Forbes, the bible for those looking at wealth trends, has updated its list of billionaires. As well as a real-time list of billionaires - which illustrates the jaw-dropping truth that these people’s fortunes can fluctuate by billions in a day - the magazine puts together a yearly round-up.
This year, the 39th time it has compiled a list, it found 3,028 billionaires - made up of businesspeople, investors and heirs - which is 247 more people than last year. The first list, in 1987 saw 140 billionaires in total, says Forbes.
You’ll not be surprised to see Elon Musk topping the tree, with Mark Zuckerberg next in line.
Forbes adds: “Not only are there more of them, but they’re richer than ever, worth $16.1 trillion in total - up nearly $2 trillion over 2024. The US has a record 902 billionaires, followed by China (516, including Hong Kong) and India (205). We used stock prices and exchange rates from March 7, 2025.”
9. Amancio Ortega - $124bn
Amancio Ortega of Spain is the second wealthiest retailer in the world after Bernard Arnault and LVMH. The founder and chairman of the Inditex fashion group, which owns Zara and Bershka, he was briefly the richest person in the world in 2015 | Miguel Riopa/AFP via Getty Images
10. Steve Ballmer - $118m
A billionaire who owes his fortune to Microsoft, Steve Ballmer ran the computer company from 2000 to 2014. He is now the owner of the LA Clippers basketball team owner | Getty Images