The world’s billionaires became richer this year, according to the Forbes International ranking. According to the magazine, the total fortune of the 3,028 billionaires is estimated at $16.1 trillion (around €14.3 trillion), representing an increase of approximately $1.8 trillion compared to last year.
Since 1987, Forbes has been tracking billionaires, initially identifying just 140. By 2017, the number had grown to two thousand, and it has now reached a historic milestone of 3,028—247 more than last year.
The entrepreneurs in the ranking have fortunes stemming from various sectors. However, the finance and investment sector and the technology sector hold the largest number of billionaires, with more than 400 each.
The finance and investment sector alone accounts for a total of €2.3 trillion, while the technology sector holds a combined fortune of €2.8 trillion.
Although the billionaires on the list have grown wealthier, the ranking includes some surprises—most notably, the drop in position of French businessman Bernard Arnault, owner of the LVMH group. In 2024, Bernard was the richest person in the world, with a fortune of €210.4 billion. However, this year he fell to fifth place, with losses of around €165 billion.
The French luxury brand has been experiencing a decline in its performance, ending the first quarter with a 3% drop in sales.
The ranking is led by Elon Musk, with a fortune of €316 billion—a 75% increase compared to 2024. The Tesla founder has gone against the trend of his own company, which saw a drop in market capitalization.
Despite the turmoil and controversies surrounding him, Musk’s companies saw an increase in valuation after Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential elections—a candidate supported by the billionaire.
In second place is Mark Zuckerberg, with a 22% increase in his fortune, now standing at €200 billion. The Meta CEO, which owns Facebook and Instagram, is currently facing some challenges, including a trial in Washington where he is accused of building an illegal monopoly after acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp.
Jeff Bezos ranks third, with his fortune rising 11% to €199 billion. Despite this, the Amazon CEO dropped one position from last year, when he held second place, still being the richest American.
Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison takes fourth place, with €117 billion, followed by Warren Buffett, owner of Berkshire Hathaway, with €142 billion.
Next is Google co-founder Larry Page, with a fortune of €133 billion. The other Google co-founder, Sergey Brin, ranks eighth, with €127 billion. In ninth place is Amancio Ortega, co-founder of Inditex, valued at €114 billion. Rounding out the top 10 is former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, with €110 billion.
The top 10 collectively hold a fortune of approximately €1.6 trillion.
