Age: 40
Net worth: $900 million
Profession: Athlete
Country: US
Tiger Woods showed an affinity for golf from a young age, competing in the 1995 Masters Tournament as a 19-year-old college student. But he didn't end up winning the tournament until two years later, when he trounced the competition by a record 12 strokes.
Woods' career exploded after that, and by 24, he had become the youngest person to ever win all four major golf titles.
But despite his abundant victories, less than 10% of Woods' earnings come from his prize money; it's almost all from endorsements. When he went pro, in 1996, Woods signed his first contract with Nike, a five-year deal paying $40 million, and has stayed with the brand ever since. Over his career, he has partnered with numerous other companies as well, from Gatorade to Buick to Gillette.
Though he remains the wealthiest athlete alive — and retains his Nike sponsorship — Woods' golf career has slowed in recent years.
1. Madonna
Age: 58
Net worth: $910 million
Profession: Musician
Country: US
Legendary performer and recording artist Madonna has built a lucrative career in entertainment over more than three decades.
The seven-time Grammy winner wrapped her 10th world tour in March — her last under a $120 million, 10-year contract with Live Nation Entertainment. She's currently the highest-grossing solo touring artist in history, with combined ticket sales topping $1.3 billion.
The reigning Queen of Pop has sold more than 300 million albums. Her first No. 1 Billboard album, "Like a Virgin," debuted in 1984 and catapulted her into global superstardom.
In 1992, Madonna founded Maverick Records in partnership with Warner Bros. Entertainment, which signed her to a $60 million, multialbum contract. Maverick brought in $100 million in total profit by 2004, at which point Warner Bros. bought out Madonna and another executive for an estimated $10 million.
Madonna is also the founder of teenage-fashion line Material Girl and high-end fitness chain Hard Candy Fitness.