Who is the 2nd Richest Man in the World Right Now? Exploring the Top Billionaires

So, who’s sitting pretty at the top of the money mountain right now? We all hear about the richest people in the world, but sometimes it’s hard to keep track. This list is always changing, but we’ve got the latest rundown. We’re looking at the folks with the most cash, and yeah, some of these names you’ll definitely recognize. Let’s see who’s making the biggest waves financially this year, and who might be the 2nd richest man in the world.

Key Takeaways

• Elon Musk is currently the richest man in the world, with a net worth of around $485 billion.
• Larry Ellison holds the second spot, boasting a net worth of approximately $365 billion.
• Mark Zuckerberg comes in third, with his wealth estimated at about $246 billion.
• Jeff Bezos is currently in fourth place, with a net worth around $229 billion.
• The collective wealth of the world’s billionaires continues to grow, with over 3,030 individuals holding more than $16 trillion.

1. Elon Musk

Elon Musk is a name that frequently comes up when discussing the world’s wealthiest individuals. Born in South Africa, he’s a multifaceted entrepreneur known for his ambitious ventures across various industries. Musk co-founded PayPal, a significant player in online payments, and later established SpaceX, a company aiming to revolutionize space travel and make humanity a multi-planetary species. His involvement with Tesla, the electric vehicle and clean energy company, has also been a major driver of his success.

Musk’s role at Tesla involves leading product design, engineering, and global manufacturing for their electric cars, battery products, and solar energy solutions. The company’s mission to speed up the world’s shift to sustainable energy has seen the introduction of iconic models like the Roadster, Model S, and Model X. At SpaceX, he oversees the development of rockets and spacecraft, with projects like Starship and Starlink pushing the boundaries of space exploration and internet access.

Beyond these major companies, Musk is also involved with Neuralink, which focuses on brain-computer interfaces, and The Boring Company, working on innovative tunneling technology for urban transit. His diverse interests and bold visions have positioned him as a prominent figure in technology and business.

The sheer scale of Musk’s ventures, from electric cars to interplanetary travel, highlights a unique approach to innovation and business building. His companies often tackle complex, long-term challenges with the goal of significant global impact.

Here’s a look at some of his key ventures:

• Tesla: Leading the charge in electric vehicles and sustainable energy.
• SpaceX: Aiming for Mars colonization and advancements in space technology.
• Neuralink: Developing advanced brain-machine interfaces.
• The Boring Company: Creating efficient tunneling solutions for transportation.

Elon Musk’s significant stakes in Tesla and SpaceX are the primary sources of his immense wealth. His ability to identify and invest in rapidly growing or transformative markets has been a key factor in his financial standing. While his net worth can fluctuate with market conditions, his influence on the tech and business landscape remains substantial. You can find more details about the financial standings of billionaires like Larry Page and others in various financial publications.

2. Larry Ellison

Larry Ellison, a name synonymous with database technology, holds a significant position among the world’s wealthiest individuals. He is best known as the co-founder, executive chairman, and chief technology officer of Oracle Corporation. Ellison’s journey with Oracle began in 1977, and he played a key role in transforming it into a global software powerhouse. While he stepped down as CEO in 2014, his influence on the company’s technological direction remains strong.

Ellison’s substantial stake in Oracle is the primary driver of his immense wealth. Beyond Oracle, his investments span various sectors, including significant holdings in Tesla and substantial real estate, most notably his ownership of nearly the entire Hawaiian island of Lanai.

Here’s a look at some key aspects of his financial standing:

• Source of Wealth: Oracle Corporation
• Primary Role: Co-founder, Executive Chairman, CTO
• Other Major Investments: Tesla, Real Estate (including Lanai)

Ellison’s early involvement in database development laid the groundwork for Oracle’s success. His vision for the company’s technological future, particularly in cloud computing and now AI infrastructure, continues to shape its trajectory and his personal fortune.

His business acumen extends beyond software. Ellison has a keen eye for investment, diversifying his assets and contributing to his consistent presence at the top of global wealth rankings. His continued involvement in shaping Oracle’s technological advancements, especially in areas like artificial intelligence, suggests his influence in the tech world is far from over.

3. Mark Zuckerberg

Mark Zuckerberg, the name behind Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), is a significant figure in the tech world. He started Facebook back in 2004 while he was a student at Harvard University. It began as a way for college students to connect, but it grew incredibly fast. Now, Meta includes not just Facebook, but also Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, reaching billions of people globally.

Zuckerberg’s wealth comes mainly from his large ownership stake in Meta. The company’s success, driven by its advertising business and expansion into new areas, has made him one of the wealthiest individuals.

He is known for his vision of the metaverse, a digital space where people can interact in virtual environments.

Here’s a quick look at some key details:

• Company: Meta Platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Threads)
• Co-founded: 2004 at Harvard University
• Current Role: Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Controlling Shareholder
• Key Initiative: Developing the metaverse and AI capabilities

Zuckerberg has also been involved in philanthropy through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, which focuses on areas like education and science. However, like many tech leaders, he has faced scrutiny regarding data privacy, misinformation, and the company’s impact on society. He has testified before government bodies to address these concerns.

The rapid growth and influence of Meta have placed Zuckerberg at the center of discussions about the future of social media, digital privacy, and the evolving online world.

4. Jeff Bezos

Jeff Bezos, the visionary behind Amazon, is a name synonymous with the rise of e-commerce. He started Amazon in 1994, not in a fancy office, but from his garage. What began as an online bookstore has transformed into a global powerhouse, touching nearly every aspect of modern life, from online shopping and cloud computing with Amazon Web Services to streaming entertainment and artificial intelligence.

Bezos’s journey to immense wealth is largely tied to his significant stake in Amazon. The company’s consistent growth and expansion into new markets have been key. He stepped down as CEO in 2021, taking on the role of Executive Chairman, allowing him to focus on other ventures.

Beyond Amazon, Bezos has made significant investments in other ambitious projects:

• Blue Origin: Founded in 2000, this aerospace company is dedicated to making space travel more accessible. It’s actively developing reusable rockets and exploring the possibilities of space tourism.
• The Washington Post: In 2013, Bezos purchased the historic newspaper, aiming to preserve and innovate within the media landscape.
• Philanthropy: He has committed substantial resources to charitable causes through initiatives like the Bezos Day One Fund, which supports organizations addressing homelessness and early childhood education, and the Bezos Earth Fund, focused on climate change solutions.

While his ownership stake in Amazon has shifted over time, with recent filings indicating it has fallen below 10% for the first time, his influence and wealth remain substantial. His strategic decisions continue to shape the future of multiple industries.

Bezos’s early career as a hedge fund manager provided a solid foundation for his entrepreneurial endeavors. His ability to identify market opportunities and build scalable businesses has cemented his place among the world’s most influential figures.

5. Larry Page

Larry Page, a name synonymous with the internet’s evolution, is a key figure behind one of the most influential companies in the world: Google. Alongside his long-time collaborator Sergey Brin, Page didn’t just build a search engine; he helped shape how we access and interact with information online.

His journey into the tech world started early, influenced by his father, a computer science professor. Page’s academic path led him to the University of Michigan and then to Stanford University for his Ph.D. It was at Stanford where the foundational ideas for Google began to take shape. The concept of organizing the world’s information and making it universally accessible was ambitious, to say the least.

Page’s most significant contribution is arguably the development of the PageRank algorithm, the system that initially powered Google’s search results. This innovation was a game-changer, providing more relevant results than existing search engines at the time.

After Google’s founding in 1998, Page served in various leadership roles, including CEO, before the creation of Alphabet Inc. in 2015. Alphabet was designed as a holding company to allow Google to pursue more ambitious projects beyond its core search business. While he stepped down as CEO of Alphabet in 2019, he remains a significant force as a board member and controlling shareholder.

Beyond his work with Google and Alphabet, Page has shown interest in other forward-thinking ventures, particularly in areas like advanced transportation and artificial intelligence. His investments reflect a continued drive to explore and support technologies that could shape the future.

Page’s influence extends beyond just the technology he helped create. His vision for organizing information and his willingness to invest in ambitious, long-term projects have left a lasting mark on the digital landscape and continue to inspire innovation.

Here’s a look at some key aspects of his career:

• Co-founder of Google: Developed the core search technology with Sergey Brin.
• CEO and Leader: Held leadership positions at Google and its parent company, Alphabet Inc.
• Investor in Future Technologies: Supports ventures in areas like flying cars and AI.
• Controlling Shareholder: Remains a significant influence at Alphabet through his voting shares.

6. Sergey Brin

Sergey Brin, a name synonymous with the internet revolution, is a Russian-American business magnate and computer scientist. He’s best known as the co-founder of Google, a company that fundamentally changed how we access information. Brin, alongside his long-time collaborator Larry Page, started Google while pursuing their Ph.D.s at Stanford University. Their innovative approach to search technology quickly set them apart.

Brin’s journey to the top began with an immigration from the Soviet Union to the United States at a young age. He followed a strong academic path, earning degrees in mathematics and computer science before meeting Page. Together, they developed the search engine that would become Google, initially operating out of a rented garage.

While Brin stepped down from his role as president of Alphabet, Google’s parent company, in 2019, he remains a significant figure. He continues to be a controlling shareholder, a board member, and an employee, maintaining influence over the company’s direction.

Beyond his primary role at Alphabet, Brin has shown interest in other ventures. His investments have touched areas like Tesla and the genetic testing company 23andMe, showcasing a diverse entrepreneurial spirit.

Brin’s early life experiences and academic pursuits laid the groundwork for his groundbreaking work in the tech industry. His collaboration with Larry Page is a classic example of how shared vision and technical skill can lead to world-changing innovation.

7. Bernard Arnault

Bernard Arnault is a name synonymous with luxury. He’s the chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton, a company that pretty much defines the high-end market. Think of the most famous luxury brands – Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Tiffany & Co., Sephora, Moët & Chandon – chances are, LVMH owns them. Arnault didn’t just inherit this empire; he built it. He started his career in his family’s construction business but soon shifted his focus to the world of luxury goods in the 1980s. He famously revitalized Christian Dior and then used it as a springboard to acquire and build the LVMH conglomerate we know today.

His strategy has always been about acquiring strong brands and then letting them maintain their unique identity while expanding their reach. It’s a delicate balance, but one he’s mastered. This approach has made LVMH the largest luxury goods company globally, a true powerhouse in fashion, jewelry, cosmetics, and spirits.

Arnault’s success is a testament to his keen eye for brand value and his ability to manage a vast portfolio of distinct luxury houses. He has a knack for identifying potential and nurturing it, creating a collection of brands that are both timeless and highly profitable.

Here’s a quick look at some key aspects of his business:

• Company: LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton SE
• Role: Chairman and CEO
• Key Brands: Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Tiffany & Co., Fendi, Givenchy, Sephora, Moët & Chandon, Hennessy
• Industry: Luxury Goods

Arnault’s influence extends beyond just business. He’s also a significant art collector, further cementing his connection to the world of high culture and refinement. His ability to blend business acumen with an appreciation for art and craftsmanship is a big part of his enduring success.

8. Steve Ballmer

Steve Ballmer, a name synonymous with Microsoft’s growth for over a decade, is a significant figure in the tech world and beyond. He took the helm as CEO of Microsoft in 2000, stepping into the role Bill Gates had held. During his 14-year tenure, Ballmer was instrumental in expanding the company’s reach, particularly in enterprise software and cloud computing. He also oversaw the launch of the original Xbox, a move that significantly diversified Microsoft’s product offerings.

Ballmer’s journey with Microsoft began in 1980 when he joined as one of its earliest employees. His departure from Stanford’s MBA program to join the burgeoning tech company proved to be a wise decision. His leadership at Microsoft saw the company’s sales triple and profits double, though it also faced challenges in adapting to the rapidly evolving mobile landscape.

Beyond his Microsoft legacy, Ballmer is widely recognized as the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers. He purchased the NBA team in 2014, bringing his characteristic energy and drive to the sports franchise. His involvement with the Clippers includes significant investments in new facilities and community engagement.

Here’s a look at some key aspects of his career and wealth:

• Microsoft CEO Tenure: 2000 – 2014
• Key Initiatives: Enterprise growth, cloud computing, Xbox launch
• Current Role: Owner of the Los Angeles Clippers
• Philanthropy: Active through the Ballmer Group, focusing on education and economic mobility.

Ballmer’s approach to business and leadership is often described as high-energy and intensely competitive. He’s known for his passionate speeches and a drive to win, qualities that have marked his career both in the corporate world and in professional sports.

9. Jensen Huang

Jensen Huang, the co-founder, president, and CEO of NVIDIA Corporation, is a significant figure in the tech world. Born in Taiwan in 1963, his family moved to the United States when he was young. He pursued electrical engineering, earning his undergraduate degree from Oregon State University and a master’s from Stanford University.

Huang co-founded NVIDIA in 1993, and under his leadership, the company has become a powerhouse, initially known for its graphics processing units (GPUs) for gaming, and later expanding into crucial areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous vehicles. The company’s success, particularly its role in the current AI boom, has significantly boosted its market value and, consequently, Huang’s net worth.

NVIDIA’s journey has been remarkable:

• Early Focus: The company first made its mark by developing chips for the burgeoning video game industry.
• AI Revolution: More recently, NVIDIA’s advanced chips have become indispensable for training AI models and powering data centers, driving massive growth.
• Diversification: Beyond gaming and AI, NVIDIA’s technology is now applied in sectors such as healthcare and the automotive industry for self-driving systems.

Huang’s substantial stake in NVIDIA is the primary source of his wealth. His strategic vision has positioned NVIDIA not just as a chip manufacturer, but as a key enabler of future technologies.

The rapid advancements in computing power and the widespread adoption of AI have placed NVIDIA at the forefront of technological innovation. Jensen Huang’s consistent leadership has been a driving force behind this trajectory, making him one of the most influential figures in the technology sector today.

10. Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett, often called the "Oracle of Omaha," is a name synonymous with smart investing. He’s the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, a company he’s built into a massive conglomerate over decades. His approach, known as value investing, is all about finding solid companies that the market has somehow overlooked, buying them up, and holding on for the long haul. It’s not about quick wins; it’s about steady growth.

Berkshire Hathaway isn’t just one company; it’s a collection of many. Think household names like GEICO, the insurance giant, or BNSF Railway, a major transportation network. They also hold significant stakes in huge companies like Apple and Coca-Cola. It’s a diverse portfolio that reflects Buffett’s belief in owning good businesses.

Buffett’s personal life is also quite interesting. Despite his enormous wealth, he’s known for living a relatively simple life. He still lives in the same house he bought in Omaha, Nebraska, back in 1958. This down-to-earth attitude is part of what makes him so relatable to many.

Buffett’s investment philosophy is straightforward: buy businesses you understand, run by people you trust, at a price that makes sense. He avoids chasing trends and instead focuses on the underlying value of a company.

Beyond his business dealings, Buffett is also a major philanthropist. He co-founded The Giving Pledge, encouraging other wealthy individuals to commit most of their fortunes to charitable causes. He plans to give away over 99% of his wealth, primarily through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other family charities. His commitment to giving back is a significant part of his legacy.

Here’s a quick look at some key aspects of his financial standing:

• Chairman and CEO: Berkshire Hathaway
• Investment Style: Value Investing
• Notable Holdings: GEICO, BNSF Railway, significant stakes in Apple, Coca-Cola
• Philanthropic Commitment: Over 99% of his wealth pledged to charity
• Residence: Omaha, Nebraska

Buffett’s enduring success is a testament to his disciplined, long-term investment strategy and his ability to identify companies with strong fundamentals. His influence on the financial world and his philanthropic efforts continue to shape how we think about wealth and its purpose.

Wrapping Up Our Look at the World’s Wealthiest

So, as we’ve seen, the landscape of extreme wealth is always shifting. While figures like Elon Musk and Larry Ellison consistently rank at the very top, their positions can change based on market performance and new ventures. It’s fascinating to track how these individuals build and maintain their fortunes, often through massive stakes in global companies. Understanding these rankings gives us a glimpse into the economic forces shaping our world, and it’s clear that innovation and strategic investment continue to be key drivers for those at the pinnacle of global finance. We’ll keep an eye on these numbers, as the story of the world’s richest is far from over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the second richest person in the world right now?

As of October 2025, Larry Ellison holds the second spot among the world’s wealthiest individuals. He made his fortune by co-founding Oracle, a major software company.

How much is Larry Ellison worth?

Larry Ellison’s net worth is estimated to be around $365 billion as of October 2025. His wealth saw a significant increase recently, gaining almost $100 billion in a single day.

What companies are the richest people involved with?

The wealthiest individuals are often founders or major stakeholders in huge tech companies. Think of Elon Musk with Tesla and SpaceX, Mark Zuckerberg with Meta (Facebook), and Jeff Bezos with Amazon. Others are leaders in different industries, like Bernard Arnault with luxury goods.

How do billionaires manage their taxes?

Many billionaires can borrow money using their wealth as collateral. This helps them avoid selling stocks and also postpones or even eliminates taxes on money they haven’t actually received yet. They also use various tax breaks to lower the income they report, sometimes paying very little income tax.

How many billionaires are there in the world?

In 2025, there are over 3,030 billionaires worldwide. Their combined wealth is enormous, totaling more than $16 trillion. The number of billionaires has been growing each year.

Is Elon Musk always the richest person?

Elon Musk has consistently held the top spot as the world’s richest person for some time. His wealth comes mainly from his leadership in companies like Tesla and SpaceX.

Peyman Khosravani

Peyman Khosravani is a global blockchain and digital transformation expert with a passion for marketing, futuristic ideas, analytics insights, startup businesses, and effective communications. He has extensive experience in blockchain and DeFi projects and is committed to using technology to bring justice and fairness to society and promote freedom. Peyman has worked with international organizations to improve digital transformation strategies and data-gathering strategies that help identify customer touchpoints and sources of data that tell the story of what is happening. With his expertise in blockchain, digital transformation, marketing, analytics insights, startup businesses, and effective communications, Peyman is dedicated to helping businesses succeed in the digital age. He believes that technology can be used as a tool for positive change in the world.