TIME magazine is one of the leading publications for important global news, and they regularly spotlight influential figures through features such as the annual TIME100 list, “Person of the Year,” and “Person of the Decade.”
Although it’s been over 30 years since the last Person of the Decade publication, the 2020s have seen several figures make a huge impact across the globe. Kalshi has launched the question “Who Will Be Named TIME’s Person of the Decade?” and the market currently favors Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky as the most likely to receive the honor.
Frontrunners for TIME’s Person of the Decade As at 2026
The decade is far from over, but a few names have been celebrated for their achievements since the start of the 2020s. Culture predictions like this are quite volatile, and with settlement still years away, there’s still plenty of room for the odds to shift. For now, here are the favorites according to the market:
Volodymyr Zelensky – 40%
The escalation of the Ukraine-Russia war in 2022 is one of the events that rocked the globe this decade, and Zelensky’s leadership and resilience have garnered him international recognition in the years since. Not only is he a symbol of hope for his people, but his strategic approach to international relations has positioned him as a leading figure in the ongoing conflict.
Elon Musk – 37%
The first person to ever reach trillionaire status, Elon Musk is the epitome of an influential figure. He’s widely recognized for his impact on technology and society with ventures like SpaceX and Tesla. His plans for Mars and his desire to make humanity a space-faring civilization underscore his impact not only on Earth but beyond. He’s previously been named TIME’s Person of the Year in 2012.
Taylor Swift – 17%
Between record-breaking album releases and her ability to resonate with audiences, Taylor Swift is one of the most impactful artists in the music industry and culture at the moment. Notably, her 18-month-long Eras Tour generated substantial revenue, contributing to economic boosts in several cities where shows were held. She’s also been named TIME’s Person of the Year in 2023, her second time receiving the honor after first being recognized back in 2017.
Factors to Keep in Mind When Trading on This Market
Below are some factors you should consider as you decide your predictions for this market:
The Market Closes in 2029
The award will be announced in 2029, so locking in a position this far out is a long shot. A new candidate may emerge and garner enough market sentiment to become the new favorite.
2026 Trends May Be Driving Current Picks
Present contenders for this market are driven by current trends, which may have died down before 2029. It’s worth considering who people knew or cared about 5 or 6 years ago, as those are the names that will still likely have the attention of the public years from now.
How to Trade This Question at Kalshi
Kalshi is among the leading prediction market sites where you can trade on contracts tied to “Who Will Be Named TIME’s Person of the Decade?” Here’s how to go about it:
- Click through any of the Kalshi banners on this page
- Sign up at the site
- Fund your trading account with at least $10
- Trade yes or no for who you think will be the person of the decade
The table below displays the currency trading prices for this market at Kalshi.
| Who Will Be Named TIME’s Person of the Decade? | Yes” price | No” price |
|---|---|---|
| Volodymyr Zelensky | $0.45 | $0.60 |
| Elon Musk | $0.36 | $0.67 |
| Taylor Swift | $0.23 | $0.81 |
Final Thoughts
This market settles when TIME magazine releases its Person of the Decade issue in 2029. Since it’s still very far out, there’s likely to be significant shifts in what the market thinks will happen. So if you’d like to lock in predictions, be sure to keep up with the latest news and trends. You can follow our links to sign up at Kalshi and start trading right away. If you prefer trading on your mobile device, Kalshi apps are also available to download on the App Store or Google Play Store.
