Musk loses richest person for a short moment on September 10, 2025, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison eclipsed Elon Musk as the world’s richest person. Oracle’s stock rocketed by over 36 percent after a stellar earnings report tied to massive AI and cloud deals. That surge added roughly $100 billion to Ellison’s net worth, putting him just ahead of Musk for a moment.
What Propelled Ellison Ahead and How Musk Regained the Spot
Ellison’s wealth soared as Oracle unveiled over $300 billion in new contracts from AI giants like OpenAI, Meta, Nvidia, and Musk’s own xAI. That news triggered a sharp rally in Oracle shares, fast-tracking his net worth to around $393 billion, narrowly above Musk’s $384 billion.
However, the lead proved fleeting. By day’s end, Oracle shares receded slightly, and Musk regained his position as the wealthiest person, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, with his valuation edging back ahead.
What This Showdown Reveals About Billionaire Wealth
This rapid back-and-forth underscores how volatile extremes of wealth can be, especially when tied to AI hype and stock market swings. Musk’s fortune, closely tied to Tesla and SpaceX, has seen pressure recently as Tesla’s stock has dropped around 14 percent this year due to weakening European sales and political fallout.
Meanwhile, Ellison reminded observers yet again how enterprise-focused wealth, like his stake in Oracle’s cloud AI infrastructure, can disrupt rankings even if only briefly.
Why It Matters
Both fortunes are so vast that even billion-dollar swings matter. On a philosophical level, this duel highlights how their wealth is not purely personal. Instead, it reflects where the future of tech, AI, and industry is heading.
Ellison’s temporary rise to the top shows how the rapid adoption of AI and cloud services is reshaping global markets. Investors are rewarding companies that secure long-term contracts in these sectors, which makes Oracle’s recent deals especially significant.
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