Anshe Chung: The First Virtual World Millionaire in Second Life

Who is Anshe Chung? In November 2006 she made headlines as the first person to earn a net worth of over one million US dollars entirely inside a virtual world. Anshe Chung was the avatar of Ailin Graef, a former teacher, in the online world Second Life. Starting with little more than the $9.95 Second Life subscription, she bought virtual land, landscaped and subdivided it, and rented and resold it at a profit. Here’s her story, how the Second Life economy worked, and what has become of it in 2026.

Quick answer: Anshe Chung, the Second Life avatar of Ailin Graef, became the first virtual-world millionaire in 2006 by developing and renting virtual real estate in Second Life over about two and a half years. Her business grew into Anshe Chung Studios, which built 3D environments for companies. Second Life is still running in 2026 with its own Linden dollar economy and a mobile app, though it’s far smaller than the metaverse hype once promised.

How Anshe Chung made a million in a virtual world

• Buy land cheaply: she bought large plots of virtual land from Linden Lab and other residents.
• Develop it: she landscaped plots and added themed buildings, making them more attractive to residents.
• Subdivide, rent and resell: smaller plots were rented or sold at a markup, creating a steady income in Linden dollars.
• Cash out: Linden dollars could be exchanged for US dollars on the LindeX exchange, so virtual profits were real money.

Her success was widely covered, including a BusinessWeek cover story in 2006. The business later became Anshe Chung Studios, which built immersive 3D environments for education, conferencing and corporate customers.

How the Second Life economy works

Second Life, launched by Linden Lab in 2003, lets residents create and own virtual items and land. Residents trade in Linden dollars (L$), which can be bought and sold for real currency. Creators sell clothing, buildings, avatars and experiences in the official Second Life Marketplace.

Second Life in 2026

• Second Life is still online more than 20 years after launch, with a loyal community of creators and residents.
• Linden Lab has launched a mobile app so residents can log in from phones and tablets, not only desktop viewers.
• The wider “metaverse” boom of the early 2020s faded, but virtual goods and creator economies live on in games like Roblox and Fortnite.

You can join for free at SecondLife.com; premium membership adds a land allowance and other perks.

Lessons from the first virtual millionaire

• Early movers in new online platforms can build big businesses, much like the Million Dollar Homepage in 2005.
• Real value came from adding work (design, landscaping, service), not just holding virtual land.
• Platform rules can change overnight, so diversify beyond one platform. Our plan for building an online business covers this.

FAQ

Is Anshe Chung a real person?

Anshe Chung is an avatar. The person behind her is Ailin Graef, who ran the business with her husband Guntram Graef.

Can you still make money in Second Life?

Some creators earn income selling virtual goods and services, but for most people it’s a hobby rather than a living.

Is Second Life free?

Yes, basic accounts are free. Premium memberships and virtual purchases cost money.