How Larry Ellison Surpassed Elon Musk
The question “Who is the richest man alive right now?” never stays answered for long. In the modern world, where fortunes are tied to fast-moving technology stocks, the title of world’s wealthiest can shift within a day. As of September 10, 2025, the crown briefly passed from Elon Musk to Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle.
Ellison’s net worth soared after Oracle stock experienced its biggest single-day surge in history, driven by unprecedented demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. This historic moment not only changed the billionaire leaderboard but also demonstrated how the AI boom is reshaping global wealth.
Larry Ellison: From Oracle’s Visionary to the World’s Richest Man
Larry Ellison co-founded Oracle Corporation in 1977, growing it into one of the most important enterprise software and cloud computing companies on the planet. Now in his early 80s, Ellison remains deeply involved as executive chairman and chief technology officer (CTO).
His fortune is largely concentrated in Oracle stock—Ellison still owns roughly 41% of the company. When Oracle reported massive growth tied to AI contracts with firms like Nvidia, Meta, and OpenAI, investors rewarded the company. Oracle’s shares spiked over 40% in a single trading day, sending Ellison’s personal wealth up by more than $100 billion overnight.
By the close of September 10, Ellison’s estimated net worth stood at around $393 billion, narrowly topping Musk’s estimated $384–385 billion.
Elon Musk: Still a Force at the Top
Elon Musk, founder and CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and owner of X (formerly Twitter), has held the “richest man alive” title multiple times over the past five years. His wealth, however, is tied closely to the volatile stock performance of Tesla and the shifting valuations of SpaceX and his other ventures.
In early September 2025, Tesla shares faced pressure from slowing EV demand and regulatory challenges in Europe, which trimmed Musk’s net worth. While he remained firmly in the top two globally, Ellison’s Oracle windfall gave him the edge—at least temporarily.
Importantly, Musk’s fortune remains enormous, and with upcoming Tesla product launches and new SpaceX contracts, he could easily reclaim the title in future rankings.
Read Also: The 2025 US-China Trade War
Why Billionaire Rankings Change So Fast
People often ask why different outlets sometimes report different “richest man alive” figures. The answer lies in methodology and timing.
- Bloomberg Billionaires Index updates daily and reflects real-time stock movements.
- Forbes Real-Time Billionaire Tracker uses slightly different data sources and reporting methods.
Because wealth at this level is concentrated in publicly traded stock, even a small percentage change in share prices can shift rankings by tens of billions of dollars. A single earnings report, contract announcement, or regulatory move can change who sits at the very top.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Wealth Creation
What makes Ellison’s rise especially noteworthy is its connection to the AI revolution. Oracle’s pivot to AI infrastructure has made it a critical supplier for global tech companies racing to build large-scale data centers and computing power for AI training.
This surge is not only about corporate profits—it is about being positioned at the core of one of the largest technology shifts since the internet boom. Ellison’s fortune has become a barometer for how much investors believe in AI’s transformative potential.
Read Also: Inside Zelensky Secret Underground Bunker
Comparison: Ellison vs. Musk in September 2025
Factor | Larry Ellison | Elon Musk |
|---|---|---|
Net Worth (Sept 2025) | ~$393 billion | ~$384–385 billion |
Main Company | Oracle (AI, Cloud, Enterprise Software) | Tesla (EVs, AI), SpaceX (Space) |
Age | 81 | 54 |
Wealth Driver | 41% stake in Oracle | Tesla & SpaceX equity |
Fortune Catalyst | AI infrastructure boom | EV sales, rockets, social media |
Why This Matters Beyond Billionaire Rankings
- AI is shaping the new wealth order – Companies building the infrastructure for artificial intelligence are producing the largest fortunes.
- Wealth volatility reflects tech’s dominance – Stock-driven fortunes mean titles like “richest man alive” are fleeting.
- Global attention matters – Rankings drive media coverage and investor sentiment, which can fuel even more stock moves.
- It shows concentration of wealth – A single person gaining $100 billion in a day highlights how wealth inequality is accelerating.
FAQs
Who is the richest man alive in September 2025?
Larry Ellison, with an estimated net worth of $393 billion.
Why did Elon Musk lose the top spot?
Tesla’s share price dipped while Oracle soared on AI contracts.
Will Musk regain his crown?
Very possible—wealth at this level changes with each earnings cycle.
Final Thoughts – Wealth in the AI Era
On September 10, 2025, Larry Ellison became the richest man alive, surpassing Elon Musk in a stunning display of how quickly fortunes can swing in the AI-driven economy. His rise underscores the financial gravity of artificial intelligence and its power to reshape markets and global wealth rankings.
Yet, history shows that these standings are never permanent. With Tesla, SpaceX, and other ventures in Musk’s pipeline, the battle for the billionaire crown will remain as dynamic as the technology fueling it.
The takeaway is simple: the richest man alive today might not be the richest tomorrow—but the forces behind their fortunes tell us where the world is headed
