Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates is no longer among the world’s ten richest people, according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index released in July 2025. This shift marks a significant change for Bill Gates in the world of billionaires.
His estimated net worth has dropped to $124 billion, placing him in 12th position overall and trailing behind former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Compared to other billionaires, Bill Gates’ fortune is now quite different, signifying his declining ranking among the ultra-rich.
Meanwhile Elon Musk with net worth $393.1 billion was the richest in the world. Then comes Larry Ellison, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Ballmer, Bernard Arnault, Warren Buffett, Mukesh Ambani, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, illustrating that while others rise, Bill Gates’ standing is altered.
From $175 Billion to $124 Billion: The Reasons Behind the Sharp Decline
Gates’ fortune has fallen nearly 30% from its previous high of over $175 billion, largely due to a recalculation reflecting his massive philanthropic commitments. In May, Bill Gates published a blog post stating he would donate virtually all of his wealth to the Gates Foundation over the next 20 years, thereby reshaping the legacy of Bill Gates.
Historic Philanthropy Redefines Gates’ Legacy
Gates and his former wife Melinda French Gates have donated $60.2 billion through the foundation since its inception. He announced plans to invest the majority of his remaining $200 billion fortune in improving education and healthcare across Africa. Understanding the impact of Bill Gates’ giving highlights his influence beyond wealth.
Steve Ballmer’s Fortune Soars as Microsoft Stock Climbs
Meanwhile, Steve Ballmer has climbed to 5th place among the world’s richest individuals, thanks to his long-held Microsoft shares. Ballmer joined Microsoft in 1980 with a modest $50,000 salary and a bonus linked to company profits. When he stepped down as CEO in 2014, he retained a 4% stake in the company, which has soared in value as Microsoft stock continued rising, unlike Bill Gates, who focuses on philanthropy.
Global Billionaire Wealth Hits $16 Trillion Milestone
According to Forbes, the number of billionaires has climbed to 3,028 in 2025, with their combined wealth estimated at $16.1 trillion. Many have seen their fortunes surge thanks to innovation, strategic foresight, and investments in emerging technology, though for Bill Gates, wealth serves a philanthropic purpose.
Gates’ Giving Sets a New Standard for Philanthropy
While Bill Gates’ drop in rank highlights the impact of charitable giving on personal fortunes, it also underscores a broader trend of billionaires pledging significant resources to global causes. His commitment demonstrates that wealth can drive social progress on an unprecedented scale, even at the cost of personal rankings. Bill Gates’ decision represents a shift in how billionaires influence global advancement.
