In a world where being a billionaire is no longer rare, a new financial elite has emerged– the super-billionaires. These are individuals worth $50 billion or more, and they’re not just building wealth; they’re reshaping industries, influencing global markets, and pushing the boundaries of technology, luxury, and finance, as per a latest report presented by The Wall Street Journal.
According to Altrata, there are only 24 super-billionaires worldwide, yet they control an astonishing 16% of all billionaire wealth– a significant rise from just 4% in 2014. Their combined net worth stands at $3.3 trillion, a figure comparable to the GDP of France. From Elon Musk’s dominance in AI and space exploration to Bernard Arnault’s grip on the global luxury market, these individuals aren’t just playing the game; they’re rewriting the rules.
Their influence goes beyond their businesses. They drive conversations about wealth distribution, impact technological advancements, and play a key role in shaping the future of AI, e-commerce, space travel, and finance. As this group of extremely wealthy individuals continues to grow, here’s a look at the 10 most powerful super-billionaires, their massive fortunes, and the industries they lead.

1. Elon Musk
Elon Musk is the richest person in the world, with a massive net worth of $419.4 billion. His wealth keeps growing, mainly due to SpaceX, which is now the most valuable private company, worth around $350 billion. Besides SpaceX, Musk is also the driving force behind Tesla, X (formerly Twitter), XAI, and The Boring Company. He continues to shape the future of electric cars, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure technology.
2. Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos, the second richest person, has a net worth of $263.8 billion, mostly from Amazon, which he started in 1994. Although he stepped down as CEO in 2021, he still plays a big role as executive chairman and owns nearly 10% of Amazon. He has also grown his wealth through his space company, Blue Origin, and The Washington Post, which he bought in 2013. His investments in space travel and media continue to add to his fortune.

3. Bernard Arnault
Bernard Arnault, the third richest person, has a fortune of $238.9 billion as the CEO and chairman of LVMH, the world’s biggest luxury goods company. His empire includes famous brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Tiffany & Co., and Moet Hennessy. All five of his children hold leadership roles in LVMH, keeping the business in the family. His wealth continues to grow as demand for high-end fashion, watches, and accessories rises worldwide.
4. Larry Ellison
Larry Ellison, the fourth richest, has built a $237 billion fortune as the co-founder and executive chairman of Oracle, a leading company in software and cloud computing. Besides Oracle, he has invested heavily in healthcare and real estate, including owning most of the Hawaiian island of Lanai.
5. Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg, with a net worth of $220.8 billion, is a major name in social media and AI. As the CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook), he leads the company’s growth in virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and the metaverse, shaping the future of online interactions.
6. Sergey Brin
Sergey Brin, the sixth richest person, has a fortune of $160.5 billion. He co-founded Google and is a major shareholder in its parent company, Alphabet. Though he is no longer involved in daily operations, he still plays a role in shaping AI, search technology, and cloud computing.

7. Steve Ballmer
With $157.4 billion, Steve Ballmer is the seventh richest person, primarily due to his stake in Microsoft, where he served as CEO from 2000 to 2014. After leaving Microsoft, Ballmer purchased the Los Angeles Clippers NBA team, which has since increased significantly in value.
8. Warren Buffett
Warren Buffett, the eighth richest person, has a fortune of $154.2 billion. As the CEO and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, he manages companies like Geico, Dairy Queen, and See’s Candies. Known for his long-term investment approach, Buffett also owns large shares in Apple and Coca-Cola, making him one of the most successful investors ever.
9. James Walton
With a net worth of $117.5 billion, James Walton, the ninth richest person, is a key member of the Walmart dynasty. As the son of Walmart founder Sam Walton, he remains deeply involved in the retail giant’s business and philanthropic initiatives.
10. Samuel Robson Walton
Rounding out the top ten is Samuel Robson Walton, with $114.4 billion. He served as Walmart’s chairman from 1992 to 2015 and continues to play a role on its board.
The expanding influence of super-billionaires
With more money flowing into luxury real estate, AI, and technology, these super-rich individuals hold massive economic influence. Their wealth is shaping industries, global markets, and even space exploration. As more of the world’s money ends up in the hands of a few, conversations about economic inequality and policy changes are becoming louder.