North America is home to an extraordinary concentration of global wealth. Technology, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, semiconductors, software, investments, and retail have created fortunes that now reach hundreds of billions of dollars.
As of August 29, 2026, the 10 richest men in North America are all classified by Forbes as United States billionaires. Together, they are worth approximately $2.81 trillion based on Forbes’ real-time estimates. (Forbes)
This article uses Forbes Real-Time Billionaires data from August 29, 2026 for the ranking and current figures. This is important because billionaire wealth can change dramatically from one day to another as stock prices and company valuations move.
1. Elon Musk — $873.1 Billion
Country: United States
Main sources of wealth: Tesla, SpaceX, technology and artificial intelligence
Estimated net worth: $873.1 billion
Elon Musk is not only the richest man in North America but also the richest person in the world.
Forbes estimated his net worth at approximately $873.1 billion on August 29, 2026. (Forbes)
Musk’s wealth comes primarily from his stakes in Tesla and SpaceX, along with interests in other technology companies.
He became involved with electric-vehicle manufacturer Tesla in 2004 and has served as its chief executive since 2008. He founded SpaceX in 2002.
According to Forbes, SpaceX acquired Musk’s artificial-intelligence company xAI in February 2026. The combined company was valued at about $1.25 trillion at the time. (Forbes)
An even bigger development occurred on June 12, 2026, when SpaceX went public. Forbes reported that the company ended its first day of trading at a valuation approaching $2.2 trillion, temporarily making Musk the first person in history whose estimated fortune exceeded $1 trillion. (Forbes)
His fortune subsequently fell before recovering to above $870 billion by late August.
The enormous volatility demonstrates why Musk’s wealth should always be accompanied by a valuation date.
2. Larry Page — $283 Billion
Country: United States
Main source of wealth: Google/Alphabet
Estimated net worth: $283 billion
Google cofounder Larry Page is the second-richest man in North America.
Forbes estimated his fortune at approximately $283 billion on August 29, 2026. (Forbes)
Page cofounded Google with Sergey Brin in 1998 while the two were graduate students at Stanford University.
Google revolutionised internet search and subsequently expanded into advertising, cloud computing, mobile operating systems, artificial intelligence, video and numerous other technology businesses.
Google was reorganised under parent company Alphabet in 2015.
Page stepped down as Alphabet’s chief executive in 2019 but remains a board member and controlling shareholder.
Forbes had valued Page at $257 billion for its annual 2026 World’s Billionaires list, meaning his fortune increased substantially between March and late August. (Forbes)
3. Jeff Bezos — $273.5 Billion
Country: United States
Main source of wealth: Amazon
Estimated net worth: $273.5 billion
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos ranks third among North America’s richest men with an estimated fortune of $273.5 billion as of August 29, 2026. (Forbes)
Bezos founded Amazon in 1994, initially operating the company as an online bookstore from his garage in Seattle.
Amazon subsequently expanded into one of the world’s largest companies.
Its businesses now include:
- e-commerce,
- cloud computing through Amazon Web Services,
- advertising,
- streaming entertainment,
- consumer electronics,
- logistics and artificial intelligence.
Bezos stepped down as Amazon’s chief executive in 2021 but remains executive chairman and a major shareholder.
He has also invested heavily in space exploration through Blue Origin, the aerospace company he founded in 2000.
Forbes valued Bezos at $224 billion for its March 2026 annual billionaires ranking. (Forbes)
By late August, his estimated fortune had risen by almost $50 billion.
4. Sergey Brin — $261.1 Billion
Country: United States
Main source of wealth: Google/Alphabet
Estimated net worth: $261.1 billion
Sergey Brin, Larry Page’s Google cofounder, ranks fourth with approximately $261.1 billion as of August 29, 2026. (Forbes)
Brin was born in Moscow and moved to the United States with his family when he was six years old.
He met Larry Page at Stanford University, and together they developed the search engine that became Google.
The company went public in 2004 and later became part of Alphabet.
Brin stepped down as president of Alphabet in 2019 but continues to serve on the board and remains a controlling shareholder. (Forbes)
Forbes valued him at $237 billion on its annual 2026 billionaire list. (Forbes)
His fortune had increased to more than $260 billion by late August.
5. Michael Dell — $240.4 Billion
Country: United States
Main source of wealth: Dell Technologies and investments
Estimated net worth: $240.4 billion
Technology entrepreneur Michael Dell ranks fifth among North America’s richest men.
Forbes estimated his fortune at approximately $240.4 billion on August 29, 2026. (Forbes)
Dell founded the computer company that bears his name while he was a student at the University of Texas.
The business began by selling personal computers directly to consumers and eventually developed into one of the world’s largest technology companies.
Michael Dell is chairman and chief executive of Dell Technologies.
One of the most important transactions in the company’s history occurred in 2016, when Dell acquired data-storage company EMC in a transaction worth approximately $60 billion. (Forbes)
Dell’s personal fortune has risen particularly rapidly in recent years as demand for computing infrastructure connected to artificial intelligence and data centres has increased.
Forbes valued him at $141 billion for its annual March 2026 ranking, meaning his estimated wealth had increased by nearly $100 billion by late August. (Forbes)
6. Mark Zuckerberg — $198.5 Billion
Country: United States
Main source of wealth: Meta/Facebook
Estimated net worth: $198.5 billion
Mark Zuckerberg ranks sixth with an estimated fortune of approximately $198.5 billion as of August 29, 2026. (Forbes)
Zuckerberg cofounded Facebook in 2004 while studying at Harvard University.
What began as a social network for university students grew into one of the world’s largest technology businesses.
Facebook’s parent company, now known as Meta Platforms, owns several major digital platforms, including:
- Facebook,
- Instagram,
- WhatsApp,
- Messenger.
Meta has also invested enormous sums in artificial intelligence, virtual reality and augmented reality.
Zuckerberg remains Meta’s chief executive and retains significant voting control over the company.
Forbes valued him at $222 billion for its annual 2026 list, meaning his fortune was lower by late August than it had been when the annual ranking was calculated. (Forbes)
7. Larry Ellison — $193.6 Billion
Country: United States
Main source of wealth: Oracle
Estimated net worth: $193.6 billion
Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison ranks seventh among North America’s richest men.
Forbes estimated his fortune at approximately $193.6 billion on August 29, 2026. (Forbes)
Ellison cofounded software company Oracle in 1977.
Oracle became a global leader in database software and later expanded into enterprise applications and cloud-computing infrastructure.
Ellison served as Oracle’s chief executive for decades and is now the company’s chairman and chief technology officer.
Forbes reports that he owns roughly 40% of Oracle, making movements in the company’s share price extremely important to his personal fortune. (Forbes)
Forbes valued Ellison at approximately $190 billion for the annual 2026 billionaires list.
8. Jensen Huang — $187.9 Billion
Country: United States
Main source of wealth: Nvidia
Estimated net worth: $187.9 billion
Jensen Huang ranks eighth with an estimated fortune of approximately $187.9 billion in late August 2026. (Forbes)
Huang cofounded semiconductor company Nvidia in 1993 and has served as its president and chief executive ever since.
Nvidia initially became famous for graphics-processing units used heavily in computer gaming.
Those same kinds of processors later became extremely important for training and running artificial-intelligence systems.
The rapid expansion of generative AI has helped transform Nvidia into one of the world’s most valuable companies.
As Nvidia’s share price increased, Huang’s personal fortune also rose dramatically.
Forbes valued him at $154 billion in its March 2026 World’s Billionaires ranking. (Forbes)
By August 29, his estimated fortune was approaching $188 billion.
9. Steve Ballmer — $156.9 Billion
Country: United States
Main source of wealth: Microsoft
Estimated net worth: $156.9 billion
Former Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer ranks ninth among North America’s richest men.
Forbes estimated his fortune at approximately $156.9 billion as of August 29, 2026. (Forbes)
Ballmer joined Microsoft in 1980 as one of the young company’s early employees.
He eventually became chief executive in 2000, succeeding Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates.
Ballmer led Microsoft until 2014.
Although he no longer manages the company, a large portion of his wealth originated from his long-term ownership of Microsoft shares.
Microsoft subsequently became one of the world’s most valuable companies, benefiting from cloud computing, enterprise software and artificial intelligence.
Ballmer also owns the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team.
Forbes valued him at $126 billion for the annual 2026 billionaire ranking. (Forbes)
10. Warren Buffett — $143.6 Billion
Country: United States
Main source of wealth: Berkshire Hathaway and investments
Estimated net worth: $143.6 billion
Legendary investor Warren Buffett completes North America’s top 10 with an estimated fortune of approximately $143.6 billion on August 29, 2026. (Forbes)
Buffett built his fortune primarily through Berkshire Hathaway.
Under his leadership, Berkshire evolved from a struggling textile company into one of the world’s largest conglomerates.
Its wholly owned businesses span industries including:
- insurance,
- rail transportation,
- energy,
- manufacturing,
- retail and services.
Berkshire has also historically owned large stakes in publicly traded companies.
Buffett is widely regarded as one of history’s most successful long-term investors.
Forbes valued him at $149 billion for its annual 2026 billionaire list. (Forbes)
His late-August fortune was therefore slightly below the March estimate.
Top 10 Richest Men in North America at a Glance
| Rank | Name | Country | Main source of wealth | Net worth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elon Musk | United States | Tesla, SpaceX | $873.1 B |
| 2 | Larry Page | United States | $283.0 B | |
| 3 | Jeff Bezos | United States | Amazon | $273.5 B |
| 4 | Sergey Brin | United States | $261.1 B | |
| 5 | Michael Dell | United States | Dell Technologies | $240.4 B |
| 6 | Mark Zuckerberg | United States | Meta/Facebook | $198.5 B |
| 7 | Larry Ellison | United States | Oracle | $193.6 B |
| 8 | Jensen Huang | United States | Nvidia | $187.9 B |
| 9 | Steve Ballmer | United States | Microsoft | $156.9 B |
| 10 | Warren Buffett | United States | Berkshire Hathaway | $143.6 B |
Combined estimated wealth: approximately $2.81 trillion.
Figures are based on Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires ranking on August 29, 2026. (Forbes)
Why Are All 10 From the United States?
North America contains more than just the United States. It also includes countries such as Canada and Mexico.
However, the concentration of enormous technology fortunes in the United States means that American billionaires currently occupy all 10 positions at the top of a continent-wide male ranking.
Forbes reported that the United States had a record 989 billionaires on its 2026 World’s Billionaires list, more than any other country. (Forbes)
Mexico’s richest person, Carlos Slim Helú & family, was worth approximately $123.3 billion on August 29, 2026, according to Forbes. (Forbes)
Canada’s richest Forbes-listed individual near the top is cryptocurrency entrepreneur Changpeng Zhao, with approximately $114.6 billion on the same date. (Forbes)
Both fortunes are extraordinary, but they remain below Warren Buffett’s estimated $143.6 billion, which sets the threshold for this North American top 10.
Technology Dominates North American Wealth
Another striking feature of this ranking is the overwhelming importance of technology.
Elon Musk is associated with Tesla, SpaceX and artificial intelligence.
Larry Page and Sergey Brin created Google.
Jeff Bezos created Amazon.
Michael Dell built Dell Technologies.
Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook and leads Meta.
Larry Ellison cofounded Oracle.
Jensen Huang cofounded Nvidia.
Steve Ballmer accumulated much of his fortune through Microsoft.
That means nine of the 10 men have substantial fortunes directly connected to technology or technology companies.
Warren Buffett is the major exception. His fortune was built principally through investing and Berkshire Hathaway.
This demonstrates how strongly the growth of software, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, internet platforms, e-commerce and cloud computing has reshaped the distribution of extreme wealth.
Elon Musk Is in a Category of His Own
The numerical difference between Elon Musk and everyone else is remarkable.
At approximately $873.1 billion, Musk is worth more than three times Larry Page’s estimated $283 billion fortune. (Forbes)
His wealth has also shown extraordinary volatility.
Forbes valued Musk at $839 billion for its annual March 2026 billionaires list. (Forbes)
Following SpaceX’s June 2026 public offering, Forbes calculated that his fortune temporarily exceeded $1 trillion, making him the first person ever to reach that level according to Forbes’ estimates. (Forbes)
His fortune then dropped considerably before returning to approximately $873 billion in late August.
This illustrates an important point: being “worth $873 billion” does not mean Musk has $873 billion sitting in a bank account.
Most of that wealth represents the calculated market value of his ownership stakes.
Why Michael Dell Has Risen So Dramatically
Michael Dell is another particularly interesting name in the 2026 ranking.
Forbes valued him at $141 billion in March 2026. (Forbes)
By August 29, his real-time fortune had increased to approximately $240.4 billion. (Forbes)
That represents a rise of nearly $100 billion in estimated wealth in less than six months.
His position demonstrates how rapidly the AI and data-centre investment boom has changed the fortunes of technology entrepreneurs.
Where Is Bill Gates?
Many readers may expect Bill Gates to appear among North America’s 10 richest men.
Forbes valued Gates at $108 billion for its annual March 2026 billionaire list. (Forbes)
That remains an enormous fortune, but it is no longer enough to place him in the continental top 10.
Gates has donated tens of billions of dollars over the course of his philanthropic career and has repeatedly stated his intention to give away much of his wealth.
Microsoft’s enormous rise has therefore not translated into the same level of personal wealth for Gates as it has for some other longtime shareholders.
Why Net Worth Figures Change
Billionaire rankings should always be regarded as financial snapshots.
Forbes’ official 2026 World’s Billionaires list used stock prices and exchange rates from March 1, 2026. It identified 3,428 billionaires worldwide with a combined fortune of approximately $20.1 trillion. (Forbes)
The real-time ranking changes as markets move.
Consider the differences:
- Elon Musk: $839 billion on the annual list versus about $873.1 billion on August 29.
- Michael Dell: $141 billion versus about $240.4 billion.
- Jensen Huang: $154 billion versus about $187.9 billion.
- Mark Zuckerberg: $222 billion versus about $198.5 billion.
- Warren Buffett: $149 billion versus about $143.6 billion.
These changes are not necessarily evidence that earlier figures were wrong. They simply represent valuations made on different dates. (Forbes)
Conclusion
Elon Musk is by far the richest man in North America in 2026, with Forbes estimating his fortune at approximately $873.1 billion on August 29.
Larry Page follows at approximately $283 billion, ahead of Jeff Bezos at $273.5 billion and Sergey Brin at $261.1 billion.
Michael Dell, Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison, Jensen Huang, Steve Ballmer and Warren Buffett complete the top 10.
Together, these 10 men control or are associated with an estimated $2.81 trillion in wealth.
Perhaps the strongest lesson from the ranking is the extraordinary financial importance of the technology industry. Google, Amazon, Meta, Oracle, Nvidia, Microsoft, Dell, Tesla and SpaceX are directly responsible for or closely connected to most of the fortunes in the top 10.
At the same time, these figures are continuously changing. A billionaire ranking is therefore most accurate when it clearly states when the fortunes were measured.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only.
Net worth figures are estimates based primarily on the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires ranking as of August 29, 2026. They should not be interpreted as exact amounts of cash personally held by the individuals listed.
Billionaire fortunes are largely based on ownership interests in publicly traded shares, private companies and other assets. Their estimated values can change substantially because of movements in stock prices, exchange rates, private-company valuations, acquisitions, sales and other financial developments.
The information presented here was checked against credible publicly available sources at the time of publication. Readers are encouraged to independently fact-check the information and consult Forbes, corporate filings, stock-exchange disclosures and other authoritative financial sources for the latest figures.
This article does not constitute investment, financial, legal or tax advice.
For corrections, updates or modifications, please contact us.
References
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Forbes. (2026). Sergey Brin. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/profile/sergey-brin/
Peterson-Withorn, C. (2026, March 10). Forbes World’s Billionaires list 2026: The top 200. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/chasewithorn/2026/03/10/forbes-worlds-billionaires-list-2026-the-top-200/
Peterson-Withorn, C. (2026, March 10). Inside Forbes’ 2026 Billionaires list: More than 3,400 worth $20 trillion. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/chasewithorn/2026/03/10/2026-worlds-billionaires-list-facts-and-figures/
Forbes Wealth Team. (2026, August). The top 10 richest people in the world. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeswealthteam/article/the-top-ten-richest-people-in-the-world/
Durot, M. (2026, March 11). The world’s richest person. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattdurot/2026/03/11/the-worlds-richest-person/
