The Reasons Why Bill Gates Is No Longer Ranked Among the Top 10 Richest

For decades, Bill Gates was a staple on the world’s richest lists. Beginning in 1991, the Microsoft cofounder rarely moved from first or second place on the Forbes 400, holding court as the world’s richest person for nearly 25 years. This year, however, marks a striking first, as the billionaire is no longer part of the top ten. He now sits at No. 17 with an estimated net worth of $106.1 billion, according to Forbes.

The decline isn’t the result of failed investments or corporate collapse. Instead, it reflects his philanthropy and a shifting billionaire landscape that’s moving quickly.

At the heart of Bill Gates’ drop is a conscious choice. In May, he declared that he intends to give away 99 percent of his remaining wealth within the next two decades, largely through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Speaking to Forbes, Bill explained, “​​My will is very clear that when I die, all that money goes into the foundation and they would have to figure out what they do with assets.” He previously stated that his children would only receive “less than one percent” of inheritance.

Forbes reported that since last year’s ranking, Bill has already donated about $7 billion to the foundation. The foundation itself has announced plans to spend more than $200 billion between now and its planned closure in 2045, the year Bill turns 90. On its website, the Gates Foundation highlighted ambitious goals for this final chapter, from eradicating polio to reducing preventable maternal and child deaths worldwide.

The scale of his giving is underscored by the Global Fund, which notes that the foundation has contributed nearly $4 billion to its programs combating HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, with an additional $927 million pledged for its latest funding cycle.

Now approaching 70, Bill has shifted his focus from accumulation to legacy. In his personal essay, he wrote, “People will say a lot of things about me when I’m gone. I am determined that ‘he died rich’ will not be one of them.”

Even outside the top 10, Bill remains one of the most influential figures in technology and philanthropy. His fortune still exceeds $100 billion, but his standing on the Forbes 400 will likely continue to decline as his wealth is redistributed.

Another turning point came in 2021, when Bill and Melinda French Gates ended their 27-year marriage. As part of the settlement, Forbes estimated that Melinda received assets valued at around $29 billion, in addition to $12.5 billion earmarked for her independent philanthropic work. She has since stepped down as co-chair of the Gates Foundation and begun building her own portfolio of initiatives focused on women and families.

That redistribution of assets didn’t erase Bill’s fortune, but it still made a substantial shift in how it was divided.

While Bill’s net worth has remained relatively stable, other billionaires have experienced extraordinary growth. Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos have seen their fortunes swell through the continued rise of Tesla and Amazon, while Bernard Arnault’s LVMH empire has capitalized on a luxury boom.