A lotto winner wasting his windfall on parties and hookers, or a retired sports personality sitting in a spot of financial bother doesn’t come close to comparing to these gentleman. After making it to the pinnacle of the billionaire echelons, more than a few have made quick work of losing it all.

First up to return his billionaire membership card is Eike Batista. Batista must long for simpler times. Back in 2012 he was the seventh-richest man in the world, worth an estimated $30 billion. In the last two years, shoddy investments, bankruptcy and debt have dwindled his fortunes down to $300 million.

Texas oil legend, T. Boone Pickens, ventured off the beaten path, trying to find green in green energy. His investment in wind energy ended up costing him $300 million, and his billionaire status. Over the last year he was one of the 99 others who dropped off Forbes’ Billionaire List, 47 of which were from Asia.

To check out some of the others who squandered their wealth, click here. 

[ Source : Forbes ]