As of May 2024, the global billionaire landscape continues to be dominated by leaders in the fields of luxury goods, technology, and finance. This list highlights the top 10 richest individuals, as recorded by Forbes, who have not only amassed extraordinary wealth but also wield significant influence across various industries.

1. Bernard Arnault – $209.4 Billion (France)

Bernard Arnault, the chairman and CEO of LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), continues to reign as the world’s richest person. His luxury empire includes over 70 brands, including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Sephora. Despite a recent $17 billion drop in his fortune due to a decrease in LVMH’s stock value, Arnault remains firmly at the top of the billionaire rankings.

2. Elon Musk – $199.6 Billion (United States)

Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla, SpaceX, and owner of X (formerly Twitter), remains a close second. A 15% surge in Tesla’s stock in late April 2024 added $14.5 billion to his fortune, closing the gap between him and Arnault. Musk’s ambitious ventures, including his ongoing developments in space exploration and electric vehicles, continue to fuel his wealth.

3. Jeff Bezos – $193.3 Billion (United States)

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, briefly regained the second spot in April 2024 but was soon overtaken by Musk. Bezos’s wealth largely comes from his stake in Amazon, as well as his ventures in space exploration through Blue Origin and other investments.

4. Mark Zuckerberg – $151.2 Billion (United States)

Meta (formerly Facebook) CEO Mark Zuckerberg has made a strong financial comeback, with his net worth reaching $151.2 billion. His focus on virtual reality and the metaverse has been a significant factor in Meta’s growth, contributing to his rise in wealth.

5. Larry Ellison – $142.8 Billion (United States)

Oracle founder Larry Ellison, at 79 years old, continues to grow his fortune, driven by Oracle’s strong performance and his investments in real estate and other sectors. His Hawaiian island, Lanai, is a prime example of his vast wealth and business acumen.

6. Larry Page – $135.4 Billion (United States)

Google co-founder Larry Page remains one of the wealthiest tech moguls globally. His wealth stems from his significant holdings in Alphabet, the parent company of Google, as well as his investments in futuristic technologies like flying cars and space exploration.

7. Warren Buffett – $131 Billion (United States)

At 93, Warren Buffett, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, remains a legendary figure in the investment world. Known for his value investing philosophy, Buffett has maintained his wealth through wise stock market decisions and his expansive portfolio in various industries.

8. Sergey Brin – $129.9 Billion (United States)

Sergey Brin, the co-founder of Google, ranks just behind his business partner Larry Page. His wealth is also tied to his stake in Alphabet, along with his ventures into other advanced technologies.

9. Bill Gates – $127 Billion (United States)

Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, has seen a slight drop in his ranking, now standing as the ninth richest person globally. Much of his focus in recent years has shifted to philanthropy through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, although his investments continue to grow his wealth.

10. Steve Ballmer – $117.1 Billion (United States)

Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft and current owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, rounds out the top 10. His investments in tech and sports have propelled him to significant wealth, making him one of the richest individuals in the world.

Richest Woman in the World: Francoise Bettencourt Meyers – $95.4 Billion (France)

Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, the granddaughter of L’Oréal’s founder, is currently the wealthiest woman in the world. Her fortune comes from her 33% stake in L’Oréal, which she inherited from her mother, Liliane Bettencourt.

This list, reflecting the wealth of these top billionaires as of May 2024, highlights the dominance of luxury goods, technology, and investments in shaping the global economy.