Bill Gates gave so much money away that $51 billion just got swiped from his net worth—now his former no2 and Microsoft successor Steve Ballmer is wealthier than him.

The article discusses the shift in wealth rankings between Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer, highlighting how Gates' extensive philanthropic efforts have led to a significant decrease in his net worth, dropping him from the fifth to the twelfth richest person in the world. Gates, who co-founded Microsoft, has committed to donating nearly all of his fortune to the Gates Foundation, aiming to ensure he does not die wealthy. In contrast, Ballmer, also a Microsoft co-founder and former CEO, has seen his wealth increase to $172 billion, positioning him as the fifth richest person, largely due to his early investment in Microsoft and subsequent ventures, including purchasing the Los Angeles Clippers. Both individuals have made substantial charitable contributions, with Ballmer founding the Ballmer Group to enhance economic mobility in the U.S. [Extracted from the article]