Elon Musk vs. Larry Ellison: A Billionaire Showdown
For a brief moment, Elon Musk lost his crown as the world’s richest person to Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison. But thanks to market shifts, Musk quickly reclaimed the title, edging out Ellison by just $1 billion. The dramatic turnover highlights how surging demand for AI is rewriting not only tech landscapes but also billionaire rankings.
Oracle’s Stunning Earnings Spark Historic Gains
Ellison’s fortune soared after Oracle reported record-breaking earnings. AI-fueled demand for data center capacity catapulted Oracle’s stock by as much as 43% before closing up 36%—its biggest single-day surge since 1992. That leap temporarily boosted Ellison’s net worth to $383.2 billion, eclipsing Musk’s wealth for a few hours.
Musk Reclaims the Top Spot
By Wednesday’s close, Musk’s fortune stood at $384.2 billion, regaining his top position as the world’s richest person. Oracle’s gains still marked history: Ellison experienced the largest one-day wealth jump ever recorded, with an $89 billion increase.
Oracle’s AI Push Reshapes the Market
Oracle’s CEO Safra Catz revealed the company secured four multibillion-dollar contracts during the quarter and expects more soon. Its $455 billion AI backlog reflects staggering demand, with Oracle supplying massive computing power for companies like OpenAI. Analysts note Oracle’s rise cements its role as an AI infrastructure giant, not just a software vendor.
Shifting Fortunes in the AI Era
While Oracle rides the AI boom with stock gains of 97% this year, Tesla shares have slipped 14%, impacting Musk’s portfolio. Still, Musk’s long-term stakes in Tesla and SpaceX help him maintain dominance, even as rivals like Bernard Arnault and Jeff Bezos briefly surpassed him in past years.
Ellison’s Storied Path to Riches
At 81, Larry Ellison remains one of Silicon Valley’s most influential figures. From cofounding Oracle in 1977 to owning 98% of Hawaii’s Lana’i island, his legacy stretches far beyond software. With his close ties to politics, major sports investments, and speculation around TikTok, Ellison continues to shape global industries.
As the AI boom fuels new fortunes, billionaire rankings may shift faster than ever.
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