Mark Zuckerberg surged ahead of Elon Musk to reclaim the title of the world’s third richest person on Friday, a position he hasn’t held since 2020.
Following Tesla Inc.’s announcement of halting plans for a more affordable car, Musk’s ranking fell to fourth as Tesla shares took a hit.

This year, while Musk’s net worth saw a $48.4 billion reduction, Zuckerberg’s wealth experienced a $58.9 billion increase, thanks to Meta Platforms Inc. hitting record highs. This shift underscores the growing influence of big tech and artificial intelligence over the electric vehicle sector, once a market favorite.

With Tesla’s shares dropping 34% this year, in stark contrast, Meta’s stock soared by 49%, driven by impressive quarterly results and advancements in AI. This financial competition is set against a backdrop of public spats between Musk and Zuckerberg, including their rivalry in the social media space. Their clashes fuel both financial battles and the broader narrative of tech dominance.