it’s part of a broader commitment to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. Hiking through rugged terrains and cycling through scenic trails allows him to clear his mind, reset, and prepare for the challenges of leading one of the world’s most influential companies. It’s clear that Cook sees physical activity not just as a hobby but as a vital part of his well-being.

Mark Zuckerberg: Mixed Martial Arts Enthusiast

Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, is well-known for his frequent activity on social media, where he often shares glimpses of his personal life. One of the most surprising hobbies that Zuckerberg enjoys is mixed martial arts (MMA). He has been practicing and competing in the sport, regularly posting about his training sessions and victories. His commitment to MMA isn’t just a casual pastime; Zuckerberg has even faced injuries during his UFC matches, which forced him to step back for a time.

Zuckerberg’s passion for MMA highlights his drive and determination, which align with his leadership style at Meta. It’s no surprise that the CEO of one of the largest tech companies in the world has such a competitive side. Training in martial arts not only helps him stay physically fit but also offers a challenging mental workout that enhances his focus and resilience in his professional life. Zuckerberg’s enthusiasm for MMA serves as a reminder that even the most powerful tech figures need a way to channel their energy and competitiveness outside of the office.

Jeff Bezos: Fitness and Strength Training Fanatic

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is another tech leader who has made fitness a major part of his personal life. In fact, his impressive physique speaks volumes about his dedication to staying in peak physical condition. Vogue once described Bezos as “a monster in the gym,” a nickname that reflects his rigorous workout routine. Bezos is particularly interested in high-resistance exercises, such as weightlifting and rowing, which contribute to his strength and endurance.

Bezos’s fitness regime has become well-known, and it has played a key role in his physical transformation over the years. His workouts go beyond just looking good; they are a way for him to maintain mental clarity and strength to handle the enormous demands of running Amazon. Bezos’s approach to fitness demonstrates that he believes in taking care of his body, just as he takes care of his business. For him, fitness isn’t just a hobby—it’s an essential part of his daily routine, helping him stay sharp, focused, and prepared for the challenges of the tech world.

Sundar Pichai: A Loyal Football Fan

Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Alphabet (Google’s parent company), is another tech leader who finds joy in sports, particularly football (or soccer, as it’s known in the U.S.). Pichai is an ardent supporter of FC Barcelona, one of the world’s top football clubs, and has openly shared his love for the sport. In 2017, he posted on Instagram about visiting the Nou Camp stadium, where he had the opportunity to meet the legendary Lionel Messi.

Pichai’s passion for football is more than just casual fandom; it’s a reflection of his appreciation for teamwork, strategy, and performance—qualities that are essential for his role at Alphabet. His devotion to the sport has made him an even more relatable figure for many fans, both of football and technology. Pichai’s connection to Barcelona and football as a whole also highlights his global perspective and deep engagement with cultures outside of the tech world.

Bill Gates: A Collector of Luxury Cars

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, is well-known for his wealth, but what many may not know is his passion for luxury cars. Gates has a particular fondness for Porsche vehicles, and in 1979, he purchased his first Porsche 911, marking the beginning of his impressive car collection. Over the years, his collection has grown to include a variety of high-end, luxury cars, with Porsche models being at the forefront.

Gates’s interest in luxury cars is more than just about owning expensive items; it’s about appreciating the craftsmanship, engineering, and history behind each vehicle. For Gates, collecting cars is a hobby that aligns with his meticulous attention to detail and his appreciation for innovation. His extensive collection reflects his sophisticated taste and provides a way to indulge in a personal passion that contrasts with his otherwise tech-heavy lifestyle.

Elon Musk: A Gaming Enthusiast with a Competitive Edge

While Elon Musk is frequently active on social media, particularly on platform X (formerly known as Twitter), he also enjoys spending his downtime playing video games. Musk’s ex-girlfriend, Claire Boucher, once revealed that Musk was an avid gamer, particularly when it came to the game Elden Ring. When the game was released, Musk reportedly spent an entire night playing it, highlighting his love for immersive, challenging gameplay.

Gaming allows Musk to unwind, but it also serves as an outlet for his competitive nature. As someone who runs multiple tech companies, Musk’s interest in video games may seem like a surprising hobby, but it reflects his love for complex systems, innovation, and the thrill of competition. Gaming is a way for Musk to escape the pressures of his business empire and engage with creative, interactive environments in his free time.

Sam Altman: Doomsday Prepper and Car Collector

Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has an eccentric and intriguing hobby: preparing for the apocalypse. In a 2016 interview with The New Yorker, Altman revealed that he had assembled a “doomsday arsenal,” which includes antibiotics, weapons, gold, potassium iodide, batteries, and water. While some may find this hobby strange, Altman sees it as part of a larger interest in survivalism and self-sufficiency.

In addition to preparing for an uncertain future, Altman is also a collector of high-end racing cars, including two McLarens and a Tesla. These cars reflect his interest in speed, engineering, and the thrill of the race. Altman’s unique combination of doomsday prep and luxury car collecting shows that, like many of his peers, he has a wide range of interests outside of his professional life. Whether he’s stockpiling for the future or racing on the track, Altman’s hobbies speak to his desire for both preparedness and excitement.

A Glimpse into the Personal Lives of Tech Leaders

The tech industry’s most influential figures are known for their innovative ideas and groundbreaking work, but their hobbies reveal a more personal side. Whether they’re into outdoor adventures, martial arts, fitness, football, luxury cars, gaming, or even doomsday prep, these tech moguls show that everyone needs a way to unwind. Their hobbies not only reflect their diverse personalities but also offer a glimpse into how they stay grounded while leading some of the world’s most successful companies.