Elon Musk has etched his name in history as the first individual to surpass a $500 billion net worth, a milestone achieved on October 1, 2025, according to Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires list. Musk’s fortune briefly touched $500.1 billion during trading before settling at $499.1 billion by the close of the New York market, driven primarily by a rebound in Tesla’s stock price and soaring valuations of his other ventures like SpaceX and xAI. This achievement places him $150 billion ahead of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, the world’s second-richest person with a net worth of $350.7 billion.
Musk’s wealth trajectory has been meteoric: From $24.6 billion in March 2020, he crossed $100 billion by late 2020, $200 billion in 2021, $300 billion in November 2021, $400 billion in December 2024, and now $500 billion in 2025. At this pace, Musk could become the world’s first trillionaire by 2033, especially with Tesla’s proposed $1 trillion compensation package vesting based on ambitious targets.
Key Contributors to Musk’s $500 Billion Fortune
Musk’s empire spans electric vehicles, space exploration, AI, and social media, with Tesla remaining the largest chunk despite volatility.
- Tesla (TSLA): Musk owns about 12% of the company, valued at roughly $1.2 trillion, contributing an estimated $144 billion to his net worth. Tesla shares surged over 4% on October 1, adding $9.3 billion in a single day, fueled by optimism around Musk’s refocus on the automaker amid its transition to AI and robotics.
- SpaceX: Valued at $400 billion following a private tender offer in August 2025, Musk’s 42% stake is worth $168 billion. The rocket company’s Starship progress and NASA contracts continue to drive growth.
- xAI Holdings: Formed by merging xAI and X (formerly Twitter), valued at $113 billion in July 2025, Musk’s 53% stake adds $60 billion. Recent expansions like Grok 4 and government contracts bolster this segment.
Forbes discounts Musk’s unexercised 2018 Tesla options (9% stake) by 50% pending his appeal of a Delaware court’s voiding of the package.
| Company | Valuation | Musk’s Stake | Contribution to Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla | $1.2 Trillion | 12% | $144 Billion |
| SpaceX | $400 Billion | 42% | $168 Billion |
| xAI Holdings | $113 Billion | 53% | $60 Billion |
| Total | – | – | $500 Billion |
Broader Context: Musk’s Wealth Milestones and Market Dynamics
Musk’s ascent coincides with Tesla’s recovery from early 2025 slumps, where shares fell amid Chinese EV competition and sales dips. His recent $1 billion Tesla stock purchase in September 2025 signaled confidence, propelling the stock to all-time highs. Other factors include SpaceX’s Starship advancements and xAI’s Grok integrations with government agencies.
However, Musk’s wealth remains volatile: It dipped below $200 billion in early 2023 amid Twitter acquisition fallout but rebounded with AI hype. Forbes notes Musk’s 14 children and South African roots, where he sold his first game, Blastar, for $500 as a teen.
Implications: Halfway to Trillionaire Status
At $500 billion, Musk is halfway to trillionaire territory, a feat projected by 2033 if Tesla’s compensation vests. This outpaces rivals like Jeff Bezos ($200 billion) and Bernard Arnault ($233 billion), underscoring Musk’s lead in the tech wealth race.
