Crypto Kings and Queens: Forbes Unveils 2024 World Billionaires List with Crypto Leading the Pack

In 2024, cryptocurrency has surged, with Forbes reporting a significant increase in crypto billionaires compared to the previous year. The crypto winter has ended, and the market has rebounded, creating new leaders in the industry. As the crypto space undergoes transformation, it has crowned new "crypto kings and queens" with substantial wealth, including those who have made their fortunes through Bitcoin, blockchain technology, and exchange platforms.

Forbes' 2024 World Billionaires List: Crypto Mints 17 New Billionaires, Surpassing 2023

The crypto market has experienced a remarkable resurgence, propelling it out of the doldrums of the recent "crypto winter." For the first time, the number of crypto billionaires has surpassed that of the previous year, as the market's recovery crowns a new generation of wealth creators in the digital asset space.

According to Forbes' 2024 World Billionaires List, an impressive 17 individuals have attained billionaire status through their involvement in cryptocurrency, surpassing the nine who achieved this milestone in 2023. The surge in their net worth serves as a testament to the growing relevance of cryptocurrencies across diverse industries and their profound impact on the global economy.

1. Changpeng Zhao (CZ): The Crypto King with a $33 Billion Fortune

Reigning supreme as the richest person in the crypto world is Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the visionary founder and former CEO of cryptocurrency exchange Binance. Despite facing ongoing legal challenges, CZ's estimated net worth has skyrocketed to an astounding $33 billion, a testament to his astute market strategies and the unwavering success of Binance.

2. Brian Armstrong: Coinbase CEO Ascends to Crypto Royalty

Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, has joined the ranks of the ultra-wealthy in the crypto industry. With an estimated net worth of $11.2 billion, Armstrong has witnessed a meteoric rise in his fortune as Coinbase's share value has quadrupled over the past year, propelling him to the top echelons of crypto billionaires.

3. Giancarlo Devasini: Tether's CFO Becomes a Crypto Heavy Hitter

Giancarlo Devasini, CFO of Tether, has emerged as one of the most influential figures in the crypto space. With an estimated net worth of $9.2 billion, Devasini holds a substantial 47% stake in Tether, solidifying his position among the crypto elite.

4. Michael Saylor: MicroStrategy CEO's Massive Gain

Michael Saylor, CEO of MicroStrategy, has been a trailblazer in the adoption of Bitcoin by institutional investors. Since July 2023, his net worth has surged from $760 million to an impressive $4.4 billion, driven by MicroStrategy's strategic investment in Bitcoin and the subsequent rise in its value.

5. Paolo Ardoino: Tether CEO's Fortune Soars

Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, has experienced a significant increase in his net worth, rising from $1.8 billion last July to $3.9 billion in 2024. As the head of the largest stablecoin issuer, Ardoino has played a pivotal role in the growth and stability of the crypto market.

6. Jean-Louis van der Velde: Tether's Former CEO Maintains Influence

Jean-Louis van der Velde, former CEO of Tether, continues to wield substantial influence in the crypto realm. With an estimated net worth of $3.9 billion, van der Velde holds a significant stake in Tether and serves as a strategic figure, fostering relationships with banks and regulators.

7. Chris Larsen: Ripple Co-Founder's Enduring Wealth

Chris Larsen, co-founder and former CEO of Ripple, has amassed an impressive fortune estimated at $3.2 billion. Larsen's wealth stems from his substantial stake in Ripple, his ownership of over 2.8 billion XRP tokens, and his investments in cash assets.

8. Fred Ehrsam: Coinbase Co-Founder's Legacy

Fred Ehrsam, co-founder of Coinbase, has maintained a presence among the crypto elite despite leaving the company. With an estimated net worth of $3.2 billion, Ehrsam retains a 5% stake in Coinbase, reaping the benefits of its phenomenal growth over the past year.

9. Matthew Roszak: Early Bitcoin Investor's Astute Judgment

Matthew Roszak, an early Bitcoin investor who ventured into the crypto market in 2010, has seen his net worth rise to an estimated $3.1 billion. Roszak's wealth is attributed to his foresight in investing in various crypto projects, which have yielded significant returns over time.

10. Jedburgh McCaleb: Mt. Gox's Founder's Lasting Impact

Jedburgh McCaleb, known for creating the first major Bitcoin exchange, Mt. Gox, has an estimated net worth of $2.9 billion. Despite the exchange's collapse in 2014