The Top 20 Richest People in the World

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, globalization, and unprecedented market volatility, the world’s wealthiest individuals continue to amass fortunes that dwarf the GDPs of entire nations. As of late October 2025, the combined net worth of the top 20 richest people exceeds $3.5 trillion, a staggering figure that highlights the concentration of wealth in the hands of a select few. These billionaires, predominantly from the technology sector, have built empires through innovation, strategic investments, and sometimes sheer audacity. Their stories are not just tales of financial success but also reflections of broader economic trends, including the rise of AI, e-commerce, and sustainable energy.

This article delves into the profiles of these elite individuals, drawing from the latest data on global billionaires. We’ll explore their backgrounds, sources of wealth, and the journeys that propelled them to the pinnacle of prosperity. From Silicon Valley moguls to European luxury tycoons, their paths offer insights into ambition, risk-taking, and the evolving landscape of global capitalism. Note that net worth figures are fluid, influenced by stock markets, business deals, and economic shifts, but they provide a snapshot of power and influence in 2025.

A Snapshot of the Elite: The Top 20 List

Before diving into individual profiles, here’s a comprehensive table summarizing the top 20 richest people as of October 29, 2025:

This list underscores the dominance of American tech entrepreneurs, with 14 of the top 20 hailing from the United States. Now, let’s explore each person’s story in more detail.

1. Elon Musk: The Visionary Disruptor ($500 Billion)

Elon Musk, the South African-born entrepreneur, tops the list with a staggering $500 billion net worth at age 54. Musk’s wealth stems primarily from his stakes in Tesla, the electric vehicle giant, and SpaceX, the aerospace company revolutionizing space travel. Born in Pretoria in 1971, Musk moved to the US in the 1990s, co-founding PayPal before selling it to eBay for $1.5 billion. He then poured his fortunes into ambitious ventures like Tesla in 2004 and SpaceX in 2002. Tesla’s stock surge, driven by the global shift to sustainable energy, has been a key wealth driver, while SpaceX’s Starlink and NASA contracts add billions. Musk’s ventures extend to Neuralink and xAI, reflecting his focus on AI and human augmentation. Despite controversies, including his acquisition of Twitter (now X), Musk’s relentless innovation has made him a cultural icon. Living in Austin, Texas, he advocates for multi-planetary life, embodying the fusion of technology and futurism that defines modern billionaires.

2. Larry Ellison: The Database King ($334 Billion)

At 82, Larry Ellison ranks second with $334 billion, built on Oracle, the software behemoth he co-founded in 1977. Ellison’s journey began in Chicago, where he dropped out of college and honed his programming skills. Oracle’s relational database software became indispensable for businesses worldwide, propelling the company to tech stardom. Ellison stepped down as CEO in 2014 but remains chairman and CTO, guiding Oracle’s cloud computing pivot. His wealth also includes significant Tesla shares and real estate, like his Hawaiian island of Lanai, purchased for $300 million in 2012. A yachting enthusiast and philanthropist, Ellison has donated millions to medical research. Residing in Lanai, Hawaii, his story highlights the enduring value of enterprise software in an increasingly digital world.

3. Mark Zuckerberg: The Social Media Pioneer ($257 Billion)

Mark Zuckerberg, 42, holds the third spot with $257 billion from Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), which he founded in his Harvard dorm in 2004. The platform’s explosive growth to over 3 billion users revolutionized communication and advertising. Despite privacy scandals and regulatory scrutiny, Meta’s ventures into VR (Oculus) and the metaverse have sustained Zuckerberg’s fortune. Born in New York in 1984, he dropped out of Harvard to focus on Facebook, rebranding it to Meta in 2021 to emphasize future tech. Philanthropically, he and wife Priscilla Chan pledged 99% of their shares to the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative for disease eradication and education. Living in Palo Alto, California, Zuckerberg’s influence extends beyond wealth, shaping global connectivity.

4. Jeff Bezos: The E-Commerce Emperor ($242 Billion)

Jeff Bezos, 62, amasses $242 billion through Amazon, founded in 1994 as an online bookstore. It evolved into the world’s largest e-retailer, dominating cloud services via AWS. Born in Albuquerque in 1964, Bezos left a Wall Street job to start Amazon in his garage. The company’s stock boom, especially during the pandemic, skyrocketed his wealth. Post-CEO in 2021, he focuses on Blue Origin, his space company rivaling SpaceX. Bezos owns The Washington Post and has committed billions to climate initiatives via the Bezos Earth Fund. Residing in Seattle, Washington, his narrative exemplifies the power of e-commerce in reshaping retail.

5. Larry Page: The Search Engine Architect ($227 Billion)

Larry Page, 53, co-founded Google in 1998 with Sergey Brin, leading to a $227 billion fortune. Google’s search dominance and expansions into Android, YouTube, and AI via Alphabet (restructured in 2015) fuel his wealth. Born in Michigan in 1973, Page earned a PhD from Stanford, where the Google idea sparked. As Alphabet’s former CEO, he now advises on moonshot projects like Waymo self-driving cars. Page’s investments include flying car startups, reflecting his innovative spirit. He resides in Palo Alto, California, quietly influencing tech’s future.

6. Sergey Brin: The Algorithm Innovator ($210 Billion)

Sergey Brin, 52, shares Google’s origins with Page, boasting $210 billion. Born in Moscow in 1973, Brin immigrated to the US as a child. His Stanford collaboration with Page birthed Google’s PageRank algorithm. Brin stepped back from daily operations in 2019 but remains a controlling shareholder in Alphabet. His wealth supports ventures like Alphabet’s X lab for radical innovations. A kitesurfing aficionado, Brin philanthropically funds Parkinson’s research, inspired by his mother’s diagnosis. Living in Los Altos, California, Brin’s story underscores immigration’s role in American success.

7. Bernard Arnault: The Luxury Magnate ($186 Billion)

Bernard Arnault, 77, is Europe’s richest with $186 billion from LVMH, the luxury conglomerate encompassing Louis Vuitton, Dior, and more. Born in France in 1949, Arnault transformed his family’s construction business into a fashion empire starting in the 1980s. Strategic acquisitions, like Tiffany & Co. in 2021, have expanded LVMH’s reach. Amid luxury market booms post-pandemic, Arnault’s wealth soared. He resides in Paris, France, and is a noted art collector, funding museums like the Fondation Louis Vuitton. His family-oriented succession planning ensures LVMH’s legacy.

8. Jensen Huang: The AI Chip Pioneer ($180 Billion)

Jensen Huang, 62, leads Nvidia with $180 billion, driven by AI and graphics chips. Founded in 1993, Nvidia’s GPUs power gaming, data centers, and AI training. Born in Taiwan in 1963, Huang moved to the US and studied at Stanford. Nvidia’s stock exploded with AI demand from companies like OpenAI. Huang’s visionary leadership earned him “Godfather of AI” status. He resides in Taiwan, philanthropically supporting education and tech research.

9. Steve Ballmer: The Microsoft Veteran ($162 Billion)

Steve Ballmer, 70, accumulated $162 billion from Microsoft, where he was CEO from 2000 to 2014. Joining in 1980 as employee #30, Ballmer grew the company post-Gates. His wealth includes Clippers NBA ownership, bought for $2 billion in 2014. Born in Detroit in 1956, Ballmer’s energetic style is legendary. Residing in Hunts Point, Washington, he focuses on philanthropy via USAFacts for data-driven policy.

10. Michael Dell: The PC Revolutionary ($158 Billion)

Michael Dell, 61, founded Dell Technologies in 1984 from his dorm, leading to $158 billion. Dell’s direct-to-consumer model disrupted PCs. After taking it private in 2013 and relisting, Dell expanded into cloud and AI. Born in Houston in 1965, Dell’s philanthropy includes billions for health and education. He lives in Austin, Texas, advocating for tech innovation.

11. Warren Buffett: The Oracle of Omaha ($142 Billion)

Warren Buffett, 95, built $142 billion through Berkshire Hathaway, investing in value stocks like Apple and Coca-Cola. Born in 1930 in Nebraska, Buffett started investing young. His folksy wisdom and long-term strategy define him. Pledging 99% to philanthropy, mainly Gates Foundation, Buffett resides modestly in Omaha, Nebraska.

12. Amancio Ortega: The Fashion Retailer ($130 Billion)

Amancio Ortega, 90, founded Zara’s parent Inditex, amassing $130 billion. Born in Spain in 1936, Ortega’s fast-fashion model revolutionized retail. Retiring in 2011, his wealth funds real estate and philanthropy. He lives reclusively in La Coruna, Spain.

13. Rob Walton: The Walmart Heir ($123 Billion)

Rob Walton, 81, inherits $123 billion from Walmart, founded by father Sam. As former chairman, he guided expansions. Born in 1944, Walton’s interests include conservation. He resides in Bentonville, Arkansas.

14. Jim Walton: The Banking Walton ($120 Billion)

Jim Walton, 78, manages $120 billion from Walmart and Arvest Bank. Born in 1948, he’s low-profile. Living in Bentonville, Arkansas, he supports education.

15. Alice Walton: The Art-Loving Heiress ($111 Billion)

Alice Walton, 77, holds $111 billion from Walmart. Born in 1949, she founded Crystal Bridges Museum. Residing in Fort Worth, Texas, she champions arts access.

16. Mukesh Ambani: The Indian Industrialist ($111 Billion)

Mukesh Ambani, 69, diversifies $111 billion via Reliance Industries, spanning energy to telecom. Born in 1957, he transformed his father’s company. Living in Mumbai, India, Ambani’s Jio disrupted telecom.

17. Michael Bloomberg: The Media Mogul ($109 Billion)

Michael Bloomberg, 84, built $109 billion on Bloomberg LP’s financial data. Born in 1942, he was NYC mayor. Residing in New York, he funds gun control and climate causes.

18. Bill Gates: The Philanthropic Tech Icon ($104 Billion)

Bill Gates, 70, co-founded Microsoft, yielding $104 billion. Born in 1955, he focuses on Gates Foundation for global health. Living in Medina, Washington, Gates tackles inequality.

19. Carlos Slim Helu: The Telecom Tycoon ($104 Billion)

Carlos Slim Helu, 86, controls $104 billion via America Movil. Born in 1940 in Mexico, he diversified investments. Residing in Mexico City, Slim philanthropically supports education.

20. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers: The Beauty Heiress ($89 Billion)

Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, 72, inherits $89 billion from L’Oréal. Born in 1953, she manages the family foundation. Living in Paris, France, she authors books on theology.

Conclusion: The Future of Extreme Wealth

The top 20 richest people in 2025 illustrate a world where technology reigns supreme, with AI, e-commerce, and renewable energy driving fortunes. Yet, this concentration raises questions about inequality and taxation. As markets evolve, figures like Musk and Huang may see further gains from AI booms, while traditional sectors adapt. Philanthropy among these billionaires offers hope, but systemic change is needed. Their legacies will shape not just economies but societies for generations.