Warren Buffett became the world’s richest person according to Forbes in 2008.
Forbes named Buffett number one on its annual World’s Billionaires list published in March 2008. His estimated fortune was about $62 billion, largely reflecting the value of his Berkshire Hathaway stake. He overtook Bill Gates, who had held the top position for many years, although Mexican businessman Carlos Slim was also near the top of the ranking.
Buffett’s rise was notable because it came late in his career: he was 77 when he first topped the global Forbes list. His fortune had grown through decades of investing and through Berkshire Hathaway’s ownership of businesses and large equity positions. Forbes rankings are snapshots based on estimated asset values, so the result did not mean Buffett permanently remained the world’s richest person.
The distinction was brief. In 2009, after the financial crisis reduced the value of many investments, Gates returned to the top spot and Buffett ranked second. That reversal is why 2008, rather than 2009 or a later year, is the correct answer.