Famous Investors: Who Has the Best Stock Picking Record?

Most Famous Investors in the World

By Matthew DiLallo – Updated Sep 18, 2025 at 3:11 PM | Fact-checked by Frank Bass

Key Points

Warren Buffett became world-famous by buying undervalued companies and holding them long-term.
Carl Icahn's reputation stems from improving company value through active management intervention.
John Templeton showed that contrarian investments during market downturns can yield substantial profits.

The greatest investors have long track records of generating market-crushing returns over their investing careers. Their successes, in turn, enrich the investors who entrust them with their money. Their uncanny ability to create wealth is what makes them famous.

Here's a closer look at some of the most well-known investors in the world:

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Man presenting to group of investors — Image source: Getty Images.

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About the Author

Matt DiLallo has been a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst specializing in covering dividend-paying companies, particularly in the energy and REIT sectors, since 2012. He also covers pre-IPO companies, ETFs, and other investing topics. He holds an MBA from Liberty University.

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Matt DiLallo has positions in Apple, Ark ETF Trust - Ark Innovation ETF, Berkshire Hathaway, and Coca-Cola and has the following options: short November 2025 $260 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple and Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.