Larry Ellison shocked the billionaire world by briefly overtaking Elon Musk as the planet’s richest person after Oracle’s stock skyrocketed.
On September 10, 2025, Larry Ellison's net worth soared by over $100 billion in a single day, briefly overtaking Elon Musk as the world's richest person according to Bloomberg.
This surge was driven by Oracle's stock price jumping 36% after the company reported a 359% increase in its Remaining Performance Obligations (RPO), reaching $455 billion. Oracle's cloud revenue is projected to grow from $18 billion this fiscal year to $144 billion by 2030, fueled by AI demand and multibillion-dollar contracts with companies like OpenAI.
Larry Ellison delivers a keynote speech at a technology seminar, sharing insights on AI and cloud infrastructure.
Ellison's Political and Media Ventures
Beyond his tech empire, Ellison has strong ties to President Donald Trump. He appeared alongside Trump, OpenAI's Sam Altman, and SoftBank's Masayoshi Son to announce the $500 billion Stargate AI infrastructure project, aiming to bolster U.S. leadership in AI according to The Guardian. Additionally, Forbes reports that Ellison funded the majority of an $8 billion bid by his son, David Ellison, to acquire Paramount, which closed in August 2025.
Musk's Continued Dominance
Despite Ellison's brief ascent, Elon Musk quickly regained his position as the world's richest person, with a net worth of approximately $384 billion. Ellison’s wealth surge was fueled by a dramatic one-day jump in Oracle’s stock, which temporarily pushed his net worth past Musk’s.
However, as the trading day progressed, Oracle’s shares gave back some of their gains, while Tesla’s stock stabilized, allowing Musk to retake the top spot almost as quickly as he had lost it. Musk’s wealth remains primarily tied to Tesla, which has faced challenges this year, including a 12% drop in stock value amid increased competition and policy changes under the Trump administration.
The AI Infrastructure Boom
Oracle's success underscores the growing importance of AI infrastructure. The company's strategic investments and partnerships position it as a leader in the AI sector, with significant revenue growth projected in the coming years.
Larry Ellison pictured in a professional photoshoot, showcasing the billionaire tech mogul’s charisma and presence.
Larry Ellison FAQs
What caused Oracle's stock surge?
Oracle's stock price increased due to strong earnings and a significant rise in its Remaining Performance Obligations, indicating robust future revenue from AI-related contracts.
How does Ellison's net worth compare to Musk's?
At its peak, Ellison's net worth reached approximately $405 billion, surpassing Musk's estimated $390 billion. However, Musk remains the world's richest person as of the latest rankings.
What is the Stargate AI project?
The Stargate AI project is a $500 billion initiative announced by President Trump, involving Oracle, OpenAI, and SoftBank, aimed at developing AI infrastructure to secure U.S. leadership in AI technology.
Who is David Ellison?
David Ellison is Larry Ellison's son and the CEO of Paramount Skydance Corporation. He played a key role in the acquisition of Paramount, with significant financial backing from his father.
Larry Ellison addresses a crowd from the stage, sharing his vision for Oracle and the future of AI infrastructure.
Final Thoughts
Larry Ellison's brief rise to the top of the billionaire rankings highlights the dynamic nature of the tech industry and the growing influence of AI infrastructure. While Elon Musk remains the world's richest person, both billionaires continue to shape the future of technology and media.
