According to Forbes, the number of billionaires worldwide has reached a record high in 2024, with a total of 2,781 individuals joining the exclusive club. These billionaires collectively hold a staggering $14.2 trillion in wealth, with an average net worth of $1.9 billion each. The surge in wealth creation has led to 265 new billionaires being added to the list this year, up from 150 in the previous year.
Among the notable newcomers to the billionaire club are celebrities like Taylor Swift and Earvin 'Magic' Johnson. While they may not be the wealthiest on the list, their successful ventures have propelled them into the ranks of the super-rich. Johnson's diverse investments in sports teams, movie theaters, franchises, real estate, and healthcare have earned him an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion. Swift, on the other hand, has achieved billionaire status through her highly successful 'Eras Tour' and lucrative music catalog, with an estimated net worth of $1.1 billion.
Other new additions to the billionaire list include French designer Christian Louboutin, fast-food chain founder Todd Graves, and e-commerce executive Renuka Jagtiani. China has seen a significant increase in new billionaires, with 31 individuals making the list this year, led by the founders of the fast fashion brand Shein. India has also seen 25 new billionaires, including Renuka Jagtiani.
One of the standout billionaires is Livia Voigt, the world's youngest billionaire, who inherited a $1.1 billion fortune from her family's stake in a Brazilian turbine manufacturer. She is among the few women on the list who have inherited their wealth through family connections.
The diversity of industries and regions represented in the billionaire list reflects the global nature of wealth creation in 2024. From entertainment and fashion to technology and retail, these billionaires showcase the vast opportunities for success in today's interconnected world.
