Overview
- Forbes counts a record 3,428 billionaires worth a combined $20.1 trillion, up 400 people and $4 trillion from last year, with 20 now holding 12-figure fortunes.
- Elon Musk leads at an estimated $839 billion after roughly a $497 billion year-over-year gain driven by Tesla’s rally and higher SpaceX valuations, making him the first person to surpass $800 billion.
- AI reshaped the ranks, with at least 86 fortunes tied largely to artificial intelligence and 42 of those newly minted in the past 12 months.
- There are 390 newcomers including Beyoncé, Dr. Dre, Roger Federer, filmmaker James Cameron, Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel and Kimbal Musk, and a record 35 under 30 led by 22-year-old self-made Surya Midha and 20-year-old heiress Amelie Voigt Trejes.
- The United States has a record 989 billionaires, China including Hong Kong has 610 and India 229, while Russia’s total reached a record 155 as a stronger ruble helped more fortunes clear the $1 billion mark.