Forbes list of billionaires from the cryptocurrency world, here are the top 10

The flare of cryptocurrency may have faded in the last few months but since 2016, the virtual currency market observed exponential growth, with many reaching new heights in terms of monetary gains. While popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin saw the biggest slump in rates this year, it definitely made several investors millionaires and even billionaires. 

Popular American Business magazine Forbes has now come out with a list of billionaires who are the richest in terms of virtual currency.

From geeks to internet honchos, this first-of-a-kind list features several names that you have never heard before. So, without further ado, here are the top 10 individuals whose fortunes changed after investing in cryptocurrency, especially Bitcoin.

(At the time of writing this article, the price of one Bitcoin was at 8066.35 dollars.)

1) Chris Larsen: The first name that features on the list is that of Chris Larsen, who is a 57-year-old man responsible for co-founding Ripple, a tech firm that supports global payments for banks using blockchain technology. He has an estimated cryptocurrency worth of 7.5-8 billion dollars. He was also the chairman and former CEO of the tech firm. 

2) Joseph Lubin: Coming in at number two is the 53-year-old co-founder of popular cryptocurrency Ethereum. According to the list, the man has an estimated cryptocurrency wealth equalling $1-$5 billion. The list also reveals that he is a former Goldman Sach executive. 

3) Changpeng Zhao: With an estimated cryptocurrency worth equalling $1.1-$2 billion, 41-year-old Changpeng Zhao is another top name in the cryptocurrency industry. He is also the founder of cryptocurrency exchange Binance. 

4) Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss: Featuring fourth on the list are the twin founders of Winklevoss Capital - Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. The duo reportedly is sitting on a wealth of $900 million to 1.1 billion in cryptocurrency. Cameron and Tyler, both 36-years-old, are identical twins. The brothers are said to be the first public figures who became millionaires owing to investments in Bitcoin, the world's most popular cryptocurrency. the duo came to limelight earlier after they sued Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, alleging that he stole their idea to create that social media empire. 

5) Matthew Melon: Fifth on the list is Matthew Melon, who is a 54-year-old man, and holds at least $900 million to $1 billion in cryptocurrency. He is an individual investor and also the Chairman of the New York Republican Party's Finance Committee.

6) Brain Armstrong: At number six on the list is CEO of Coinbase, Brain Armstrong. It has been reported that Armstrong, 35, holds cryptocurrency amounting up to $900 million to $1 billion. 

7) Mattew Roszak: Featuring seventh on the list is Matthew Roszak, 45, with a net worth of $900 million to $1 billion. He is the co-founder of Bloq and also the founder of Tally Capital. 

8) Anthony Di Iorio: Cofounder, Ethereum and Founder, Jaxx and Decentral, Anthony Di Iorio has come in the spotlight after the rise of Ethereum as a virtual currency. It may be noted that the 43-year-old holds cryptocurrency worth $750 million to $1 billion. 

9) Brock Price: Moving on, the chairman of Bitcoin Foundation also holds cryptocurrency amounting to $700 million to $1 billion. The 37-year-old is not only the chairman of Bitcoin Foundation but also an advisor to Block.One.

10) Michael Novogratz: The 53-year-old CEO of Galaxy Digital, Michael Novogratz holds cryptocurrency amounting worth $700 to $1 billion. 

The unique list reveals that virtual currencies, despite the recent slump, may become the norm in the future. As more people join the cryptocurrency league, there are surely chances that the names of some Indians would also start featuring soon.