The billionaires of 2025: who leads the list of the world's richest and why

The year 2025 reaffirms a clear trend in the global wealth landscape: technology and innovation continue to be the biggest wealth generators. The updated ranking shows that nine out of the ten richest billionaires are North American, with only one European on the list. But what explains this concentration? And what has changed compared to previous years?

Artificial intelligence and cloud computing define the new top

The AI revolution has transformed the 2025 rankings. While traditional platforms consolidate their positions, new names like Jensen Huang of NVIDIA have gained exponential relevance. Their chips lead global data centers and drive large-scale machine learning.

Alongside this, giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are expanding their presence in cloud computing and enterprise AI — sectors that not only grow rapidly but also capture significant capital flows.

The ten richest men in the world in 2025

1. Elon Musk — US$ 358 billion

Musk maintains global leadership by managing multiple ecosystems: Tesla (electric vehicles), SpaceX (space exploration), xAI (artificial intelligence), and the X platform. His investments also include crypto assets — Bitcoin (traded at $87.74K), Ethereum ($2.95K), and Dogecoin ($0.13) — which complement his risk portfolio.

2. Larry Ellison — US$ 251 billion

Ellison built his fortune through Oracle, a company that dominates enterprise databases, cloud computing, and AI solutions. His strategic stakes in Tesla reinforce his position in cutting-edge technology markets.

3. Mark Zuckerberg — US$ 251 billion

With Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus under his control via Meta, Zuckerberg expanded his empire into virtual reality and the metaverse. The company remains a global leader in social networks and digital platforms.

4. Jeff Bezos — US$ 247 billion

Bezos transformed retail and created AWS, one of the largest cloud infrastructure platforms. Even after stepping down as Amazon CEO, he maintains significant holdings, along with investments in Blue Origin and Whole Foods.

5. Steve Ballmer — US$ 174 billion

Former Microsoft CEO, Ballmer was responsible for expanding products like Azure, Office, and strategic acquisitions. His wealth also grows through his equity stake in the company and investments in the sports sector.

6. Larry Page — US$ 165 billion

Co-founder of Google, Page invests in autonomous mobility, biotechnology, and AI. His vision in emerging sectors keeps him among the top global assets.

7. Bernard Arnault — US$ 156 billion

The only European among the top ten, Arnault leads the LVMH group and its prestigious luxury brands: Louis Vuitton, Dior, Moët & Hennessy. The luxury segment continues to generate significant fortunes.

8. Sergey Brin — US$ 154 billion

Co-founder of Google, Brin focuses on autonomous mobility, biotechnology, and advances in AI — sectors shaping the future economy.

9. Jensen Huang — US$ 149 billion

Huang leads NVIDIA during an unprecedented growth period. The company’s GPUs have become essential for data centers, machine learning, and intensive computing worldwide.

10. Warren Buffett — US$ 141 billion

Buffett, known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” remains a benchmark in value investing through Berkshire Hathaway. His long-term strategy inspires generations of investors.

The full ranking: the 20 richest of 2025

In addition to the ten names mentioned, the rest of the list includes other billionaires controlling various sectors — from e-commerce to renewable energy, real estate investments, and technological innovation. The diversity of sectors reflects multiple opportunities for wealth accumulation.

Practical lessons from the greatest fortunes

Analyzing the billionaires of 2025 reveals recurring patterns guiding investment strategies:

• Long-term vision: All top names plan decades ahead, not just quarters
• Focus on innovation and technology: AI, cloud, biotech, and autonomous mobility dominate the fastest-growing sectors
• Portfolio diversification: Parallel investments in multiple businesses reduce risk concentration
• Monitoring macro trends: Those who anticipate global changes reap the greatest rewards

Musk’s trajectory with disruptive technology, Buffett’s discipline in asset selection, and Arnault’s persistence in luxury demonstrate that there is no single formula for billionaires. But discipline, strategy, and willingness to innovate are common to all.

For investors seeking inspiration, the message is clear: build diversified portfolios, follow rapidly growing sectors like AI and cloud, and maintain a long-term perspective. The 2025 data confirms that this approach remains the foundation of lasting financial success.