Gautam Adani is now Asia's richest man, surpasses the wealth of Mukesh Ambani, Mark Zuckerberg

Gautam Adani, once a gem sorter and a college dropout has claimed the throne to being Asia's richest man with businesses spanning ports, mines and green energy.

Gautam Adani, who is now worth $88.5 billion has gained $12 billion in just the last month, making him the biggest wealth creator in the year so far. The 59 year old businessman's treasure chest has now surpassed Mukesh Ambani who ranks 11th with $87.9 bn.

Adani's dizzying rise in wealth is backed by the vertical moves in stock prices of his group companies. Shares of Adani Green and Adani Total Gas , have rallied more than 1,000% in 2 years. The flagship firm Adani Enterprises has also delivered a 730% return along with 500% from Adani Transmission.

Adani has business interests in energy, defense, and real estate, and he owns India's largest commercial port, one of the world's largest coal mines, and controlling stake in 7 airports across India. The group now owns the country’s largest airport operator, power generator and city gas retailer in the non-state sector. The tycoon a long way from his days as a college dropout and time as a gem sorter.