Elon Musk made history on October 1, 2025, becoming the first person ever to achieve a net worth of $500 billion according to Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires list. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO now stands approximately $150 billion ahead of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, the world’s second-richest person.
Tesla’s Record-Breaking Surge
Tesla’s stock soared over the past month, reaching all-time highs that propelled Musk past the historic half-trillion dollar threshold. In March 2020, Musk was worth just $26.4 billion, meaning his wealth has increased nearly 20-fold in five years—an unprecedented accumulation of personal wealth in modern history.
Forbes ranks Musk at No. 1 with a net worth of $499.1 billion as of Wednesday’s close, though it briefly exceeded $500 billion earlier in the day. Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index, which uses different wealth tracking methodology, places Musk’s fortune slightly lower at $470 billion.
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth Peak | $500 billion (October 1, 2025) |
| Previous Record | $400 billion (December 2024) |
| March 2020 Worth | $26.4 billion |
| Gap to #2 | ~$150 billion ahead of Larry Ellison |
| Main Sources | Tesla stock, SpaceX, xAI |
Beyond Tesla and SpaceX
Musk founded xAI, an artificial intelligence firm, in 2023. The company was seeking funding in July 2025 that would value it at up to $200 billion, with Musk owning approximately 54% of xAI. The company raised $10 billion through loans and cash investments in June.
Musk’s net worth now exceeds the combined market capitalizations of Disney, Ford, Shopify, and General Motors. This staggering comparison illustrates how individual wealth concentration has reached levels that dwarf major multinational corporations.
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Wealth Tracking Variations
Different wealth tracking services report varying figures due to methodology differences. Forbes’ real-time calculations factor in stock price movements, private company valuations, and asset holdings, while Bloomberg uses alternative valuation methods for private assets. Despite these differences, all major tracking services agree Musk has shattered previous wealth records.
Oracle founder Larry Ellison follows Musk as the second-richest person on Forbes’ list, with a net worth of approximately $350.7 billion as of Wednesday. The $150 billion gap between first and second place represents the largest wealth disparity ever recorded at the top of global rich lists.
The Trillion-Dollar Question
Financial analysts speculate whether Musk could eventually become the world’s first trillionaire. With Tesla continuing its market dominance in electric vehicles, SpaceX revolutionizing space transportation, and xAI positioned in the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence sector, Musk’s wealth trajectory shows no signs of slowing.
However, Musk’s wealth has dropped below the $500 billion mark at press time, demonstrating the volatility of fortunes tied heavily to stock market performance. Daily fluctuations of billions of dollars underscore how paper wealth can shift dramatically based on market sentiment.
The $500 billion milestone represents more than personal achievement—it reflects growing concerns about wealth inequality and the concentration of economic power in the hands of a few technology billionaires whose fortunes increasingly dwarf entire national economies.
FAQs
How did Elon Musk reach $500 billion net worth?
Tesla’s stock surge to all-time highs, combined with SpaceX and xAI valuations, pushed Musk past $500 billion on October 1, 2025.
Who is the second-richest person after Elon Musk?
Oracle founder Larry Ellison ranks second with approximately $350.7 billion, about $150 billion behind Musk.
