In a landmark ruling that has reshaped the global wealth rankings, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has become the first person in history to surpass a net worth of $700 billion.

​The surge in Musk’s fortune followed a Friday decision by the Delaware Supreme Court to reinstate his 2018 Tesla stock option package. Previously voided by a lower court, the package is now valued at approximately $139 billion, sending Musk’s total net worth to an estimated $749 billion, according to the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires Index.

​The Legal Reversal: From “Unfathomable” to “Vindicated”

​The ruling marks the end of a contentious two-year legal battle over Musk’s compensation.

​The Lower Court Ruling:
In January 2024, Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick struck down the 2018 deal, labeling the $56 billion (at the time) package “unfathomable” and citing a flawed approval process by a “conflicted” board.

​The Supreme Court Decision:
The high court reversed that decision on Friday, stating that rescinding the package was “improper and inequitable.” The justices noted that Musk had fully performed his duties, leading Tesla to massive growth, and that stripping the pay would leave him “uncompensated for six years of effort.”

​Musk’s Response:
Shortly after the verdict, Musk posted a single word on X (formerly Twitter): “Vindicated.”

​A Week of Records

​Musk’s wealth has been climbing at an unprecedented rate throughout December 2025:

​Monday:
Surpassed $600 billion following reports that his aerospace firm, SpaceX, is preparing for a highly anticipated Initial Public Offering (IPO).

​Friday:
Crossed $700 billion after the Delaware ruling restored his Tesla options.

​The $1 Trillion Vision

​The 2018 package is no longer the ceiling for Musk’s potential earnings. In November 2025, Tesla shareholders overwhelmingly approved a new $1 trillion pay plan—the largest in corporate history.

​This new deal is tied to aggressive “Mars-shot” milestones, including:

​Transforming Tesla into an AI and robotics powerhouse.

​Achieving a market capitalization of $8.5 trillion.

​Successful deployment of a global Robotaxi network and humanoid robots (Optimus).

​Unrivaled Wealth Gap

​Musk’s current fortune now places him in a league of his own. He is nearly $500 billion wealthier than the world’s second-richest person, Google co-founder Larry Page. Analysts suggest that if Tesla hits its upcoming AI targets, Musk could become the world’s first trillionaire before the end of the decade.

​Would you like me to break down the specific performance milestones Musk must hit to unlock the new $1 trillion pay package?