Elon Musk has made history by becoming the first person to reach a net worth of $500 billion. The milestone came on October 1, 2025, according to Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires tracker. The surge in his wealth was driven mainly by a rebound in Tesla’s stock, which has risen more than 14% this year. Musk owns 12.4% of Tesla, and the company’s improved performance has played a major role in boosting his fortune.
Musk’s wealth comes from more than just Tesla. His ventures, including SpaceX and xAI, have added billions. SpaceX is reportedly aiming for a $400 billion valuation, while xAI was valued at $75 billion in July 2025. Analysts say that if these businesses continue to grow, Musk could become the world’s first trillionaire.
As of October 2025, Musk’s net worth of $500.1 billion puts him well ahead of his closest rivals. Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison is second with $350.7 billion. Bernard Arnault, chairman of LVMH, previously held the top spot, showing how far ahead Musk has pulled in the wealth rankings.
In India, Mukesh Ambani remains the richest person with ₹9.55 lakh crore (around $115 billion), regaining the top spot from Gautam Adani, who now has $8.15 lakh crore. Ambani’s fortune mainly comes from Reliance Industries, keeping him India’s top billionaire, though still far behind Musk globally.
Elon Musk Net Worth: How He Reached $500 Billion
Musk’s Tesla stake remains the biggest contributor to his wealth. But his other businesses play a key role too. SpaceX continues to grow, with ambitious plans for space travel and satellite projects. xAI, his artificial intelligence company, is gaining attention for its cutting-edge work. Combined, these ventures create multiple income streams, making Musk’s fortune more diverse than most billionaires.
This wealth milestone also fuels speculation about Musk becoming the first trillionaire. Analysts say if Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI continue to grow, he could hit $1 trillion within a few years. Musk’s financial rise is unmatched, making him a global business icon.
Three Rivals Who Could Challenge Musk
Despite Musk’s lead, a few billionaires could challenge him in the future. Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison continues to grow his wealth steadily. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expands through Facebook, Instagram, and other tech ventures. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos also remains a strong contender, with wealth tied to Amazon and other businesses.
| Billionaire | Net Worth (Oct 2025) | Main Source of Wealth |
|---|---|---|
| Larry Ellison | $350.7 billion | Oracle |
| Mark Zuckerberg | $120–130 billion | Meta Platforms (Facebook, Instagram) |
| Jeff Bezos | $135–140 billion | Amazon & other businesses |
While Musk currently leads by a large margin, the competition among tech and business leaders ensures the race for the world’s richest person will stay closely watched. His $500 billion milestone sets a new benchmark, and all eyes are on whether he will become the first trillionaire.
