Billionaires hold immense sway over the global economy, technology, and philanthropy. In 2025, the number of billionaires worldwide has reached 3,028, but only a select few have amassed the kind of wealth that reshapes industries and societies. The richest among them is Elon Musk, Words billionaires List 2025, a visionary entrepreneur whose ventures span electric vehicles, space travel, and artificial intelligence, The 10 Richest People in the World 2025
1. Elon Musk – $332 Billion
CEO, Tesla & SpaceX | United States
Musk remains the world’s richest man, with major stakes in Tesla (13%) and SpaceX (42%). His companies, including Neuralink, The Boring Company, and xAI (merged with X/Twitter in 2025), continue to push boundaries in tech, AI, and aerospace.
2. Jeff Bezos – $212 Billion
Founder, Amazon | United States
- The Amazon founder has diversified his wealth into space (Blue Origin), media (The Washington Post), and luxury (the $500M superyacht Koru). Despite stepping down as CEO in 2021, Bezos still holds a significant stake in Amazon and remains a global powerhouse.
3. Mark Zuckerberg – $203 Billion
CEO, Meta Platforms | United States
- Zuckerberg’s Meta continues to dominate digital platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. His philanthropic work through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative aims to cure all diseases and reform education and criminal justice systems.
4. Larry Ellison – $168 Billion
CTO & Co-founder, Oracle | United States
- Ellison’s legacy in enterprise software remains strong. Oracle’s dominance in databases and cloud computing is complemented by his stake in Tesla and a philanthropic focus on cancer research. The World Richest People 2025
5. Bill Gates – $166 Billion
Co-founder, Microsoft | United States
Though no longer active in Microsoft’s day-to-day operations, Gates manages a diverse portfolio through Cascade Investment. His philanthropic efforts via the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation continue to impact global health and education
6. Warren Buffett – $166 Billion
CEO, Berkshire Hathaway | United States
- At 94, the “Oracle of Omaha” still runs Berkshire Hathaway, known for long-term, value-driven investments. He remains a leading voice in philanthropy and is a key figure behind The Giving Pledge.
7. Bernard Arnault – $153 Billion
CEO, LVMH | France
- Arnault commands the world’s largest luxury empire with brands like Louis Vuitton, Sephora, and Hennessy. His success underscores the global appeal of high-end fashion and design.
8. Steve Ballmer – $148 Billion
Owner, LA Clippers | United States
Former Microsoft CEO, Ballmer now channels his energy into sports and entertainment. He is the NBA’s wealthiest owner and a major stakeholder in Microsoft, with additional assets in media and venue development.
9. Larry Page – $146 Billion
Co-founder, Google/Alphabet | United States
- Page’s legacy in search technology, YouTube, and Android keeps him among the elite. His focus has shifted toward futuristic innovations, including space exploration and flying cars.
10. Sergey Brin – $138 Billion
Co-founder, Google/Alphabet | United States
- Brin continues to influence Alphabet’s strategic direction and has invested in medical research and cutting-edge tech ventures. Alongside Page, he helped create the backbone of today’s internet.
Billionaires not only influence global markets but also shape policies, drive philanthropy, and mold innovation. As of May 2025, the world counts over 3,000 billionaires, according to Forbes. Yet, only a few sit at the very top—led once again by Elon Musk, the wealth juggernaut behind Tesla and SpaceX.
This year’s list is dominated by tech entrepreneurs, with 8 out of the top 10 hailing from the tech sector. From e-commerce and electric vehicles to social media and enterprise software, these individuals built empires that continue to expand their wealth.
Top 10 Richest People in the World – 2025
Rank | Name | Net Worth (USD) | Age | Source of Wealth | Primary Company/Asset |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Elon Musk | $332 billion | 53 | Tesla, SpaceX, xAI | Tesla, SpaceX |
2 | Jeff Bezos | $212 billion | 61 | Amazon, Blue Origin | Amazon |
3 | Mark Zuckerberg | $203 billion | 40 | Meta Platforms | Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp |
4 | Larry Ellison | $168 billion | 80 | Oracle, Tesla | Oracle |
5 | Bill Gates | $166 billion | 69 | Microsoft, Investments | Cascade Investment, Microsoft |
6 | Warren Buffett | $166 billion | 94 | Berkshire Hathaway | Berkshire Hathaway |
7 | Bernard Arnault | $153 billion | 76 | LVMH | Louis Vuitton, Dior, Sephora |
8 | Steve Ballmer | $148 billion | 69 | Microsoft, NBA | Microsoft, LA Clippers |
9 | Larry Page | $146 billion | 52 | Google/Alphabet | Alphabet |
10 | Sergey Brin | $138 billion | 51 | Google/Alphabet | Alphabet |
Key Insights:
- Tech Tycoons Rule: 8 of the 10 richest built their fortunes in technology.
- Elon Musk leads the list with diversified interests in EVs, space tech, AI, and social media.
- Warren Buffett and Bernard Arnault remain the only two on the list from non-tech sectors—value investing and luxury goods respectively. Words billionaires List 2025
Notable Mentions
- Alice Walton, Walmart heiress, remains the richest woman in the world with a net worth of $115 billion, just outside the top 10.
- XAI Holdings, Elon Musk’s AI startup merged with X (formerly Twitter), has significantly boosted his valuation.
Final Thoughts
While many billionaires inherited wealth, the majority on this list are self-made—innovators and disruptors who transformed industries. Their wealth reflects the global shift toward digital, data-driven, and sustainable solutions.
The Bigger Picture
While most of the individuals on this list made their fortunes in technology, two—Bernard Arnault and Warren Buffett—earned theirs in luxury goods and value investing. Together, these billionaires control a vast portion of global wealth, impacting everything from employment trends to charitable giving.
Their paths to wealth vary—some inherited riches, others built their empires from dorm rooms and garages—but all have leveraged innovation, vision, and market dominance to reach the top. The World Richest People 2025
Who Is the World’s Richest Man in 2025?
As of May 2, 2025, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is the world’s richest man. He has a net worth of $332 billion.2
Who Is the Richest Woman in the World?
The richest woman in the world is Alice Walton. As of May 2, 2025, her net worth is $115 billion, derived from her holdings in Walmart.
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