An Unassailable Lead: Musk Cements His Title as World’s Richest Person

Any lingering debate over who is the world’s wealthiest person has been decisively settled. By becoming the first individual to achieve a net worth of $500 billion, Elon Musk has established an unassailable lead at the top of the global wealth rankings.
His fortune, which briefly hit the half-trillion-dollar mark before stabilizing at $499 billion, now dwarfs that of all his contemporaries. The gap between him and the number two spot, held by Larry Ellison, is now over $120 billion according to Bloomberg’s index, a fortune that on its own would place one among the world’s top ten richest people.
This commanding position is a direct result of the relentless growth of Tesla. The electric car company’s valuation has surged past $1.5 trillion, powered by a 13% stock gain in 2025 and record-breaking operational performance. The delivery of 497,099 vehicles last quarter showcased a company at the peak of its powers.
Musk’s lead is further protected by his portfolio of private tech giants. His 42% stake in SpaceX, which is targeting a $400 billion valuation, and his ownership in the $75 billion AI venture xAI, provide a level of wealth diversification that his rivals cannot match.
While the top spot on wealth lists can sometimes be volatile, Musk’s current advantage appears to be built on a more solid and enduring foundation. He is not just leading the race; he has created a new one, with himself as the sole participant for the foreseeable future.