The world’s billionaires dominance of wealth, power and global influence magnifies as Forbes’ 2025 World’s Billionaires List counts a record of 3,028 individuals worth a combined $16.1 trillion, up $2 trillion from last year. The average fortune now stands at $5.3 billion, the highest in history.
At the top of the list, Elon Musk has reclaimed his crown as the world’s richest person, with an estimated net worth of $342 billion, fueled by major gains from SpaceX and his AI venture xAI. Mark Zuckerberg ($216B) and Jeff Bezos ($215B) follow close behind, while Larry Ellison ($192B) and Bernard Arnault ($178B) round out the top five.
This year also marks the first time three individuals are worth more than $200 billion each. The elite $100 Billion Club now includes 15 members, who together control $2.4 trillion—more than the combined wealth of the bottom half of all billionaires.
The United States remains the global hub of extreme wealth with 902 billionaires, followed by China (516) and India (205). The list spans 76 countries, with Albania appearing for the first time and Saudi Arabia returning after a seven-year absence.
Among the 288 newcomers are cultural icons Bruce Springsteen, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jerry Seinfeld, along with AI pioneers, crypto entrepreneurs, and restaurant moguls. The richest newcomer, Marilyn Simons ($31B), inherits the legacy of her late husband, hedge fund titan Jim Simons.
Women now make up 13.4% of the list, led by Alice Walton ($101B), who surpasses Françoise Bettencourt Meyers ($81.6B) as the world’s richest woman.
Even U.S. President Donald Trump saw his fortune soar, doubling to $5.1 billion thanks to his media company’s public debut and lucrative crypto ventures.
From Silicon Valley to sovereign wealth, 2025 confirms what the numbers make clear: the billionaire class isn’t just growing—it’s rewriting the boundaries of global wealth and influence.
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