Who are the best programmers in the world?

Probably people who analyze problems deeply, make very few commits, and then share their improvements without really even considering credit as a reward.

The software industry has a risk of developing an influencer problem, and I'd guess it could lead to precisely the same kind of programmer insecurity issues that social media does.

Add a test case and fix a bug (properly, after thinking about it), and you'll be the best programmer in your area of the world wherever you are, regardless of impact.

Fabrice Bellard is among the very best in the world.

not you and me