Mark Zuckerberg’s wealth has skyrocketed by a staggering $54 billion in 2024, putting him within striking distance of Elon Musk, currently the world’s third richest man, according to Bloomberg data. This surge can be attributed to the impressive rise of Meta’s share price, which currently sits at a record-breaking $485.45 per share.
Zuckerberg is now just $7 billion shy of surpassing Musk, marking the closest he’s been since 2020. As of today’s market close, Zuckerberg’s net worth stands at $182 billion, compared to Musk’s $189 billion.
This rapid growth signifies a significant shift in the wealth rankings. Since November 2020, Musk has consistently held the top spot. Zuckerberg’s wealth primarily stems from his 13% stake in Meta, the company that owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. This year alone, Meta’s shares have witnessed a remarkable 43% increase, largely due to stricter measures implemented by Zuckerberg and his team.
Meanwhile, Tesla, led by Elon Musk, has faced a challenging period. Their stock prices have plummeted by 29%, resulting in a net worth loss exceeding $40 billion for Musk. Investors are expressing concerns about a potential slowdown in global demand for Tesla vehicles.
This year, the Bloomberg Billionaires Index has witnessed a shakeup at the top. LVMH’s chief Bernard Arnault and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos have both overtaken Musk, with Zuckerberg poised to potentially join them soon.
Beyond the Numbers: A Rekindled Rivalry
The wealth race between Musk and Zuckerberg has a deeper layer – a well-documented rivalry. It intensified in 2022 when Zuckerberg launched “Threads,” a text-based app within Instagram, seen as a direct response to Musk’s $44 billion acquisition of Twitter, now known as X.
Adding a touch of theatrics, both billionaires playfully announced plans to settle their differences in a live, streamed cage match late last year. While that spectacle hasn’t materialized yet, the ongoing battle for wealth supremacy continues to capture the world’s attention.
Current Standings
As of today, the Bloomberg Billionaires Index reveals Bernard Arnault remains the world’s richest person with a net worth of $201 billion. Following closely behind is Jeff Bezos of Amazon at $198 billion. With Zuckerberg’s rapid ascent, the fight for the top spot promises to be an exciting one to watch.