Elon Musk reigns supreme — Meet the top 10 richest people in 2025, and how much they’re worth

In today’s world, a remarkable group of individuals has ascended to unprecedented financial heights, amassing wealth that exceeds imagination. These pioneers, through their innovative ideas and calculated investments, have positioned themselves at the peak of global prosperity, securing their places among the wealthiest people on the planet. Their combined fortunes now surpass the GDP of numerous nations, demonstrating their immense power and influence, especially in industries like technology, finance, and retail.

This report highlights the top 10 richest people in the world as of 2025, according to Forbes. By examining their remarkable achievements, business ventures, and the strategies that have propelled them to such monumental success, we uncover how they built their extraordinary fortunes.

Join us as we delve into the profiles of these billionaires, exploring their journeys, their wealth-building techniques, and how they continue to shape the world’s economic landscape. Stay informed and discover who made the list, how they achieved their immense wealth, and the influence they wield on a global scale.

Accomplishments of the top 10 richest people in the world in 2025

As of January 2025, the world’s top 10 wealthiest individuals have made significant contributions across various industries, from technology and e-commerce to luxury goods and investment.

Here’s a detailed look at their key accomplishments that have propelled them to the top of the wealth ladder:

1. Elon Musk

Net Worth: $421.2 billion

Source: SpaceX, Tesla, X (formerly Twitter), xAI, Boring Co.

Elon Musk kicks off 2025 as the world’s richest person, with a massive fortune of $421.2 billion. His wealth skyrocketed by $91 billion since December 1, largely due to a significant increase in SpaceX’s valuation following a deal to buy back insider shares. This deal placed SpaceX at a valuation of $350 billion, making it the most valuable private company in the world. Musk also leads Tesla and holds stakes in various companies, including X and the AI firm xAI.

SpaceX: Musk founded SpaceX in 2002 with the vision of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. SpaceX has revolutionized space exploration with reusable rockets and groundbreaking missions, including the successful launch of the Falcon Heavy, and the development of the Starship for interplanetary travel.

Tesla: As the CEO of Tesla, Musk has played a pivotal role in popularizing electric vehicles (EVs), making Tesla the most valuable car manufacturer in the world. Tesla’s innovations in electric vehicles, energy storage solutions have cemented Musk as a leader in sustainable energy.

X (formerly Twitter): Musk acquired X in 2022, transforming it into a platform centered around free speech, technology-driven innovation, and integration of artificial intelligence.

2. Jeff Bezos

Net Worth: $233.5 billion

Amazon’s founder Jeff Bezos retains his position as one of the wealthiest individuals globally, with a net worth of $233.5 billion. His wealth primarily stems from his significant stake in Amazon, one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world.

Amazon: Bezos founded Amazon in 1994, turning it from a small online bookstore into one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world. Amazon’s innovations in cloud computing (AWS), logistics, and retail reshaped the entire industry and made Bezos one of the world’s richest individuals.

Blue Origin: In addition to Amazon, Bezos founded Blue Origin in 2000, focusing on space exploration. The company has been a key player in advancing reusable rocket technology, and Bezos himself made a historic suborbital flight aboard New Shepard in 2021.

Philanthropy: Through the Bezos Earth Fund, Bezos has committed $10 billion to address climate change and support conservation efforts.

3. Larry Ellison

Net Worth: $209.7 billion

The co-founder of Oracle, Larry Ellison, maintains a fortune of $209.7 billion. Oracle, the tech giant he helped create, continues to be a major player in cloud computing and enterprise software solutions.

Oracle: Ellison co-founded Oracle in 1977, turning it into one of the world’s leading providers of database software and cloud computing services. Oracle revolutionized enterprise computing and remains a dominant force in the tech sector.

Hawaiian Holdings: Ellison is also known for his acquisition of the Hawaiian Islands’ largest private landholding. His investments in real estate and luxury projects have expanded his business interests.

Philanthropy: Ellison has made significant philanthropic contributions, particularly in the fields of education and health care, through his charitable foundations.

4. Mark Zuckerberg

Net Worth: $202.5 billion

Source: Meta (formerly Facebook)

Mark Zuckerberg, the face behind Meta, stands at the fourth position with $202.5 billion. Despite facing challenges in the tech industry, Zuckerberg’s continued push into virtual reality and the metaverse has helped sustain his wealth. Zuckerberg co-founded Facebook in 2004, which grew into the largest social media platform globally. Facebook’s acquisitions, including Instagram and WhatsApp, expanded its influence across social media, advertising, and digital communications.

5. Bernard Arnault

Net Worth: $168.8 billion

Source: LVMH (Luxury Goods)

Bernard Arnault, the French luxury goods magnate, maintains a net worth of $168.8 billion. As the chairman and CEO of LVMH, which owns brands like Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior, Arnault continues to dominate the luxury sector globally.

6. Larry Page

Net Worth: $156 billion

Larry Page, co-founder of Google, holds a fortune of $156 billion. Google remains a powerhouse in internet services, advertising, and cloud computing, while Page has also invested in other ventures through his company, Alphabet.

7. Sergey Brin

Net Worth: $149 billion

Sergey Brin, the other co-founder of Google, follows closely behind Page with a net worth of $149 billion. His investments in cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, continue to grow his wealth.

8. Warren Buffett

Net Worth: $141.7 billion

Source: Berkshire Hathaway

Warren Buffett, one of the most legendary investors in history, remains at the top of the wealth list with a fortune of $141.7 billion. The Oracle of Omaha’s investments through Berkshire Hathaway have consistently delivered strong returns.

9. Steve Ballmer

Net Worth: $124.3 billion

Source: Microsoft, Clippers, Investments

Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft and current owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, has a net worth of $124.3 billion. His wealth comes from his contributions to Microsoft’s success and his investments in sports and other ventures. Ballmer served as the CEO of Microsoft from 2000 to 2014, overseeing the company’s dominance in personal computing, enterprise software, and cloud computing. Under his leadership, Microsoft became a trillion-dollar company. Ballmer is also the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers NBA team, where he has invested in improving the team and the fan experience.

10. Jensen Huang

Net Worth: $117.2 billion

Jensen Huang, the CEO and co-founder of Nvidia, rounds out the top 10 with a net worth of $117.2 billion. Nvidia, a leader in graphics processing units (GPUs) and artificial intelligence hardware, has seen massive growth, propelling Huang’s wealth to new heights.

These top 10 billionaires represent some of the most influential individuals in the tech, finance, and luxury sectors. Their wealth, as reflected in the Forbes list, showcases not just their business successes but also the rapidly changing landscape of global industries.