Wealth Rankings: 10 Richest People in the World for 2024

As a financial analyst who’s been tracking the world’s wealthiest individuals for over a decade, I’m continually amazed by the ever-shifting landscape of global wealth. The year 2024 has brought some fascinating changes to the billionaire’s club, and I’m excited to share my insights on the current top 10 richest people in the world. Based on data from the Real-Time Billionaires List, we’ll dive into the fortunes of tech titans, retail moguls, and investment gurus who have climbed to the pinnacle of wealth. From Elon Musk’s continued reign at the top to some surprising new entrants, the list reflects the dynamic nature of global markets and the impact of technological innovation on personal fortunes.

1. Elon Musk – $269.8 billion

Elon Musk, born on June 28, 1971, in Pretoria, South Africa, is currently the world’s richest person with a net worth of $269.8 billion. Musk is a serial entrepreneur and innovator, known for his ambitious ventures in technology and space exploration. Musk’s wealth primarily stems from his leadership roles and significant stakes in several high-profile companies:

Tesla: As CEO and largest shareholder, Musk’s 13% stake in the electric vehicle company forms a substantial portion of his wealth.
SpaceX: His private space exploration company has revolutionized the aerospace industry.
X (formerly Twitter): Musk acquired the social media platform in a $44 billion deal in 2022.
Neuralink and The Boring Company: These ventures focus on brain-computer interfaces and tunnel construction, respectively.

Musk’s journey to becoming the world’s richest person has been marked by bold decisions and technological innovations. He co-founded PayPal, which was sold to eBay in 2002, providing him with the capital to invest in his future ventures.

2. Larry Ellison – $206.2 billion

Larry Ellison, born on August 17, 1944, in New York City, is the co-founder, executive chairman, and CTO of Oracle Corporation. According to the Real-Time Billionaires List, with a net worth of $206.2 billion, Ellison currently holds the position of the second-richest person in the world. Ellison’s wealth primarily comes from his stake in Oracle, the software giant he co-founded in 1977. Key aspects of his career and wealth include:

Oracle: Under Ellison’s leadership, Oracle became one of the largest software companies globally, specializing in database management systems.
Technology Investments: Ellison has made strategic investments in other tech companies, including a significant stake in Tesla.
Real Estate: He owns extensive properties, including 98% of the Hawaiian island of Lanai.

Ellison’s recent wealth surge is attributed to Oracle’s strong performance in the artificial intelligence market, with the company’s stock price soaring in 2024.

3. Jeff Bezos – $205.8 billion

Jeff Bezos, born on January 12, 1964, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the founder and executive chairman of Amazon. With a net worth of $205.8 billion, Bezos is currently the third-richest person in the world. Bezos’s wealth primarily comes from his stake in Amazon, the e-commerce and cloud computing giant he founded in 1994. Key aspects of his career and wealth include:

Amazon: Starting as an online bookstore, Amazon has grown into one of the world’s largest and most influential companies under Bezos’s leadership.
Blue Origin: Bezos founded this aerospace company with the goal of making space travel more accessible.
The Washington Post: He purchased the newspaper in 2013 for $250 million.

Bezos stepped down as CEO of Amazon in 2021 but remains executive chairman. His wealth has fluctuated significantly over the years, largely due to changes in Amazon’s stock price and his divorce settlement in 2019.

4. Bernard Arnault & family – $199.5 billion

Bernard Arnault, born on March 5, 1949, in Roubaix, France, is the chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury goods company. Arnault’s net worth of $199.5 billion makes him one of the wealthiest individuals globally. Key aspects of Arnault’s career and wealth include:

LVMH Empire: Arnault oversees an empire of 75 brands, including Louis Vuitton, Hennessy, Bulgari, and Tiffany & Co.
Business Strategy: Known for his aggressive acquisition strategy and ability to revitalize heritage brands.
Wealth Fluctuations: Arnault’s net worth has seen significant fluctuations, with recent reports showing a $54 billion decrease due to a 20% drop in LVMH’s stock price.

Despite his immense wealth, Arnault is known for his relatively modest lifestyle and focus on long-term business growth.

5. Mark Zuckerberg – $196.3 billion

Mark Zuckerberg, born on May 14, 1984, in White Plains, New York, is the co-founder, CEO, and controlling shareholder of Meta (formerly Facebook). As of September 2024, Zuckerberg’s net worth is estimated at $196.3 billion. Key points about Zuckerberg’s wealth and career:

Meta Platforms: The majority of his wealth comes from his stake in Meta, where he owns about 13% of the company.
Rapid Wealth Growth: In 2024 alone, Zuckerberg’s net worth increased by $55.6 billion.
Philanthropy: Zuckerberg has pledged to give away 99% of his Meta shares over his lifetime.
Technological Innovation: Under his leadership, Meta has expanded into virtual reality and artificial intelligence.

Zuckerberg’s wealth is closely tied to Meta’s stock performance, which has seen significant growth in recent years despite various controversies and challenges.

6. Warren Buffett – $143.9 billion

Warren Buffett, born on August 30, 1930, in Omaha, Nebraska, is the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and one of the most successful investors in history. As of September 2024, Buffett’s net worth is estimated at $143.9 billion. Key aspects of Buffett’s wealth and career include:

Berkshire Hathaway: The vast majority of his wealth (about 99%) is tied to his ownership stake in Berkshire Hathaway.
Investment Philosophy: Known for his value investing strategy and long-term approach to investments.
Philanthropy: Buffett has pledged to give away most of his fortune, with a significant portion going to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Frugal Lifestyle: Despite his immense wealth, Buffett is famous for his modest lifestyle, still living in the same house he bought in 1958 for $31,500.

Buffett’s success is attributed to his keen eye for undervalued companies and his ability to hold investments for extended periods, allowing them to appreciate significantly over time.

7. Bill Gates – $138.6 billion

Bill Gates, born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, is the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the most influential figures in the technology industry. As of September 2024, Gates’ net worth is estimated at $138.6 billion. Key aspects of Gates’ career and wealth include:

Microsoft: Co-founded in 1975, Microsoft became the world’s largest personal computer software company under Gates’ leadership.
Philanthropy: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, established in 2000, focuses on global health, education, and poverty reduction.
Investments: Gates has diversified his wealth through Cascade Investment LLC, with stakes in various companies and significant land holdings.

Despite stepping down from his active roles at Microsoft, Gates continues to be a major shareholder and technology advisor to the company. His recent focus has been on climate change and global health issues, including authoring books on these topics.

8. Larry Page – $136.4 billion

Larry Page, born on March 26, 1973, in East Lansing, Michigan, is the co-founder of Google and former CEO of its parent company, Alphabet Inc. His net worth as of September 2024 is estimated at $136.4 billion. Highlights of Page’s career and wealth:

Google: Co-founded with Sergey Brin in 1998, revolutionizing internet search and digital advertising.
Alphabet Inc.: Served as CEO until stepping down in December 2019, but remains a board member and controlling shareholder.
Investments: Page has invested in flying car startups and other innovative technologies.

Page’s wealth primarily stems from his stake in Alphabet, which has seen significant growth over the years due to Google’s dominance in the tech industry.

9. Amancio Ortega – $133.4 billion

Amancio Ortega, born on March 28, 1936, in Busdongo de Arbás, Spain, is the founder of Inditex fashion group, best known for its Zara clothing and accessories chain. His net worth as of September 2024 is estimated at $133.4 billion. Key points about Ortega’s wealth and career:

Inditex: Founded in 1975, it has grown to become one of the world’s largest fashion retailers.
Real Estate: Ortega has invested heavily in real estate in major cities worldwide.
Low Profile: Despite his immense wealth, Ortega is known for maintaining a private lifestyle.

Ortega’s success is attributed to his fast-fashion business model and vertical integration strategy, allowing Zara to quickly respond to changing fashion trends.

10. Sergey Brin – $130.6 billion

Sergey Brin, born on August 21, 1973, in Moscow, Russia, is the co-founder of Google and former president of Alphabet Inc. His net worth as of September 2024 is estimated at $130.6 billion. Notable aspects of Brin’s career and wealth:

Google: Co-founded with Larry Page in 1998, developing the PageRank algorithm that became the foundation of Google’s search engine.
Alphabet Inc.: Served as president until stepping down in December 2019, but remains a board member and controlling shareholder.
Innovative Projects: Involved in various cutting-edge technologies, including Google X projects like self-driving cars and Google Glass.

Brin’s wealth, like Page’s, is largely tied to his stake in Alphabet. He has also been involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly in Parkinson’s disease research.