The world’s billionaires continue to amass staggering wealth, with the top 10 alone holding a combined net worth of over $1.6 trillion. Below you will find an updated, real time listing of the 10 richest people in the world today.
Over the last 30 years, the title of the richest person in the world has seen several transitions, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of global wealth. In the early 1990s, Japanese real estate and investment moguls often held the top spot, emblematic of Japan’s economic bubble. However, as the decade progressed, American entrepreneurs, particularly from the technology sector, began to dominate the list.
Bill Gates‘ rise with Microsoft in the 1980s marked a turning point, as he held the top spot for a staggering 18 years from 1995 to 2017, becoming synonymous with immense wealth during the tech boom. However, the new millennium saw new contenders emerge, such as Warren Buffett, the “Oracle of Omaha” with his investment firm Berkshire Hathaway, who briefly held the title in 2007.
Then came the age of Amazon. Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO, rocketed up the rankings, becoming the first centimillionaire (someone with a net worth of over $100 billion) in 2018. He held the top spot for four years, briefly eclipsed by Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX in 2022.
As of September 2024, Elon Musk has reclaimed his position as the world’s richest person, with a net worth of $244 billion. Jeff Bezos follows closely behind with a net worth of $194.8 billion, while Bernard Arnault, the chairman and CEO of LVMH, rounds out the top three with a net worth of $188.8 billion.
The wealth of these individuals is a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit, innovative thinking, and strategic vision. Their stories serve as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors around the world, as they continue to shape the global economy and redefine the boundaries of wealth and success.
10 Richest People In The World
1. Elon Musk – $244 Billion
Elon Musk, the visionary entrepreneur behind Tesla and SpaceX, has solidified his position as the world’s richest person with a net worth of $244 billion. Musk’s wealth is primarily derived from his stakes in these innovative companies, which have revolutionized the electric vehicle and space exploration industries.
Musk became the world’s richest person again in late May 2024, after his startup xAI raised $6 billion from private investors at a $24 billion valuation. He owns an estimated 60% of the company.
2. Jeff Bezos – $194.8 Billion
Jeff Bezos, the founder and former CEO of Amazon, has a net worth of $194.8 billion. Bezos’ fortune is largely attributed to his ownership of Amazon shares, which have soared in value due to the company’s dominance in e-commerce and cloud computing.
3. Bernard Arnault – $188.8 Billion
Bernard Arnault, the chairman and CEO of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods conglomerate, has a net worth of $188.8 billion. Arnault’s wealth is a testament to the success of LVMH’s portfolio of prestigious brands, including Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Fendi.
4. Mark Zuckerberg – $177.1 Billion
Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder and CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook), has a net worth of $177.1 billion. Zuckerberg’s wealth is primarily derived from his ownership of Meta shares, which have grown significantly since the company’s inception.
5. Larry Ellison – $175 Billion
Larry Ellison, the co-founder and CTO of Oracle, has a net worth of $175 billion. Ellison’s wealth is largely derived from his ownership of Oracle shares, which have performed well due to the company’s dominance in enterprise software.
6. Warren Buffett – $150.3 Billion
Warren Buffett, the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has a net worth of $150.3 billion. Buffett’s wealth is largely derived from his ownership of Berkshire Hathaway shares, which have performed well due to the company’s diverse portfolio of investments and subsidiaries.
7. Bill Gates – $137.5 Billion
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has a net worth of $137.5 billion. Gates’ wealth has been built on the success of Microsoft, which he co-founded with Paul Allen in 1975.
8. Larry Page – $132.8 Billion
Larry Page, the co-founder of Google (now Alphabet), has a net worth of $132.8 billion. Page’s wealth is primarily derived from his ownership of Alphabet shares, which have grown significantly since the company’s inception.
9. Sergey Brin – $127.2 Billion
Sergey Brin, the co-founder of Google (now Alphabet), has a net worth of $127.2 billion. Brin’s wealth is primarily derived from his ownership of Alphabet shares, which have grown significantly since the company’s inception.
10. Steve Ballmer – $145 Billion
Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft, has a net worth of $145 billion. Ballmer’s wealth is largely derived from his ownership of Microsoft shares, which he acquired during his tenure as CEO from 2000 to 2014.
Please note: The net worth data is based on real-time Forbes recordings as of September 2024, and these figures may fluctuate due to changing stock prices.
Source: Forbes Real-time Billionaire List