Forbes has released its 40th annual ranking of the world's wealthiest individuals, featuring a record 3,428 billionaires this year—an increase of 400 from the previous year. Their combined wealth grew by $4 trillion, reaching an unprecedented $20.1 trillion. The average net worth of list members rose to $5.8 billion, up from $5.3 billion a year earlier. All figures are current as of March 1.
The report highlights that 20 individuals now hold fortunes of at least $100 billion, underscoring the growing concentration of wealth among the world's richest people.
Elon Musk retained the top position for the second consecutive year, becoming the wealthiest person in recorded history with an estimated net worth of $839 billion. A surge in the value of Tesla Motors and SpaceX, which is projected to go public by 2026, contributed to a $500 billion increase in his wealth compared to last year. Musk is the first person ever to surpass the $800 billion mark and is now approaching the trillion-dollar threshold.
Google co-founder Larry Page claimed the second spot with an estimated fortune of $257 billion, while his business partner Sergey Brin ranked third with $237 billion. Notably, last year they held the seventh and eighth positions with $144 billion and $138 billion, respectively.
Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos dropped to fourth place—marking his first time outside the top three since 2016—despite his wealth increasing from $215 billion to $224 billion.
Meta Platforms, Inc. founder Mark Zuckerberg ranked fifth with a net worth of $222 billion, down from second place last year when his fortune stood at $216 billion.
Bernard Arnault and his family, owners of LVMH-Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton and the list's leaders in 2023 and 2024, fell to seventh place as their total wealth declined from $178 billion to $171 billion.
U.S. President Donald Trump saw his wealth grow by 27%, reaching an estimated $6.5 billion and placing him 645th globally.
This year's list welcomed 390 newcomers, including Dr. Dre, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, and legendary tennis player Roger Federer.
The United States leads globally in the number of billionaires, with a record 989 individuals making the list this year.
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