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The 2025 list of the top 10 billionaires features some well-known names. Thanks to thriving tech industries, strategic investments, and massive global business ventures, these individuals have amassed extraordinary wealth.

Forbes, the go-to authority for billionaire rankings, has released its updated list, with Elon Musk remaining at the top. However, figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos are steadily closing the gap. While some billionaires made their fortunes through tech giants like Google and Facebook, others have built empires in sectors such as fashion, investments, and even space exploration.

Here, we provide a detailed overview of the world's wealthiest people in 2025—who they are, how they earned their billions, and how they’re using their vast fortunes.

ELON MUSK ($342 Billion).

Elon Musk remains the richest person in the world in 2025, largely due to the continued success of his electric vehicle company, Tesla, and his ambitious space venture, SpaceX. Even after acquiring Twitter—now rebranded as X—in 2022, Musk’s fortune continues to soar as Tesla’s stock holds strong and SpaceX secures more high-value government contracts.

Musk didn’t inherit his wealth. He was raised in Pretoria, South Africa, and developed a passion for computers at an early age. At 17, he moved to Canada and later to the United States, where he studied physics and business. His first major win came with Zip2, an online city guide he co-founded and sold for $307 million in 1999.

Next came PayPal, which earned him $180 million when eBay acquired it. Rather than settle into retirement, Musk took huge risks, pouring his earnings into Tesla and SpaceX—both of which teetered on the edge of bankruptcy at various points. Today, Tesla leads the global electric vehicle market, SpaceX is one of the most valuable aerospace companies in the world, and Musk also owns X (formerly Twitter), Neuralink (which develops brain-computer interfaces), and The Boring Company (which focuses on underground transportation).

MARK ZUCKERBERG ($216 Billion).

Zuckerberg, at the age of 19, launched Facebook from his Harvard dorm in 2004. Initially a college networking platform, it quickly grew into the world’s largest social media empire, now known as Meta.

Following the rise of the metaverse, Zuckerberg’s wealth soared. Although Meta faced early challenges with virtual reality, the company’s leadership in AI and social media continues to secure his position among the world’s wealthiest. In addition to his social media dominance, Zuckerberg is heavily invested in cutting-edge technology, solidifying his place as one of the most influential figures in the tech industry.

JEFF BEZOS ($215 Billion).

Bezos was the first human in history to hit a net worth of $200 Billion. The founder of Amazon remains one of the wealthiest individuals, even after stepping down as CEO. His space venture, Blue Origin, is in direct competition with SpaceX, while Amazon continues to dominate both online retail and cloud computing.

In 1994, Bezos left his Wall Street job to start selling books online from his garage. That small venture grew into Amazon, now the world’s largest retailer.

His companies include Amazon web services (AWS), Blue Origin, Washington Post, and a few others.

LARRY ELLISON ($192 Billion).

Larry Ellison, Co-founder of Oracle, continues to amass wealth. In addition to his success with Oracle, a leader in business software, Ellison invests heavily in luxury real estate and is the majority owner of Lanai Island in Hawaii.

Ellison’s journey to success wasn’t easy. Born to a single mother, he dropped out of college twice and held various odd jobs before co-founding Oracle in 1977. The company eventually grew to become the top business software provider in the world.

BERNARD ARNAULT & FAMILY ($178 Billion).

Bernard Arnault holds the top spot in the world of luxury fashion. He oversees LVMH, the powerhouse behind prestigious brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Tiffany & Co., Moët & Chandon, and Sephora. With wealthy consumers continuing to spend on premium goods, Arnault’s fortune remains solid.

Despite his current status, Arnault didn’t begin in fashion—he trained as an engineer. In 1984, he acquired a struggling textile firm that owned Dior and transformed it into LVMH, now the largest luxury brand empire globally.

WARREN BUFFETT ($154 Billion).

The "Oracle of Omaha" as he is called by everyone, is the greatest investor alive. Warren bought his first stock at the age of11. By 30, he was a millionaire. His company, Berkshire Hathaway, owns Coca-Cola, Apple, American Express, and Geico.

Even at 94, Buffett’s smart stock picks keep him on the list with a staggering $154 Billion net worth. 

LARRY PAGE ($144 Billion).

One of Google’s co-founders, Larry Page, still holds a significant stake in Alphabet, Google’s parent company. Although he is no longer involved in the day-to-day operations, the company’s advertising and AI sectors continue to boost his wealth year after year.

SERGEY BRIN ($138 Billion).

A co-founder of google alongside Page, Brin also benefits from Alphabet’s success. He focuses more on futuristic projects like self-driving cars (Waymo) and flying taxis.

AMANCIO ORTEGA ($124 Billion).

Amancio Ortega, who grew up in poverty in Spain, began working at the age of 14 as a shop assistant, delivering clothes. In 1975, he and his ex-wife transformed the fashion industry. The Spanish billionaire went on to found Zara, now the world’s largest fashion retailer. Even in his late 80s, his fast-fashion empire continues to grow, solidifying his status as one of Europe’s wealthiest individuals.

STEVE BALLMER ($119 Billion).

Steve Ballmer joined Microsoft in 1980 as its 30th employee. While not a tech mastermind, he was a tenacious salesman who played a key role in turning Windows into a market monopoly. Ballmer amassed his wealth from early Microsoft stock.

Following his retirement, he purchased the LA Clippers for $2 billion, a team now valued at $4.5 billion. These days, Ballmer simply enjoys watching his investments continue to grow.

VERDICT:
Most of the richest people made their wealth through tech, fashion, or smart investments. Elon Musk remains at the top, but Zuckerberg and Bezos are catching up. Together, these 10 individuals control over $1.8 trillion—more than many countries' economies—showing how wealth and power are concentrated in a few hands.

SOURCE: www.forbes.com