The world of great fortunes continues to be a scene of constant changes and challenges. As the technology sectors and traditional commerce evolve, the billionaires leading the list of the richest people must face new threats.
Among these titans, Elon Musk remains in the first place, but his reign is far from definitive. The Walton family, owners of the retail giant Walmart, is quickly closing in. So it is possible that we are witnessing the beginning of a new era in the fight for economic supremacy.
Elon Musk Remains the Richest Man on the Planet
Elon Musk has maintained the position of the richest man on the planet, but his dominance is being tested. With a fortune of $468 billion, he continues to lead the list, but his stability is being challenged by the Walton family, owners of Walmart. In recent months, the competition among the world's richest has intensified, showing an interesting economic war between the technology sector and the giants of traditional commerce.
The fortunes of the 20 richest individuals have increased impressively this year. According to Bloomberg, in 2024, the total sum of these billionaires' wealth grew by $795.8 billion, marking a record figure.
In this context, Elon Musk continues to stand out as the main reference in technology. Meanwhile, the Waltons, with Walmart as their base, have achieved a solid position among the wealthiest.
Despite his prominent fortune, Musk is not free from complications. His wealth is primarily tied to Tesla, where he owns 13% of the shares. Additionally, SpaceX, the space exploration firm he founded, also contributes substantially to his fortune. However, a lawsuit over the rights to 303 million Tesla shares could pose a considerable risk.
Elon Musk also faces obstacles related to the acquisition of Twitter for $44 billion in 2022. Currently, the social network has lost much of its value, now valued at just $7.4 billion. Despite these setbacks, Musk remains an undisputed leader, thanks to his futuristic vision and successful moves in Tesla and SpaceX.
The Waltons Are Closing in on Musk's Fortune
On the other hand, the Walton family, owners of Walmart, is experiencing considerable growth in their wealth. With $112 billion per member, they are dangerously closing in on Musk. Walmart, although it doesn't have the visibility of Tesla, remains the king of supermarkets, generating enormous revenue with its proven business model.
This remarkable growth of the Waltons highlights the strength of traditional commerce against more disruptive sectors. Despite competition from giants like Amazon, Walmart has maintained its solidity. The loyalty of its customers and its extensive distribution network have been key factors in this continued success.
Although Musk continues to lead the list of the richest, the battle for the top spot might be far from over. The Waltons, with their dominance in traditional commerce, continue to climb positions strongly. If their growth trend continues, they could surpass Musk in the coming years.