Top 10 Wealthiest People in the World

The landscape of global wealth continues to be dominated by a select group of individuals whose fortunes have reached unprecedented levels.  From technology magnates and luxury goods tycoons to investment gurus, these individuals have not only amassed vast wealth but have also significantly influenced various industries and sectors.

This ranking offers an overview of the wealth distribution at the top tier of society and sheds light on the factors that have and will continue to allow them to drive their financial success.

Top 10 Wealthiest People in the World

*Note that all figures are provided in USD, and approximations, as holdings change*

1. Elon Musk, 52, USA – Net Worth $263.8 Billion

Since 2020, Elon Musk has found himself among the top 10 wealthiest individuals on Earth.  Elon Musk is a self-made billionaire who was born in Pretoria, South Africa. At age 17, he moved to Canada and later to the United States to attend the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned degrees in physics and economics.

• Tesla(TSLA +0.88%): 13% ($73.2 billion)
• SpaceX: $71.2 billion (private asset)
• Twitter (X): 79% ($7.09 billion)
• Other: The Boring Company ($3.33 billion), Neuralink ($2.07 billion), xAI ($13.3 billion)

Musk began his entrepreneurial journey with Zip2, an online navigation company, and later founded X.com, which became PayPal(PYPL -0.04%).  His major wealth drivers are Tesla and SpaceX, with Tesla leading the electric vehicle market and SpaceX pioneering reusable rocket technology.  Musk’s ventures into AI, tunneling, and brain-machine interfaces signify his forward-thinking approach and are expected to drive future wealth growth.

Along his journey to becoming the wealthiest person on Earth, Musk has faced several business challenges, including Tesla and SpaceX's near-bankruptcy. Despite these setbacks, his resilience and innovative mindset have driven his various companies to success.  Looking forward, Musk's long-term vision includes colonizing Mars through SpaceX and developing sustainable energy solutions with Tesla.

2. Larry Ellison, 79, USA – Net Worth $164.4 Billion

Since 2000, Larry Ellison has found himself among Earth's top 10 wealthiest individuals.  Larry Ellison was born in New York City and was raised by his aunt and uncle in Chicago after his mother gave him up for adoption.  After dropping out of the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago to pursue a career in computer programming, he moved to California and co-founded Oracle(ORCL -2.01%) in 1977.

• Ownership Stakes: Oracle (~35%), Tesla (~1.5%)

Oracle, a leading enterprise software company, has made strategic acquisitions over the years.  Ellison's investments in Tesla and extensive real estate holdings, including most of Lanai island in Hawaii, further diversify his wealth.  Oracle's continuous innovation in cloud technology and strategic acquisitions are key drivers of its sustained wealth.

Ellison has donated millions to medical research and education, including significant contributions to the University of Southern California.

3. Jeff Bezos, 60, USA – Net Worth $156.7 Billion

Since 2018, Jeff Bezos has found himself among Earth's top 10 wealthiest individuals. Jeff Bezos was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and was raised by his mother and stepfather, Miguel Bezos, who immigrated from Cuba.  He graduated from Princeton University with degrees in electrical engineering and computer science.  He is another self-made billionaire who founded Amazon(AMZN +0.21%) in 1994 in a garage in Seattle after resigning from a hedge fund.

• Ownership Stakes: Amazon: 9% ($165 billion)
• Other Assets: Blue Origin ($15 billion), The Washington Post ($250 million), Koru Yacht ($500 million), $18.1 billion in cash

Bezos's vision turned Amazon from an online bookstore into a global e-commerce and cloud computing giant. His investments in space travel through Blue Origin and media via The Washington Post diversify his portfolio.  Amazon's continual diversification and expansion ensure Bezos's sustained wealth, with projections indicating further growth in logistics, AI, and space exploration.

Bezos has invested in various philanthropic initiatives, including the Bezos Day One Fund and contributions to climate change efforts.

4. Mark Zuckerberg, 40, USA – Net Worth $135.5 Billion

Intermittently, since 2012, Mark Zuckerberg has found himself among Earth's top 10 wealthiest individuals.  Mark Zuckerberg was born in White Plains, New York, and developed an interest in programming at an early age.  Zuckerberg co-founded Facebook(META +0.1%) while a student at Harvard University and subsequently dropped out to focus on the company.

• Ownership Stakes: Meta & Subsidiaries (13%)

Initially created as a social network for college students, Facebook expanded to become the world’s largest social media platform. The company has renamed Meta Platforms, and now includes Instagram and WhatsApp. Zuckerberg’s focus on developing the metaverse represents Meta's next big venture. Despite challenges, Meta's strong user base and advertising revenue ensure robust financial health, with future growth expected from virtual and augmented reality investments.

Together with his wife, Priscilla Chan, Zuckerberg has pledged to give away 99% of their Facebook shares through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.

5. Bernard Arnault & Family, 74, France – Net Worth $130.2 Billion

Since 2018, Bernard Arnault has found himself among the top 10 wealthiest individuals on Earth.  Bernard Arnault, born in Roubaix, France, is a self-made billionaire who took over his father's construction company and transitioned it into the luxury goods market after graduating from the École Polytechnique, France's leading engineering school.

• Positions Held: CEO and Chairman of LVMH
• Ownership Stakes: Majority stake in LVMH (~47%)

In 1984, he acquired Christian Dior, which laid the foundation for LVMH. Under his leadership, LVMH expanded its portfolio to include renowned brands like Louis Vuitton and Sephora. Arnault's strategic acquisitions and focus on maintaining brand exclusivity have solidified his wealth. The continued growth of the luxury market, especially in Asia, is expected to enhance his fortune further.

Arnault is known for his art collection and philanthropy, including significant donations to French cultural institutions.

6. Larry Page, 51, USA – Net Worth $118.7 Billion

Since 2015, Larry Page has found himself among Earth's top 10 wealthiest individuals.  Larry Page was born in East Lansing, Michigan. His father was a pioneer in computer science, and his mother taught computer programming.  He holds a Bachelor of Science in computer engineering from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in computer science from Stanford University.  While pursuing his degree, Page co-founded Google with Sergey Brin.

• Positions Held: Co-founder of Google, Board Member of Alphabet
• Ownership Stakes: Alphabet (~6%)

Google’s growth into a global search, online advertising, and AI leader has secured Page’s wealth.  He remains a key figure in Alphabet(GOOGL -1.27%), Google’s parent company.  His investments in futuristic technologies, including autonomous vehicles and space exploration, showcase his forward-thinking approach. Alphabet's leadership in these sectors ensures sustained financial growth.

Page is involved in various philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of renewable energy and education.

7. Warren Buffett, 93, USA – Net Worth $115.6 Billion

Since 2000, Warren Buffett has found himself among Earth's top 10 wealthiest individuals.  Warren Buffett, known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and displayed an early talent for investment and business.  He graduated from the University of Nebraska and earned a Master of Science in economics from Columbia University.

• Ownership Stakes: Berkshire Hathaway (~16%)

He bought his first stock at age 11 and has built Berkshire Hathaway into a diverse conglomerate. His conservative investment strategy and focus on long-term value have yielded substantial returns. Future growth is likely steady, driven by Berkshire's diverse portfolio and strategic acquisitions.

Buffett has pledged to give away 99% of his fortune to philanthropic causes, primarily through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

8. Sergey Brin, 50, USA – Net Worth $112.3 Billion

Since 2015, Sergey Brin has found himself among Earth's top 10 wealthiest individuals.  Sergey Brin was born in Moscow, Russia, and emigrated to the United States with his family to escape Jewish persecution.  He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland and was pursuing a Ph.D. at Stanford University when he co-founded Google with Larry Page.

• Ownership Stakes: Alphabet (~6%)

Brin's role in Alphabet and his focus on special projects have led to advancements in various tech fields.  His significant shareholding in Alphabet ensures continued influence and financial growth, with investments in emerging technologies contributing to his wealth.

Brin supports various causes, including research on Parkinson's disease, which his mother has.

9. Amancio Ortega, 88, Spain – Net Worth $103 Billion

Amancio Ortega has consistently ranked among the top 10 wealthiest individuals in the world. Born in Busdongo de Arbás, Spain, to a modest family, Ortega began his career as a store clerk, later revolutionizing the fashion industry. A self-made billionaire, he founded Inditex, the parent company of globally renowned fashion brands like Zara, Massimo Dutti, and Bershka.

• Ownership Stakes: Inditex (~59%), Various Real Estate Investments

Ortega's wealth stems primarily from Inditex's success, with a unique supply chain model enabling rapid design-to-store processes. Over the years, he has also diversified into real estate, owning prime properties across major cities such as New York, London, and Madrid. Despite his immense fortune, Ortega is known for his low-profile lifestyle and minimal public appearances.

10. Steve Ballmer, 67, USA- Net Worth $101.5 Billion

Since 2020, Steve Ballmer has found himself among Earth's top 10 wealthiest individuals.  Steve Ballmer was born in Detroit, Michigan, where his father was a manager at Ford Motor Company.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics and economics from Harvard University.

• Positions Held: Former CEO of Microsoft, Owner of the Los Angeles Clippers
• Ownership Stakes: Microsoft (~4%), Los Angeles Clippers

Ballmer became another self-made billionaire after joining Microsoft(MSFT +0.07%) in 1980 and eventually succeeding Bill Gates as CEO in 2000. Under his leadership, Microsoft diversified its product range and strengthened its status as one of the world's top software companies.

Ballmer and his wife Connie have donated millions to education and poverty alleviation initiatives.