According to Forbes' Real-Time Billionaires List (updated as of December 1, 2025), there are a record 3,028 billionaires worldwide, with a combined net worth of approximately $16.1 trillion. This marks an increase of 247 billionaires and $1.9 trillion in total wealth compared to 2024. The United States leads with 902 billionaires, followed by China (including Hong Kong) with 516, and India with 205.
Elon Musk has held the top spot since May 2024, briefly becoming the first person to reach $500 billion in October 2025. Recent surges in tech stocks, particularly in AI and EVs, have propelled Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin into the top ranks, displacing others like Bernard Arnault. Notably, Bill Gates has fallen out of the top 10 for the first time in 33 years.
Here's the top 10 richest people in the world as of December 1, 2025 (net worth are approximate and fluctuate daily based on stock prices):
Rank Name Net Worth Age Country Primary Source of Wealth
1 Elon Musk $482B 54 United States | Tesla, SpaceX
2 Larry Page $262B 52 United States Google (Alphabet)
3 Larry Ellison $253B 81 United States Oracle
4 Jeff Bezos $245B 61 United States Amazon
5 Sergey Brin $242B 52 United States Google (Alphabet)
6 Mark Zuckerberg $222B 41 United States Meta Platforms (Facebook)
7 Bernard Arnault & family | $191B 76 France LVMH (luxury goods)
8 Jensen Huang $154B 62 United States Nvidia
9 Michael Dell $152B 60 United States Dell Technologies
10 Warren Buffett $152B 95 United States Berkshire Hathaway (investments)