Who Has Most Money In World right now? Elon Musk, the innovative CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, currently tops the list with a staggering net worth, according to money-central.com. Dive into this article to discover the top 10 wealthiest individuals, their sources of wealth, and the strategies they’ve employed to amass their fortunes, along with financial insights, wealth management tips, and investment strategies.
1. Who is Elon Musk?
Elon Musk is the richest person in the world, boasting a net worth of $332 billion. He is the Co-founder and CEO of Tesla.
Elon Musk, aged 53 and residing in the United States, isn’t just a name; he’s a phenomenon. Musk’s journey began in South Africa, leading him to the University of Pennsylvania, where he secured bachelor’s degrees in physics and economics, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.
Musk’s career took off when he deferred his graduate studies at Stanford to launch Zip2, a pioneering online navigation service. This venture paved the way for X.com, the innovative online payment system that later became PayPal Holdings (PYPL). According to research from New York University’s Stern School of Business, in July 2025, PayPal remains a key player in online transactions, processing billions of dollars daily.
In 2004, Musk’s role as a major investor in Tesla Motors (now Tesla) propelled him to his current position as CEO, spearheading the electric vehicle revolution. Tesla’s product line includes electric automobiles, energy storage solutions, and solar power systems, the latter bolstered by the acquisition of SolarCity in 2016. Moreover, Musk serves as CEO and chief engineer of Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), a leader in space launch rockets.
In December 2020, Tesla’s inclusion in the S&P 500 marked a significant milestone, underscoring its market dominance. By January 2021, Musk’s ascent to the world’s richest person mirrored Tesla’s rising valuation.
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In April 2022, Musk initiated a move to privatize X (formerly Twitter), culminating in a $44 billion acquisition funded in part by $21 billion of his own capital. This venture further solidified Musk’s influence in technology and media.
As of March 2025, Musk’s influence extends to xAI, an artificial intelligence company aimed at advancing human scientific discovery. The merger between X and xAI to form XAI holdings, with Musk owning approximately 33%, underscores his commitment to innovation and technological advancement.
2. What is Jeff Bezos known for?
Jeff Bezos is the Founder and Executive Chair of Amazon (AMZN), with a net worth of $212 billion.
In 1994, Jeff Bezos revolutionized the retail landscape by founding Amazon.com from his Seattle garage, shortly after leaving his position at D.E. Shaw, a prominent hedge fund. Initially conceived as an online bookstore, Bezos envisioned Amazon as a platform capable of offering a vast selection of products, a vision that he pitched to his former boss, David E. Shaw.
Amazon has evolved into a global retail giant, poised to surpass Walmart as the world’s largest retailer by 2024. Amazon’s pattern of constant diversification is evident in some of its unexpected expansions, which include acquiring Whole Foods in 2017 and entering the pharmacy business the same year.
Bezos once held a 16% stake in Amazon, which was later reduced to 8.6% after transferring 4% to his former wife, MacKenzie Scott, during their divorce settlement. The COVID-19 pandemic fueled a surge in online shopping, driving Amazon’s share price up by 76% in 2020. On July 5, 2021, Bezos transitioned from CEO to executive chair, marking a new chapter in his leadership.
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Bezos took Amazon public in 1997, becoming the first person since Bill Gates in 1999 to amass a net worth exceeding $100 billion. In addition to Amazon, Bezos is involved in various ventures, including aerospace company Blue Origin, The Washington Post (acquired in 2013), and the Long Now, also known as the 10,000-year clock.
On July 20, 2021, Bezos, his brother Mark, aviation pioneer Wally Funk, and Dutch student Oliver Daemen successfully completed Blue Origin’s first crewed flight, ascending to an altitude of over 66 miles before safely returning to Earth. That same month, Bezos’s wealth peaked at $213 billion. In 2023, he acquired the superyacht Koru for $500 million.
3. What is Mark Zuckerberg’s role at Meta?
Mark Zuckerberg is the CEO and Chair of Meta Platforms (META), with a net worth of $203 billion.
Mark Zuckerberg, along with fellow students Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes, pioneered Facebook (now Meta) at Harvard University in 2004. As Facebook expanded to other universities, Zuckerberg left Harvard to concentrate on his burgeoning business. Today, he serves as the CEO and chair of Meta.
Facebook is the largest social networking service globally. Since the platform is free for users, the company generates most of its revenue through advertising.
Meta owns several other prominent brands, including Instagram, the photo-sharing app acquired in 2012; WhatsApp, the cross-platform mobile messaging service; Oculus, the virtual-reality-headset producer, acquired in 2014; and Workplace, its enterprise-connectivity platform.
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In 2015, Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, established the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, where they both serve as co-CEOs. The charity aims to address societal issues through technology, focusing on improving access to education, reforming the criminal justice and immigration systems, enhancing housing affordability, and eradicating diseases.
4. What is Larry Ellison’s background?
Larry Ellison is the Co-founder, Chair, and CTO of Oracle (ORCL), holding a net worth of $168 billion.
Larry Ellison’s story began in New York City, born to a 19-year-old single mother. After leaving the University of Chicago in 1966, Ellison relocated to California and worked as a computer programmer. In 1973, he joined Ampex, where he met future collaborators Ed Oates and Bob Miner. Three years later, Ellison moved to Precision Instruments as vice president of research and development.
In 1977, Ellison, Oates, and Miner founded Software Development Laboratories. Two years later, they launched Oracle, the first commercial relational database program using Structured Query Language. Oracle’s success led SDL to rebrand as Oracle Systems Corporation in 1982. After 37 years, Ellison stepped down as CEO of Oracle in 2014. He joined Tesla’s board in December 2018 and resigned in June 2022.
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Oracle is the world’s second-largest software company, offering cloud computing programs, Java and Linux code, and the Oracle Exadata computing platform. Oracle has acquired numerous large companies over its history, such as Sun Microsystems and Cerner.
Ellison’s philanthropic focus is on medical research. In 2016, he donated $200 million to the University of Southern California for a cancer research center. Ellison supported Oracle Team USA, which won the America’s Cup sailing series in 2010 and 2013.
5. What are Bill Gates’s major accomplishments?
Bill Gates, the Co-founder of Microsoft (MSFT), possesses a net worth of $166 billion.
While studying at Harvard University in 1975, Bill Gates collaborated with his childhood friend Paul Allen to develop software for microcomputers. Following the success of this project, Gates left Harvard during his junior year to co-found Microsoft with Allen.
Microsoft, the world’s largest software company, also produces personal computers, provides email services via its exchange server, and sells video game systems. It has recently invested heavily in cloud services.
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In 2008, Gates transitioned from CEO to board chair. He joined Berkshire Hathaway’s board in 2004. He stepped down from both boards on March 13, 2020.
The majority of Bill Gates’s wealth is in Cascade Investment LLC, a privately held investment vehicle that owns a variety of stocks.
6. How did Warren Buffett make his fortune?
Warren Buffett is the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A), with a net worth of $166 billion.
The most famous living value investor, Warren Buffett, filed his first tax return in 1944 at age 14, declaring earnings from his boyhood paper route. He first bought shares in a textile company called Berkshire Hathaway in 1962, becoming the majority shareholder by 1965. Buffett expanded the company’s holdings to insurance and other investments in 1967.
Widely known as the Oracle of Omaha, Buffett is a buy-and-hold investor who built his fortune by acquiring undervalued companies. More recently, Berkshire Hathaway has invested in large, well-known companies. Its portfolio of wholly owned subsidiaries includes interests in insurance, energy distribution, railroads, and consumer products.
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Buffett is a notable Bitcoin skeptic.
Buffett has dedicated much of his wealth to philanthropy. Between 2006 and 2020, he gave away $41 billion—mostly to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and his children’s charities. Buffett launched the Giving Pledge alongside Bill Gates in 2010.
Now 93 years old, Buffett still serves as CEO, but in 2021, he stated that his likely successor would be Gregory Abel, head of Berkshire’s non-insurance operations.
7. What brands does Bernard Arnault oversee?
Bernard Arnault is the CEO and Chair of LVMH (LVMUY), with a net worth of $153 billion.
French national Bernard Arnault is the chairman and CEO of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods company. LVMH brands include Louis Vuitton, Hennessy, Marc Jacobs, and Sephora.
Most of Arnault’s wealth comes from his massive stake in LVMH. His shares in LVMH are held through entities associated with Financiere Agache, the investment firm that manages his fortune.
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An engineer by training, Arnault first showed his business acumen while working for his father’s construction firm, Ferret-Savinel, taking charge of the company in 1971. He converted Ferret-Savinel to a real estate company named Férinel Inc. in 1979.
Arnault remained Férinel’s chair for another six years, until he acquired and reorganized luxury goods maker Financière Agache in 1984, eventually selling all its holdings other than Christian Dior and Le Bon Marché. He was invited to invest in LVMH in 1987 and became the majority shareholder, chair of the board, and CEO of the company two years later.
8. What is Steve Ballmer most known for?
Steve Ballmer is the Owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, with a net worth of $148 billion.
Steve Ballmer joined Microsoft in 1980 after Bill Gates convinced him to drop out of Stanford University’s MBA program. He was Microsoft’s 30th employee. Ballmer went on to succeed Gates as Microsoft CEO in 2000. He held the position until stepping down in 2014. Ballmer oversaw Microsoft’s 2011 purchase of Skype for $8.5 billion.
Ballmer owns an estimated 4% of Microsoft, making him the software giant’s largest individual shareholder. In 2014, shortly after stepping down as Microsoft CEO, Ballmer purchased the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team for $2 billion.
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Ballmer lived in the same dorm and on the same floor as Bill Gates when the two attended Harvard University. Their brotherly relationship became strained when Ballmer started pushing the tech company into hardware, such as the Surface tablet and the Windows mobile phone, during his tenure as CEO.
9. What did Larry Page create?
Larry Page is the Co-founder and Board Member of Alphabet (GOOG), with a net worth of $146 billion.
Like several of the tech billionaires on this list, Larry Page embarked on his path to fame and fortune in a college dorm room. While attending Stanford University in 1995, Page and his friend Sergey Brin came up with the idea of improving Internet data extraction. The duo devised a new search engine technology they dubbed Backrub after its ability to assess links to a page.
From there, Page and Brin went on to found Google in 1998, with Page serving as CEO of the company until 2001, and again between 2011 and 2019.
Google is the world’s dominant Internet search engine, accounting for more than 92% of global search requests. In 2006, the company purchased YouTube, the top platform for user-submitted videos.
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After acquiring Android in 2005, Google released the Android mobile phone operating system in 2008. Google reorganized in 2015, becoming a subsidiary of Alphabet, a holding company.
Page was among the early investors in Planetary Resources, a space exploration and asteroid-mining company. Established in 2009, the company was acquired by blockchain firm ConsenSys in 2018 amid funding problems. He has also shown an interest in flying car companies, investing in both Kitty Hawk and Opener, although Kitty Hawk ceased operations in 2022.
10. What is Sergey Brin known for?
Sergey Brin is the Co-founder and Board Member of Alphabet (GOOG), with a net worth of $138 billion.
Sergey Brin was born in Moscow, Russia, and moved to the U.S. with his family when he was six in 1979. After co-founding Google with Larry Page in 1998, Brin became Google’s president of technology when Eric Schmidt took over as CEO in 2001. He held the same post at the Alphabet holding company after it was established in 2015, stepping down in 2019 when Sundar Pichai took over as CEO.
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In addition to its dominant internet search engine, Google offers a suite of online tools and services known as Google Workspace, which includes Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Google Meet, Google Chat, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and more. Google also offers a variety of electronic devices, including Pixel smartphones, computers, and tablets, Nest smart home devices, and the Stadia gaming platform.
Brin has donated millions of dollars to Parkinson’s disease research, partnering with The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Who are the Top 10 Richest People in the World?
The top 10 richest people in the world as of May 2, 2025, are listed in the table below:
| Rank | Name | Age | Country | Company | Net Worth (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elon Musk | 53 | USA | Tesla, SpaceX | $332 Billion |
| 2 | Jeff Bezos | 61 | USA | Amazon | $212 Billion |
| 3 | Mark Zuckerberg | 40 | USA | Meta Platforms | $203 Billion |
| 4 | Larry Ellison | 80 | USA | Oracle | $168 Billion |
| 5 | Bill Gates | 69 | USA | Microsoft | $166 Billion |
| 6 | Warren Buffett | 94 | USA | Berkshire Hathaway | $166 Billion |
| 7 | Bernard Arnault | 76 | France | LVMH | $153 Billion |
| 8 | Steve Ballmer | 69 | USA | Los Angeles Clippers, Microsoft | $148 Billion |
| 9 | Larry Page | 52 | USA | Alphabet (Google) | $146 Billion |
| 10 | Sergey Brin | 51 | USA | Alphabet (Google) | $138 Billion |
Who is the World’s Richest Man in 2025?
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, holds the title of the world’s richest man as of May 2, 2025, with a net worth of $332 billion. His wealth is primarily derived from his stakes in Tesla and SpaceX, companies revolutionizing the automotive and space industries. According to Forbes, Musk’s innovative vision and leadership have propelled these companies to unprecedented heights, cementing his status as a global business icon.
Musk’s journey to the top is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to disrupt traditional industries. He first gained recognition as a co-founder of PayPal, which transformed online payments. His subsequent ventures, Tesla and SpaceX, have redefined the possibilities of electric vehicles and space exploration, respectively.
Tesla’s success in the electric vehicle market has not only challenged established automakers but also accelerated the global transition towards sustainable transportation. Similarly, SpaceX has lowered the cost of space travel, opening new opportunities for commercial and scientific endeavors beyond Earth.
Who is the Richest Woman in the World?
Alice Walton is the richest woman in the world, with a net worth of $115 billion as of May 2, 2025, derived from her holdings in Walmart. She is the daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton.
Alice Walton’s wealth is primarily tied to her family’s stake in Walmart, the world’s largest retailer. According to Bloomberg, the Walton family collectively owns a significant portion of Walmart’s stock, making them one of the wealthiest families in the world. While Alice Walton doesn’t actively manage Walmart, her ownership stake has made her one of the wealthiest individuals globally.
Beyond her financial success, Alice Walton is known for her contributions to the arts and philanthropy. She established the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, showcasing a diverse collection of American art. Her commitment to promoting arts and culture has made her a respected figure in the philanthropic community.
Challenges Faced by Those Seeking Financial Stability
Understanding the challenges faced by individuals striving for financial stability is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of common obstacles:
- Understanding Complex Financial Concepts: Many people find it difficult to grasp complex financial concepts, which hinders their ability to make informed decisions about investments, savings, and debt management.
- Budgeting and Expense Tracking: Creating and sticking to a budget can be challenging. Tracking expenses, identifying areas to cut back, and managing cash flow require discipline and consistent effort.
- Investment Options: Navigating the myriad of investment options available can be overwhelming. Determining which investments align with one’s risk tolerance, financial goals, and time horizon requires research and potentially professional advice.
- Debt Management: Managing debt, whether it’s credit card debt, student loans, or mortgages, can be a significant burden. High-interest rates and accumulating balances can make it difficult to pay down debt and achieve financial freedom.
- Saving for Goals: Saving enough money for long-term goals like buying a home, retirement, or education requires careful planning and consistent contributions. Competing financial priorities and unexpected expenses can derail savings efforts.
- Unexpected Financial Situations: Life is unpredictable, and unexpected financial emergencies like job loss, medical expenses, or car repairs can disrupt financial stability. Having an emergency fund is essential, but many people struggle to save adequately for such situations.
- Seeking Reliable Advice: Finding trustworthy financial advice can be challenging. With so many sources of information available, it’s essential to distinguish between credible advice and misleading or biased recommendations.
Services Needed to Overcome Financial Hurdles
To navigate these challenges, individuals need access to a range of services. Here are some essential offerings:
- Educational Resources: Easily understandable articles and guides on personal finance topics like budgeting, saving, investing, debt management, and credit scores are crucial.
- Product Comparisons: Tools that compare different financial products, such as bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investment options, help individuals make informed choices.
- Financial Calculators: Tools like budget calculators, compound interest calculators, and retirement planning calculators aid in setting financial goals and tracking progress.
- Personalized Advice: Customized financial advice and strategies tailored to individual circumstances and goals help people make informed decisions.
- Market Updates: Current news and analysis on financial markets keep individuals informed about economic trends and investment opportunities.
- Expert Connections: Links to qualified financial advisors and consultants who can provide personalized guidance and support are invaluable.
Achieving Financial Success with money-central.com
money-central.com is dedicated to providing you with the resources, tools, and expert advice you need to navigate the complex world of personal finance. Whether you’re just starting out on your financial journey or looking to optimize your existing strategies, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Comprehensive Financial Education
We offer a wide range of articles and guides covering essential topics such as:
- Budgeting and expense tracking
- Saving strategies
- Investment options
- Debt management
- Credit score improvement
- Retirement planning
Powerful Financial Tools
Take advantage of our suite of financial calculators and tools to help you:
- Create a budget and track your spending
- Calculate the power of compound interest
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Personalized Advice and Expert Support
Connect with qualified financial advisors and consultants who can provide tailored guidance and support based on your unique financial situation and goals. Our experts can help you:
- Develop a personalized financial plan
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Real-World Success Stories
Learn from the experiences of others who have achieved financial success through informed decision-making and strategic planning. Our success stories offer inspiration and practical tips to help you on your journey.
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Bottom Line
To approach billionaire wealth, one must be a technological innovator or a luxury retail expert or use value investing. While being born into wealth helps, creativity, ambition, and networking can lead to building large companies.
To take control of your financial future and achieve your goals, visit money-central.com for articles, tools, and expert advice. Start your journey to financial success today.
FAQ
Who is currently the richest person in the world?
As of May 2, 2025, Elon Musk is the richest person in the world, with a net worth of $332 billion, thanks to his leadership in Tesla and SpaceX.
How do the wealthiest people manage their money?
Wealthy people often diversify investments, seek professional advice, and reinvest in their businesses.
What sectors do the richest people invest in?
The richest people invest in technology, real estate, luxury goods, and diversified portfolios.
How can I learn more about wealth management?
Websites like money-central.com offer resources, tools, and expert advice on wealth management.
What financial habits can help me build wealth?
Key habits include budgeting, saving, investing early, and avoiding unnecessary debt.
Who was the richest person in history?
Historically, Mansa Musa of the Mali Empire is considered the wealthiest person, though his exact wealth is impossible to quantify.
How often does the list of richest people change?
The list changes daily based on market fluctuations and asset valuations.
What role does inheritance play in wealth accumulation?
Inheritance can significantly contribute to wealth, but many on the list built their fortunes through innovation and entrepreneurship.
How do economic conditions affect the wealth of the richest people?
Economic downturns can decrease wealth due to market declines, while economic booms can increase it.
How do the richest people give back to society?
Many billionaires engage in philanthropy through foundations, donations, and initiatives addressing social and environmental issues.
