The 30 Most Powerful Person in the World 2024-2025

Who is the most powerful person in the world today? This isn’t a simple question. 

The world is a complex web of decisions, actions, and ideas. But have you ever wondered who weaves this magnificent world? Power shapes our lives in countless ways, from the policies that govern us to the technologies we use. It is the power to influence, make decisions that affect millions, and encourage others to follow the same.

Power comes in many forms. Political leaders hold the reins of nations, shaping global affairs. Business leaders drive innovation and steer the economy. Spiritual leaders guide beliefs and values, offering solace and direction.

This list explores these three distinct categories. It’s a snapshot of the influential figures who are shaping our world right now, in 2024-2025. Remember, this isn’t an exhaustive ranking. Power is constantly shifting, and new leaders emerge all the time. But this glimpse offers a fascinating look at the individuals who hold immense sway over our world. 

List of 30 Most Powerful Person in the World.

Political Leaders	Business Leaders	Spiritual Leaders
1. Narendra Modi	11. Elon Musk	21. Pope Francis
2. Xi Jinping	12. Jeff Bezos	22. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev
3. Vladamir Putin	13. Bernard Arnault	23. Dalai Lama
4. Giorgia Meloni	14. Larry Ellison	24. Gaur Gopal Das
5. Joe Biden	15. Mark Zuckerberg	25. Thich Nhat Hanh
6. Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud	16. Larry Page & Sergey Bring	26. Acharya Prashant
7. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan	17. Warren Buffett	27. Gauranga Das
8. Benjamin Netanyahu	18. Bill Gates	28. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
9. Olaf Scholz	19. Mukesh Ambani	29. Baba Ramdev
10. Emmanuel Macron	20. Jensen Hung	30. Eckhart Tolle

Here are the Power Players: 10 Most Powerful Political Leaders in the World

Political leaders play a crucial role in shaping the world order, as their decisions and actions can have far-reaching consequences for international relations, economic stability, and global security. Factors such as military power, economic strength, diplomatic influence, and domestic leadership all contribute to a leader’s political clout and ability to shape global events.

The 10 individuals highlighted in this list are among the most powerful political figures in the world, wielding significant influence over the direction of their respective countries and the broader international community.

1. Narendra Modi

• Country – India
• Title – Prime Minister
• Birth Year – 1950

Indian PM Narendra Modi has gained the first spot on our list of the most powerful person in the world. Since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s domestic and foreign policies. He has implemented sweeping economic reforms, strengthened India’s military capabilities, and elevated the country’s global standing. Modi’s leadership has had a significant impact on regional dynamics and India’s relationship with major powers like the United States, China, and Russia.

In May 2024, Morning Consult’s report declared PM Modi the most populous leader in the world. The report stated that the domestic approval rate for Modi’s governance was 77%, the highest in the world. Furthermore, in June 2024, he retained his position as PM of India for the third time. This was historic as he became the third most serving PM of independent India.

The reasons he is on our top list are his visit to Israel, Russia, the United States, Australia, and most recently Austria. His approach toward environmental sustainability while boosting India’s economic cycle is commendable. He has a target of making India’s Economy $5 Trillion.

2. Xi Jinping

• Country – China
• Title – President
• Birth Year – 1953

Xi Jinping, born in Beijing to revolutionary veteran Xi Zhongxun, experienced the hardships of the Cultural Revolution, which profoundly shaped his political views. Joining the Communist Party in 1974, he steadily rose through the ranks, reaching the Politburo Standing Committee in 2007.

In 2012, Xi became General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, launching a sweeping anti-corruption campaign to eliminate political rivals and consolidate his power. The 2018 removal of presidential term limits allowed him to potentially rule indefinitely, with his ideology, “Xi Jinping Thought,” enshrined in the constitution, paralleling leaders like Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.

Domestically, Xi has tightened the Communist Party’s control and cracked down on dissent, while internationally, he has expanded China’s influence through assertive policies in the South China Sea and the “One Belt, One Road” initiative. His leadership has heightened tensions with the United States, yet Xi remains firmly in control, poised to shape China’s future for years to come.

3. Vladimir Putin

• Country – Russia
• Title – President
• Birth Year – 1952

Vladimir Putin is one of the most powerful person in the world, with a huge army, nuclear arsenal and crude oil reserves. He is a former KGB officer, and has been Russia’s dominant leader since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

As President, he has successfully navigated complex international relations, establishing Russia’s dominance in key areas. Putin’s bold actions, such as the annexation of Crimea, have altered geopolitical borders and earned him both praise and criticism. He is a strategic leader whose influence extends to international diplomacy and cybersecurity.

4. Giorgia Meloni

• Country – Italy
• Title – Prime Minister
• Birth Year – 1977

Giorgia Meloni, the first female Prime Minister of Italy, has emerged as a powerful politician in Europe. She has championed conservative and nationalist policies, challenging the European Union’s liberal consensus. Meloni’s leadership has had a significant impact on Italy’s domestic politics and its relationship with the EU, as she seeks to assert Italy’s sovereignty and influence within the bloc.

5. Joe Biden

• Country – United States of America
• Title – President
• Birth Year – 1942

As the 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden wields immense political influence on the global stage. He has sought to restore America’s leadership in the international community, while also addressing domestic challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery. Biden’s decisions on foreign policy, trade, and security issues have far-reaching consequences for the world order.

6. Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud

• Country – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Title – Crown Prince and Prime Minister
• Birth Year – 1985

Mohammed bin Salman, often referred to as MBS, is the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. He has consolidated power and implemented sweeping reforms in the kingdom, including diversifying the economy and granting more rights to women. MBS’s influence extends to regional geopolitics, as he has played a key role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy and military interventions.

7. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

• Country – United Arab Emirates
• Title – President
• Birth Year – 1961

As the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has transformed the UAE into a global economic and diplomatic powerhouse. He has leveraged the country’s oil wealth to diversify the economy, invest in cutting-edge technologies, and establish the UAE as a regional leader in the Middle East. Sheikh Mohamed’s influence extends to regional security, foreign policy, and international relations.

8. Benjamin Netanyahu

• Country – Israel
• Title – Prime Minister
• Birth Year – 1949

Benjamin Netanyahu, the former and current Prime Minister of Israel, is a dominant person in Middle Eastern politics. He has played a crucial role in shaping Israel’s security and foreign policies, particularly in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the country’s relations with its neighbors. Netanyahu’s political acumen and influence have made him a key player in the region’s geopolitical dynamics.

9. Olaf Scholz

• Country – Germany
• Title – Chancellor
• Birth Year – 1958

As the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz has taken on a more prominent role in European and global affairs since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He has led Germany’s response to the crisis, coordinating with allies and imposing sanctions on Russia. Scholz’s decisions on energy, defense, and economic policies have a significant impact on the European Union and the broader international community.

10. Emmanuel Macron – President of France

• Country – France
• Title – President
• Birth Year – 1977

Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, has emerged as a leading voice in European politics. He has championed a vision of a more integrated and influential European Union, while also asserting France’s national interests. Macron’s diplomatic efforts, particularly in the context of the Ukraine crisis, have positioned him as a key player in shaping the European and global response to geopolitical challenges.

Here is the list of the 10 Most Powerful Person in the World (Business Leaders)

Nations become powerful on multiple factors such as economy, military, natural resources, and strong governance. To support these factors there is a need for huge capital expenditure. That is gathered by the most influential and revolutionary entrepreneurs and businessmen.

Here we list the world’s 10 most powerful person in the world (business leaders). These ordinary individuals, with extra efforts to build something big, have gained a lot. The list is as follows:

1. Elon Musk

• Designation – CEO
• Company – Tesla and SpaceX
• Country – United States of America
• Industry – Automobile, Technology and Space

Elon Musk’s innovative ventures in electric vehicles and space exploration have revolutionized industries. The vision of colonizing Mars is one of Elon’s most ambitious projects.

Elon was born in South Africa. He works as an entrepreneur and technologist. His net worth is $250 billion USD, which makes him the world’s richest person. He has also been ranked as one of the most powerful person in the world in 2024. Elon Musk is the CEO of Tesla, a product engineer, and the CEO of SpaceX, but he is not the CEO of Twitter.

In addition to his ventures, Elon Musk has also co-founded several other companies. This has earned him the title of the second richest person in the world, according to Forbes and Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index.

2. Jeff Bezos

• Designation – CEO
• Company – Amazon and Blue Origin
• Country – United States of America
• Industry – E-commerce, Technology and Space

Amazon’s global reach is unparalleled. Jeff Bezos, an American national and former CEO of Amazon, has a net worth of 200.2 billion USD, making him the second richest person in the world from 2017 to 2021 according to Forbes and Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Bezos founded Amazon and Indian online casino and remains its Executive Chairman, with Andy Jassy taking over as CEO in 2021.

3. Bernard Arnault

• Designation – CEO
• Company – LVHM
• Country – France
• Industry – Fashion & Retail

LVMH, a vast conglomerate including 75 prestigious fashion and beauty brands, is the brainchild of French business billionaire Bernard Arnault. With well-known labels like Louis Vuitton and Sephora, LVMH has strengthened its position as the market leader in luxury goods.

In fact, LVMH made news in 2021 with its record-breaking purchase of American jeweler Tiffany & Co. for a stunning $15.8 billion. This calculated action increased their influence and cemented their leadership in the upscale market.

Bernard Arnault’s leadership at LVMH has made him a titan in luxury goods. His net worth of over $191 billion reflects his industry dominance.

4. Larry Ellison

• Designation – CEO
• Company – Oracle
• Country – United States of America
• Industry – Technology

Larry Ellison is Oracle’s co-founder, chairman, and CTO. Before leaving the firm in 2014, he served as CEO for 37 years, greatly contributing to Oracle’s success. He still has a sizable ownership share in the business today—nearly 40%.

The growth story of Oracle is remarkable. Their growth was spurred by strategic acquisitions, like as the record-breaking $28.3 billion purchase of Cerner, an electronic health records business, in 2021. A major factor in Oracle becoming a well-known software company was Ellison’s vision and leadership.

Larry Ellison’s vision has driven Oracle’s growth in cloud computing and enterprise software. His net worth of over $177.2 billion underscores his influence, which puts him on the list of the most powerful person in the world.

5. Mark Zuckerberg

• Designation – Co-Founder
• Company – Meta (Formerly Facebook)
• Country – United States of America
• Industry – Technology

Mark Zuckerberg is an American software developer and internet entrepreneur. He is worth 171 billion USD and is widely recognized as one of the most powerful person in the world 2024. Zuckerberg is best known for co-founding the popular social media site, Facebook, and holds the roles of CEO, Chairman, and Controlling Shareholder within the company.

6. Larry Page and Sergey Brin

• Designation – Co-Founder(s)
• Company – Alphabet (Formerly Google)
• Country – United States of America
• Industry – Technology

Larry Page and Sergey Brin’s shared interest in organizing and presenting information led to the creation of Google, initially called “BackRub,” in 1996. This project aimed to improve how users searched for information on the Internet by evaluating the relevance of web pages based on their link structure. They coined the term “Google” as a play on “googol,” which signifies a vast number, reflecting their goal of organizing immense data.

Larry Page and Sergey Brin’s Google has become synonymous with search and innovation. Their net worth is $151 and $144 billion each, reflecting their industry dominance. Hence, both are on our list of the most powerful person in the world.

7. Warren Buffett

• Designation – Chairman and CEO
• Company – Berkshire Hathaway
• Country – United States of America
• Industry – Multinational Conglomerate

Warren Buffet, a businessman and CEO/Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, has a net worth of 137.4 billion USD and is known for his investment skills and philanthropy. He is the eighth wealthiest person in the world 2024.

8. Bill Gates

• Designation – Former CEO and Chairman
• Company – Microsoft
• Country – United States of America
• Industry – Technology

Bill Gates is an American businessman who co-founded Microsoft and the Bill and Melinda Foundation. He has a net worth of 70 billion USD and is widely regarded as one of the most powerful person in the world 2024.

During his time at Microsoft, Gates held various roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Software Architect, Chairman, and President. His philanthropic efforts through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are also notable.

9. Mukesh Ambani

• Designation – Chairman and Managing Director
• Company – Reliance Industries Limited
• Country – India
• Industry – Petroleum, Retail, Telecommunication, Entertainment

Mukesh Ambani is Asia’s richest person and one of India’s most powerful businessmen. He is the chairman and CEO of Reliance Industries, a large conglomerate that operates in several industries, including retail, financial services, telecom (Jio), oil and gas, and petrochemicals.

His late father, Dhirubhai Ambani, started this enterprise in 1966 as a tiny textile factory after starting out as a yarn merchant. After his father died in 2002, Mukesh split up the Reliance enterprise with his brother Anil.

Mukesh has led Reliance to extraordinary expansion. With more than 470 million users, Jio, its telecom and internet service, is a major player in India’s digital market. Mukesh Ambani has a net worth of $116 billion making him on the list of the most powerful person in the world.

10. Jensen Hung

• Designation – Founder, President and CEO
• Company – Nvidia
• Country – United States of America
• Industry – Technology

Jensen Huang co-founded NVIDIA in 1993, along with Chris Malachowsky and Curtis Priem. The trio began with only $40,000 in capital and soon secured an initial $20 million investment from venture capital firms. Their goal was to develop graphic processing units (GPUs) for the gaming industry, an idea that would soon redefine computer graphics and lead to massive growth in the visual computing market.

​Under Huang’s leadership, NVIDIA invented the GPU, which revolutionized both gaming and artificial intelligence by enabling complex computational tasks that traditional CPUs could not handle efficiently. The company’s technology has since been utilized across various sectors, including entertainment, autonomous vehicles, and AI research, powering advancements from virtual reality to self-driving cars.

After contributing years to the gaming industry, in 2024 he crossed $108 billion net worth. Now, he has become one of the most powerful person in the world.

Here is the list of the 10 Most Powerful Person in the World (Spiritual Leaders)

Spiritual leaders have a great deal of power because they help society develop a moral compass. They serve as lighthouses, pointing people in the direction of virtues like empathy, compassion, and peace. Their teachings frequently serve as the cornerstone of moral systems, influencing societal norms, laws, and practices. Millions are motivated by their words and deeds to pursue personal growth and make a positive impact on the world.

They also advocate for justice, equality, and environmental stewardship, acting as catalysts for social change. Their capacity to organize sizable followings may magnify messages of harmony and optimism, promoting a feeling of international solidarity.

1. Pope Francis

• Nation – Vatican Vity
• Religion – Christian

Pope Francis serves as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, having been elected on March 13, 2013. Since his election, he has notably inspired people around the world through his emphasis on humility, compassion, and a commitment to social justice. His leadership style is characterized by a proactive approach to addressing the needs of marginalized communities and advocating for the poor and vulnerable.

​Central to Pope Francis’s papacy is his strong advocacy for social justice. He underscores the importance of addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change, viewing them as integral to the mission of the Church. His encyclical, “Laudato Si’,” emphasizes the harmonious relationship between caring for the environment and promoting social justice by integrating the “cry of the earth” and the “cry of the poor.” Those are a few reasons Pope Francis stands in the list of the most powerful person in the world.

2. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

• Nation – India
• Religion – Hindu (Sanatan Dharma)

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, commonly known as Sadhguru, is a renowned Indian yogi and spiritual leader born on September 3, 1957, in Mysore, Karnataka, India. He is celebrated for his insightful teachings that integrate ancient yogic philosophy with contemporary issues, making them accessible to a global audience. Sadhguru founded the Isha Foundation in 1992, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting yoga, education, and environmental initiatives.

3. Dalai Lama

• Nation – China/Tibet/India
• Religion – Buddhism

The Dalai Lama is recognized as the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, embodying the principles of Tibetan Buddhism. Regarded as the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, his birth name is Tenzin Gyatso, signifying “ocean of wisdom.” He has been actively involved in advocating for the Tibetan people, particularly in the context of their struggle for autonomy and cultural preservation following the Chinese occupation of Tibet.

Dalai Lama ranks in our list of most powerful person in the world by considering his goodwill. Many leaders across the globe follow his teachings. His message for humanity and social issues are discussed all over the world.

4. Gaur Gopal Das

• Nation – India
• Religion – Hindu (Sanatan Dharma)

Gaur Gopal Das is an Indian monk and lifestyle coach, known for his engaging teachings and practical approach to spirituality. Born on December 24, 1973, in Vambori, Maharashtra, he pursued a diploma in electrical engineering from the Cusrow Wadia Institute of Technology and a degree from the College of Engineering, Pune. After a brief professional stint as an engineer at Hewlett Packard, he left his job in 1996 to dedicate his life to spirituality and service as a monk.

Das joined the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), where he was initiated as a monk and given the name Gaur Gopal Das. Over the years, he has devoted himself to learning ancient philosophy and contemporary psychology, equipping himself to become a life coach and mentor. His status as a monk has enabled him to draw from rich spiritual traditions while addressing contemporary issues faced by individuals seeking happiness and purpose in their lives.

5. Thich Nhat Hanh

• Nation – Vietnam
• Religion – Buddhism

Thich Nhat Hanh was born in 1926 in Hué, Vietnam, and entered a Buddhist monastery at the young age of 16, where he began his lifelong journey in spirituality. He was initially drawn to a contemplative life, but the suffering he witnessed around him compelled him to become an activist, combining his spiritual practice with social engagement.

During the Vietnam War, Thich Nhat Hanh played a significant role in promoting peace and non-violence, aligning himself with prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., who later nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1967. His peace activism was integral to his life’s work; he established organizations that aimed to provide relief and support to war-affected communities. This brings him to the list of the most powerful people in the world.

6. Acharya Prashant

• Nation – India
• Religion – Hindu (Sanatan Dharma)

Acharya Prashant, born Prashant Tripathi on March 7, 1978, in Agra, India, is a prominent Indian philosopher and spiritual teacher known for his deep exploration of spirituality, particularly through the lens of Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy. He has cultivated a diverse educational background, earning a degree in engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi followed by an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad.

He is the world’s most-followed spiritual teacher, with 55+ million subscribers on YouTube. Hence, we have him on the list of the most powerful person in the world in 2024.

7. Gauranga Das

• Nation – India
• Religion – Hindu (Sanatan Dharma)

Gauranga Das is an Indian monk and spiritual leader rooted in the teachings of Krishna consciousness. His commitment to this path led him to become a monk within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) at the Chowpatty temple in Mumbai.

As a spiritual leader, Gauranga Das emphasizes devotional practices that align with the holistic philosophy of Bhakti yoga. He encourages followers to engage in regular chanting, meditation, and study of sacred texts, promoting a lifestyle devoted to serving God and fostering spiritual growth. His teachings stress the importance of personal devotion and community engagement as vital components of a fulfilling spiritual life.

8. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

• Nation – India
• Religion – Hindu (Sanatan Dharma)

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, born in 1956 in Tamil Nadu, India, is a globally revered humanitarian and spiritual leader. He is widely known for founding the Art of Living Foundation in 1981 and the International Association for Human Values (IAHV) in 1997, both of which aim to promote stress management and peace through various programs and initiatives.

Gurudev has dedicated over 40 years to teaching breath-based meditation techniques that focus on health and well-being.

His flagship practice, the Sudarshan Kriya, plays a central role in the Art of Living courses and integrates ancient Vedic wisdom with modern sensibilities to foster a stress-free and violence-free society. This unique approach has helped millions of individuals manage stress and find inner peace.

9. Baba Ramdev

• Nation – India
• Religion – Hindu (Sanatan Dharma)

Baba Ramdev, also known as Yogarishi Swami Ramdevji Maharaj, is a prominent figure in contemporary Indian spirituality and wellness, recognized for his significant contributions to yoga, Ayurveda, and holistic health practices.

Born in 1965 in Haryana, Ramdev has dedicated his life to promoting traditional Indian practices and integrating them into modern lifestyles. He gained notoriety for popularizing yoga among the masses through television and public demonstrations, significantly increasing interest in these practices across India and beyond.

Baba Ramdev has been a strong advocate for Ayurveda, emphasizing its potential as an effective alternative to modern medicine. He co-founded Patanjali Ayurved Limited in 2006, which has since become one of India’s fastest-growing companies in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.

Through Patanjali, he has brought attention to the benefits of using natural and Ayurvedic ingredients, encouraging consumers to explore holistic health solutions.

10. Eckhart Tolle

• Nation – Germany
• Religion – Christian

Eckhart Tolle, originally named Ulrich Leonard Tolle, was born in Germany in 1948. His early life was marked by prolonged bouts of depression and existential angst, culminating in a profound spiritual awakening at the age of 29 that transformed his understanding of life. Following this awakening, he adopted a path focused on mindfulness and presence, which eventually led him to settle in Canada and begin his journey as a spiritual teacher and author.

Tolle is best known for his teachings on present-moment awareness, which he considers critical for achieving inner peace and enlightenment. His most influential works, The Power of Now and A New Earth, emphasize the importance of disconnecting from the ego and living fully in the present moment.

Further, Tolle argues that many forms of suffering stem from attachment to past experiences and future anxieties, encouraging individuals to embrace the now as the only real moment of existence.

End Note on The Most Powerful Person in the World

In conclusion, the most powerful people in the world 2024 will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of our societies. Their influence extends beyond mere authority; it encompasses the responsibility to use their power for the greater good.

As we navigate complex global challenges, these leaders have the potential to inspire positive change, foster collaboration, and create pathways to a more equitable world. Conversely, unchecked power can lead to significant obstacles, highlighting the need for accountability and ethical leadership.

As we reflect on the dynamics of power and influence, we invite you to consider: Who do you consider the most powerful person in the world, and why? Your insights could illuminate the diverse perspectives on leadership and its impact on our collective future.

Also Read: The 50 Most Popular Women on the Internet throughout the Decade