Elon Musk has entered uncharted territory in global wealth history. The Tesla and SpaceX chief has become the first individual in the world to amass a net worth exceeding US$700 billion, after the Delaware Supreme Court reinstated his landmark 2018 Tesla compensation package.
According to the Forbes Billionaires Index, Musk’s fortune surged to nearly US$749 billion late Friday, following the court’s decision to restore Tesla stock options that had previously been struck down by a lower court. The ruling triggered one of the largest single jumps in personal wealth ever recorded.
Court Restores Historic Tesla Pay Package
The Delaware Supreme Court overturned a 2024 decision that had called Musk’s pay package “excessive and unfair.” The top court ruled that rescinding the deal was inequitable, effectively reinstating stock options now valued at around US$139 billion.
Originally approved in 2018, the package was tied to aggressive performance milestones, including Tesla’s market capitalisation, revenue growth, and profitability. At the time, it was valued at US$56 billion, but Tesla’s meteoric rise over the years dramatically amplified its worth.
From $600 Billion to $700 Billion in Days
Just earlier this week, Musk became the first person to cross US$600 billion, driven by reports of a potential SpaceX IPO, which boosted valuations of his private holdings. The Supreme Court ruling accelerated that momentum, pushing him past the unprecedented $700 billion threshold.
Shareholders Back Musk’s Vision
In November, Tesla shareholders also approved a US$1 trillion long-term compensation framework, the largest ever proposed in corporate history. Investors signalled confidence in Musk’s vision of transforming Tesla into a leader not just in electric vehicles, but also in artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous technology.
A Wealth Gap Like Never Before
Musk now sits far ahead of the world’s second-richest individual, Larry Page, with a gap of nearly US$500 billion. Analysts say this reflects Musk’s dominant stakes across Tesla, SpaceX, xAI, and other ventures shaping the future of technology and space exploration.
A Landmark Legal Precedent
The Delaware Supreme Court’s ruling is being closely watched across corporate America. Legal experts say it could redefine how courts evaluate executive compensation, shareholder consent, and performance-based pay, especially at the highest levels.
What Lies Ahead
With Tesla’s AI roadmap unfolding, SpaceX edging closer to a public listing, and Musk expanding his influence across multiple sectors, markets are keenly observing whether this historic wealth surge will translate into sustained growth and innovation.
One court decision has not only reshaped Musk’s fortune—it has reignited a global debate on power, pay, and accountability at the very top of corporate leadership.
