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[FCE] Larry Ellison briefly overtakes Elon Musk as world’s richest person | Oracle | The Guardian

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In a remarkable development on September 10, 2025, Larry Ellison, co-founder of the business software giant Oracle, briefly became the world’s richest person, surpassing Elon Musk. This unexpected shift occurred on Wednesday when Oracle’s shares soared by over 40% in early trading, following the announcement of stronger-than-expected financial results. According to Bloomberg’s billionaires index, Ellison’s wealth reached a staggering $393 billion at its peak, edging out Musk’s $384 billion. However, by the close of trading, Oracle’s stock value dipped slightly, reducing Ellison’s fortune to $378 billion and allowing Musk to reclaim the top position. Both billionaires remain well ahead of other prominent figures such as Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook and Jeff Bezos of Amazon.

The surge in Ellison’s wealth can be attributed to Oracle’s growing success in the tech industry. Ellison holds a substantial 41% stake in the company, which has seen a significant increase in demand for its cloud computing services. These services are crucial for artificial intelligence (AI) companies, including the creators of ChatGPT, who rely on vast data centers to power their technologies. At its highest point on Wednesday, Oracle’s market value approached $960 billion, directly boosting Ellison’s personal fortune. In addition to Oracle, Ellison has diverse investments, including a stake in Tesla—where Musk serves as CEO—as well as unique ventures such as a sailing team and ownership of an island in Hawaii.

At 81 years old, Ellison maintains a close relationship with Musk, often acting as a mentor to the younger tech mogul. Notably, Ellison supported Musk by investing $1 billion in the acquisition of Twitter, now rebranded as X. Both men also share connections with former US President Donald Trump, with Ellison involved in major initiatives like a $500-billion AI infrastructure project. The competition for the title of the world’s richest person has intensified in recent years. Musk first claimed the spot in 2021, but others, including Bezos, have challenged him. Ellison’s brief moment at the top underscores how rapidly fortunes can shift in the fast-paced world of technology, driven by innovations like AI. This event raises intriguing questions about the future influence of technology on global wealth and power.

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1. What caused Larry Ellison to briefly become the world’s richest person?

  • A. He sold a large portion of his Oracle shares.
  • B. Oracle’s shares increased significantly in value.
  • C. He invested heavily in Tesla.
  • D. Elon Musk’s wealth dropped unexpectedly.

2. What is the main reason behind Oracle’s recent success?

  • A. A rise in demand for its cloud computing services.
  • B. The launch of a new software product.
  • C. An increase in its global workforce.
  • D. A partnership with Tesla.

3. How does the article describe the relationship between Ellison and Musk?

  • A. They are business rivals.
  • B. Ellison often acts as a mentor to Musk.
  • C. They have no personal connection.
  • D. Musk has invested in Oracle.

4. What does the article suggest about the competition for the title of the world’s richest person?

  • A. It has remained unchanged for many years.
  • B. It is no longer influenced by technology.
  • C. It can change quickly due to developments in tech.
  • D. It is only between Musk and Bezos.

5. What is the significance of Ellison’s involvement in a $500-billion project?

  • A. It shows his interest in global education.
  • B. It highlights his connection to political figures.
  • C. It marks his retirement from Oracle.
  • D. It indicates a shift away from technology.