Larry Ellison Surpasses Elon Musk: A New Richest Person in the World
What Just Happened with Larry Ellison’s Net Worth
On September 10, 2025, Larry Ellison, co-founder and CTO of Oracle Corporation, briefly overtook Elon Musk to become the world’s richest person. This shift came after Oracle’s stock soared following an impressive earnings report.
Ellison’s net worth increased by nearly US$101 billion in a single day, reaching around US$393 billion, while Elon Musk’s wealth at that moment was estimated at about US$385 billion. This sudden jump made Larry Ellison the richest man on earth, even if only for a short time.
Why Oracle’s Big Leap Made the Difference
Strong Earnings and Cloud Growth
Oracle’s financial report surprised Wall Street. The company revealed a sharp increase in its remaining performance obligations, rising to nearly US$455 billion, up from US$138 billion in the previous quarter. This massive backlog signals long-term customer contracts and steady revenue ahead.
A key driver of this growth was Oracle’s cloud infrastructure business. With the AI boom in full swing, Oracle is positioning itself as a serious player in enterprise cloud and artificial intelligence services.
Oracle Stock’s Surge
Larry Ellison owns close to 40-41% of Oracle, which means any significant jump in Oracle’s share price directly impacts his fortune. On that day, Oracle’s stock gained more than 30-40%, instantly inflating Ellison’s personal wealth and propelling him ahead of Elon Musk.
Does Ellison Stay Number One?
While Larry Ellison did surpass Elon Musk, the position was temporary. Stock markets are volatile, and billionaire rankings change quickly. By the end of the trading session, some of Oracle’s gains eased, and Musk remained very close behind.
In other words, Ellison’s rise to number one was historic but not yet permanent. The top spot is likely to keep shifting between the two depending on stock market performance.
Who Is Larry Ellison? Key Facts
Larry Ellison is no stranger to wealth and influence. Here are some important details about him:
- Full name: Lawrence Joseph “Larry” Ellison
- Co-founded Oracle in 1977, which grew from a database software company into a global leader in cloud and enterprise solutions
- Served as Oracle’s CEO until 2014, currently serves as executive chairman and CTO
- Owns around 40-41% of Oracle’s stock, making him one of the largest individual shareholders of a major tech firm
- Holds significant real estate investments, including ownership of most of the Hawaiian island of Lānaʻi
- Has a history of philanthropy and political donations, along with investments outside of Oracle
Larry Ellison vs Elon Musk: Wealth Comparison
| Category | Larry Ellison | Elon Musk |
|---|---|---|
| Net worth (peak on Sept 10, 2025) | ~$393 billion | ~$385 billion |
| Main source of wealth | Oracle (cloud, enterprise software, AI infrastructure) | Tesla, SpaceX, and other ventures |
| Volatility factor | Oracle stock surge tied to cloud contracts | Tesla stock swings, SpaceX valuation, regulatory pressures |
What This Means for Tech and Markets
Ellison’s rise highlights the growing importance of cloud computing and AI in shaping wealth. For years, Elon Musk’s fortune has symbolized innovation in electric vehicles and space exploration. But Ellison’s sudden climb shows that the less glamorous but essential business of cloud infrastructure and enterprise data is just as valuable.
Investors are rewarding Oracle’s AI-driven contracts and long-term cloud deals. This shift demonstrates that back-end technology, not just consumer-facing products, can drive trillion-dollar valuations and reshape billionaire rankings.
What Could Change Next
- If Tesla stock rebounds or SpaceX secures new funding at higher valuations, Elon Musk could easily reclaim the top spot.
- If Oracle continues to sign AI-related mega-contracts, Larry Ellison could strengthen his lead.
- Broader economic factors such as interest rates, tech regulation, and AI industry growth will play a big role in determining which billionaire stays on top.
Is Larry Ellison the Permanent Richest Person?
At the moment, no. Larry Ellison did surpass Elon Musk, but the lead was brief. Market analysts agree that this kind of ranking is highly fluid. Musk remains close behind, and future shifts are inevitable.
Still, the fact that Larry Ellison reached the top at all is significant. It marks a turning point where the world’s richest person is not a rocket or car maker, but a tech visionary focused on cloud systems and enterprise infrastructure.
Conclusion
Larry Ellison’s brief takeover of Elon Musk as the world’s richest person is more than just a financial milestone. It reflects the power of cloud computing and AI in today’s economy. While Elon Musk could regain the number one spot at any moment, Ellison’s rise shows that infrastructure and enterprise technology are now at the core of global wealth creation.
For now, Larry Ellison has made history. Even if just for a day, he proved that the quiet power of cloud and enterprise solutions can rival the high-profile industries of electric cars and space exploration.
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