The Richest Person in the World in 2025 – Forbes Billionaires List

Introduction to the 2025 Forbes Billionaires List

In 2025, the global billionaire landscape continues to shift dramatically, with wealth soaring to new heights. According to Forbes’ 39th annual World’s Billionaires List, a record 3,028 billionaires collectively hold $16.1 trillion in wealth, up from $14.2 trillion in 2024. Fueled by surging tech stocks, groundbreaking innovations, and strategic investments, the ultra-wealthy are reshaping economies, politics, and philanthropy. Leading this elite group is an individual whose fortune has reached unprecedented levels, securing their place as the richest person in the world in 2025.

Who Is the Richest Person in the World in 2025?

As of June 2025, Elon Musk has once again been declared the richest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of $423 billion, according to Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires List. Musk’s wealth surged due to a 23% increase in Tesla’s stock prices following the highly anticipated launch of Tesla’s robotic taxi in May 2025. This milestone, combined with the success of his other ventures, has solidified his position at the top. Musk, a 53-year-old South African-born entrepreneur, leads transformative companies like Tesla (electric vehicles), SpaceX (space exploration), X (social media platform), xAI (artificial intelligence), and The Boring Company (infrastructure). His innovative leadership and recent involvement in the U.S. government’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Donald Trump have further amplified his influence, though not without controversy.

The Top 10 Richest People in 2025

The Forbes Billionaires List for June 2025 showcases a tech-dominated top 10, with significant shifts in rankings. Here’s the updated list of the world’s richest individuals:

1. Elon Musk – $423 billion (United States, Tesla, SpaceX, X, xAI)
2. Mark Zuckerberg – $224 billion (United States, Meta Platforms)
3. Jeff Bezos – $220 billion (United States, Amazon, Blue Origin)
4. Larry Ellison – $206 billion (United States, Oracle)
5. Warren Buffett – $158 billion (United States, Berkshire Hathaway)
6. Bernard Arnault – $144 billion (France, LVMH)
7. Larry Page – $142 billion (United States, Alphabet/Google)
8. Sergey Brin – $136 billion (United States, Alphabet/Google)
9. Steve Ballmer – $133 billion (United States, Microsoft, Los Angeles Clippers)
10. Amancio Ortega – $124 billion (Spain, Zara/Inditex)

This list reflects notable changes. Mark Zuckerberg surpassed Jeff Bezos this month to claim the No. 2 spot, with his fortune rising by $34 billion due to an 18% surge in Meta’s stock price. Bezos’s wealth increased by $19 billion to reach $220 billion, driven by Amazon’s strong performance. Steve Ballmer, former Microsoft CEO, overtook Amancio Ortega, founder of Zara, to secure the ninth position with a net worth of $133 billion. Meanwhile, Warren Buffett suffered a significant setback, with his fortune dropping by $9 billion to $158 billion due to a 5% decline in Berkshire Hathaway shares. Bernard Arnault also saw his wealth decrease by $3 billion, bringing it to $144 billion, impacted by a 15% drop in LVMH shares. According to Forbes, the combined wealth of the top 10 billionaires now stands at $1.9 trillion, a $140 billion increase from May 2025.

The Rise of Elon Musk’s Wealth

Elon Musk’s position as the world’s richest person in 2025 is driven by his diverse portfolio and bold innovations. Key contributors to his $423 billion fortune include:

• Tesla: Musk’s 12.86% stake in Tesla, the leading electric vehicle manufacturer, saw a 23% stock price surge after the May 2025 robotic taxi launch, significantly boosting his wealth.
• SpaceX: Valued at $350 billion, SpaceX is the world’s most valuable private company. Its reusable rocket technology and Starlink satellite internet have been major drivers of Musk’s fortune.
• X and xAI: The March 2025 merger of xAI with X (formerly Twitter) at a $45 billion valuation has diversified Musk’s portfolio, with AI innovations poised to shape the future.
• Other Ventures: The Boring Company ($3.33 billion valuation) and Neuralink ($2.07 billion) contribute smaller but notable portions to his wealth.

Musk’s fortune grew by $91 billion since December 2024, reflecting investor confidence in his ventures. His political role in Trump’s administration has sparked debates, with some praising his efficiency-driven approach and others criticizing his outsized influence.

Key Trends from the 2025 Forbes Billionaires List

The 2025 Forbes Billionaires List reveals several trends shaping global wealth:

1. Tech Continues to Dominate

Eight of the top 10 billionaires built their fortunes in technology, with companies like Tesla, Meta, Amazon, and Oracle driving massive wealth creation. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 rose by 10% and 6% in May 2025, respectively, boosting tech billionaires’ net worths.

2. Global Billionaire Surge

The billionaire population grew by 7% to 3,028 in 2025, with a collective wealth of $16.1 trillion. The United States leads with 902 billionaires, followed by China (516) and India (205), reflecting a robust global economy despite market volatility.

3. Women in Wealth

The richest woman, Alice Walton, holds a net worth of $108 billion, ranking 17th overall. Her fortune stems from her inherited Walmart stake. Women represent 13.4% of the list, with 406 female billionaires, though most inherited their wealth.

4. Young Billionaires

The youngest billionaire, Livia Voigt, a 19-year-old Brazilian heiress, holds a $1.1 billion stake in WEG. The list includes 18 young heirs, signaling a generational wealth transfer.

5. Philanthropy and Influence

Billionaires like Musk, Zuckerberg, and Buffett wield significant influence through philanthropy and political engagement. Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan are investing $3 billion to combat diseases by 2100, while Buffett’s Giving Pledge continues to inspire wealth redistribution. Musk’s political involvement, however, remains a polarizing topic.

How Forbes Tracks Billionaire Wealth

Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires List updates daily, using stock prices, exchange rates, and market indices to estimate net worth. Private company valuations, like SpaceX’s, are adjusted using industry-specific indices from FactSet Research Systems. Forbes accounts for debt, charitable giving, and assets like art and real estate, with over 100 reporters worldwide ensuring data accuracy through public filings and interviews.

The Role of Billionaires in 2025

Billionaires in 2025 hold unparalleled influence, shaping industries and policies. Musk’s role in Trump’s DOGE initiative highlights the intersection of wealth and governance, though it has drawn protests targeting Tesla dealerships. The top 10 billionaires’ $1.9 trillion combined wealth underscores their economic impact, with many leveraging stock holdings to borrow funds and minimize taxes.

The Richest Woman: Alice Walton

Alice Walton, with a $108 billion fortune, remains the world’s richest woman, ranking 17th overall. Her wealth, inherited from her father, Sam Walton, comes from her Walmart stake. Unlike her brothers, Alice focuses on philanthropy, particularly through her Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Emerging Billionaires and Industries

The 2025 list includes 285 new billionaires, such as celebrities Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jerry Seinfeld, and Taylor Swift, each worth over $1 billion. Emerging sectors like AI, green energy, and cryptocurrencies are creating new wealth, with Alexandr Wang, the 28-year-old co-founder of Scale AI, as the youngest self-made billionaire at $2 billion.

Challenges and Controversies

Billionaires face growing scrutiny in 2025. Musk’s political ties have sparked protests, while tax avoidance strategies, like borrowing against stock, fuel debates on wealth inequality. Environmental concerns also pose risks, with wildfire-related lawsuits targeting corporate leaders, reflecting the challenges of operating in a climate-conscious world.

Conclusion: The Future of Wealth in 2025

The 2025 Forbes Billionaires List highlights a world where wealth is concentrated among innovators like Elon Musk, whose $423 billion fortune reflects the power of visionary leadership. With tech driving unprecedented wealth creation and billionaires shaping global trends, their influence, both celebrated and controversial, will continue to define 2025. For the latest billionaire rankings, visit Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires List or explore detailed profiles on their website.

Fahad Munir

Fahad Munir is a seasoned journalist and editor at Awam PK, specializing in sharing accurate and timely news, job updates, and educational information to the Pakistani audience.