Top 10 Billionaires In the World in 2024
The world’s wealthiest individuals have amassed staggering fortunes, with their net worths reaching unprecedented heights. In 2024, the global billionaire club is dominated by a select few who have built empires across diverse industries, from technology and luxury goods to investment firms and aerospace.
This article delves into the top 10 billionaires in the world based on data from the Real-Time Billionaires List. We explore the sources of their immense wealth and provide insights into their remarkable journeys to the pinnacle of financial success.
1. Elon Musk – $210.7 Billion
According to the Real-Time Billionaires List, Musk is the richest person in the world with a net worth of $210.7 billion as of May 2024. The majority of his wealth comes from his stake in Tesla, the electric vehicle company he leads as CEO and co-founder. Tesla’s stock has surged in recent years, making it one of the most valuable automakers globally.
Musk also owns SpaceX, a private aerospace manufacturer valued at $180 billion as of December 2023. His other assets include The Boring Company, Neuralink, and his acquisition of Twitter (now X) for $44 billion in 2022.
2. Bernard Arnault & Family – $201 Billion
Bernard Arnault, the CEO of LVMH (the world’s largest luxury goods company), has a net worth of around $201 billion, making his family the second-richest in the world. LVMH owns iconic brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Celine, and Tiffany & Co.
Arnault’s wealth is derived from his 41.4% stake in LVMH, which had a market cap of around $443.93 billion in April 2024. The family also owns a vast portfolio of real estate, including vineyards, luxury hotels, and private residences across the globe.
3. Jeff Bezos – $197.4 Billion
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has a net worth of $197.4 billion, making him the third-richest person in the world. The majority of his wealth comes from his 9% stake in Amazon, which had a market cap of around $1.8 trillion in February 2024.
Bezos also owns other assets like Blue Origin (a space exploration company), The Washington Post, and significant real estate holdings. He briefly surpassed Elon Musk as the world’s richest person in 2021 before Musk regained the top spot.
4. Mark Zuckerberg – $163.9 Billion
Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder and CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook), has a net worth of $163.9 billion, making him the fourth-richest person in the world. His wealth is primarily derived from his 13% ownership stake in Meta, which has a market cap of around $700 billion.
Zuckerberg’s net worth has fluctuated significantly in recent years due to Meta’s stock performance. In 2022, his net worth dropped below $35 billion but rebounded in 2023 after Meta’s strong financial results and focus on artificial intelligence.
5. Larry Ellison – $146.2 Billion
Larry Ellison’s net worth is $146.2 billion, making him the fifth-richest person in the world. He is the co-founder and former CEO of Oracle. Ellison owns over 40% of Oracle, a leading database software company with a market cap of around $300 billion.
In addition to his Oracle stake, Ellison has investments in companies like Tesla, real estate holdings (including the Hawaiian island of Lanai), and a sailing team. His wealth has grown significantly in recent years due to Oracle’s strong performance in cloud applications and AI.
6. Larry Page – $142.6 Billion
Larry Page, the co-founder of Google and former CEO of Alphabet (Google’s parent company), has a net worth of $142.6 billion, making him the sixth-richest person in the world. Page’s wealth is derived from his stake in Alphabet, which has a market cap of around $1.5 trillion.
Page stepped down as Alphabet’s CEO in 2019 but remains actively involved in the company’s long-term projects, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence.
7. Sergey Brin – $136.6 Billion
Sergey Brin, the co-founder of Google and former president of Alphabet, has a net worth of $136.6 billion, making him the seventh-richest person in the world. Like his co-founder Larry Page, Brin’s wealth comes from his stake in Alphabet.
Brin has also been actively involved in Alphabet’s various projects, including its self-driving car initiative and other technological advancements.
8. Warren Buffett – $134.9 Billion
Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has a net worth of $134.9 billion, making him the eighth-richest person in the world. Buffett’s wealth is derived from his ownership of Berkshire Hathaway, a conglomerate holding company with investments in various industries.
Despite his immense wealth, Buffett is known for his frugal lifestyle and philanthropic efforts. He has pledged to give away the majority of his fortune to charitable causes.
9. Bill Gates – $128.6 Billion
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, has a net worth of $128.6 billion, making him the ninth-richest person in the world. Gates’ wealth primarily comes from his stake in Microsoft, the software company he co-founded and led as CEO until 2000.
Gates has also been actively involved in philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which focuses on global health, education, and other humanitarian causes.
10. Steve Ballmer – $123.1 Billion
Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft, has a net worth of $123.1 billion, making him the tenth-richest person in the world. Ballmer’s wealth is derived from his stake in Microsoft, where he served as CEO from 2000 to 2014.
In addition to his Microsoft holdings, Ballmer owns the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team, which he acquired for $2 billion in 2014.
