In a year of global turbulence, the world’s billionaires have defied the odds, amassing unprecedented wealth and growing their numbers to new heights. The Bizmart List 2025 celebrates a year of record-breaking achievements, showcasing the resilience and dominance of the ultra-wealthy amidst ongoing economic challenges.
The Billionaire Boom
This year, the billionaire count reached an all-time high of 2,781 individuals, surpassing last year’s total by 141 and the previous record of 2,755 set in 2021. Collectively, they are worth $14.2 trillion, a $2 trillion increase from 2023. The United States leads the charge with 813 billionaires, contributing a combined $5.7 trillion to the global total. Following are China with 473 billionaires (worth $1.7 trillion) and India with a record 200 billionaires.
The top 20 billionaires alone added $700 billion to their collective fortunes, driven primarily by booming stock prices in the technology, retail, and finance sectors. Two-thirds of the billionaires on this list saw their wealth grow over the past year, further highlighting the resilience of these economic titans.
Key Trends in 2025
- Technology at the Helm
Technology remains the leading wealth driver, accounting for 14 of the top 25 billionaires. From AI breakthroughs to renewable energy innovations, the tech sector continues to transform industries and create immense wealth for its pioneers. - Diversified Growth
While technology dominates, sectors like retail, finance, and consumer goods also witnessed significant gains. The Walton family (Walmart) and Bernard Arnault (LVMH) solidified their positions through the continued demand for retail and luxury goods. - Global Expansion
Billionaires in India and China have shown resilience despite regional challenges. From Mukesh Ambani’s energy empire to Ma Huateng’s tech innovations, emerging markets are cementing their place in the global economy.
Top 25 Billionaires of 2025
| Rank | Name | Net Worth ($B) | Last Change ($B) | YTD Change ($B) | Country/Region | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elon Musk | 432 | -9.70 | +203 | United States | Technology |
| 2 | Jeff Bezos | 239 | -1.89 | +61.8 | United States | Technology |
| 3 | Mark Zuckerberg | 207 | -2.02 | +79.2 | United States | Technology |
| 4 | Larry Ellison | 192 | -1.10 | +69.2 | United States | Technology |
| 5 | Bernard Arnault | 176 | +0.688 | -31.2 | France | Consumer |
| 6 | Larry Page | 168 | -1.83 | +41.8 | United States | Technology |
| 7 | Bill Gates | 159 | -1.00 | +18.0 | United States | Technology |
| 8 | Sergey Brin | 158 | -1.70 | +38.3 | United States | Technology |
| 9 | Steve Ballmer | 147 | -1.09 | +15.7 | United States | Technology |
| 10 | Warren Buffett | 142 | +0.466 | +22.2 | United States | Diversified |
| 11 | Michael Dell | 124 | -0.881 | +45.2 | United States | Technology |
| 12 | Jensen Huang | 114 | -5.77 | +70.3 | United States | Technology |
| 13 | Jim Walton | 112 | -0.463 | +39.5 | United States | Retail |
| 14 | Rob Walton | 110 | -0.454 | +38.5 | United States | Retail |
| 15 | Alice Walton | 109 | -0.428 | +39.0 | United States | Retail |
| 16 | Amancio Ortega | 101 | -0.401 | +13.8 | Spain | Retail |
| 17 | Mukesh Ambani | 90.6 | -0.00367 | -5.74 | India | Energy |
| 18 | Carlos Slim | 79.4 | +0.224 | -25.9 | Mexico | Diversified |
| 19 | Gautam Adani | 78.7 | -1.37 | -5.60 | India | Industrial |
| 20 | Francoise Bettencourt Meyers | 74.4 | +0.506 | -25.2 | France | Consumer |
| 21 | Julia Flesher Koch & family | 73.0 | -0.0177 | +6.52 | United States | Industrial |
| 22 | Charles Koch | 65.7 | -0.0292 | +3.30 | United States | Industrial |
| 23 | Zhong Shanshan | 55.0 | -0.119 | -12.8 | China | Diversified |
| 24 | Stephen Schwarzman | 53.4 | +0.0897 | +11.0 | United States | Finance |
| 25 | Changpeng Zhao | 53.3 | -1.72 | +19.0 | Canada | Finance |
United States: The Wealth Powerhouse
With 813 billionaires, the U.S. remains the largest contributor to global wealth. The combined $5.7 trillion net worth highlights the country’s dominance in technology, retail, and finance. Leaders like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg continue to spearhead innovation, redefining industries and reshaping the global economy.
India and China: Rising Giants
China, with 473 billionaires, remains a significant player despite economic challenges. Innovations in technology and manufacturing continue to drive wealth creation. India, home to 200 billionaires, saw its tycoons expand their influence, with Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani leading the charge.
Conclusion: A Year of Unprecedented Growth
The Bizmart List 2025 is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the world’s billionaires. Amid global challenges, these individuals have shown that innovation, diversification, and strategic investments are key to creating and sustaining wealth. With over $14 trillion in combined net worth, the billionaire class not only influences the global economy but also shapes the future of industries and societies worldwide.
Disclaimer: Data based on stock prices and exchange rates as of March 8, 2024. Numbers are subject to change.