Carlos Slim Is No Longer The World’s Richest Man According To Forbes 2014; Who Tops The List?

Carlos Slim has fallen from the top spot on Forbes annual list of billionaires, a position he held for four straight years. The top spot has been reclaimed by Microsoft founder Bill Gates: Gates' net worth is estimated at $76 billion, Slim Helu follows at $72 billion. Gates has held the top spot for 15 out of the last twenty years. Amancio Ortega, who owns Zara, maintained his third-place position, while Warren Buffet ranked fourth ahead of Larry Ellison.

Carlos Slim has seen his profits decrease somewhat in recent years: his mining company Frisco has taken losses, while America Movil has lost some value, bringing his fortune from $72 billion from his $73 billion net worth last year. Forbes indicated that America Movil has faced increasing pressure from new competitiveness legislation in telecommunications in Mexico. Meanwhile Microsoft saw a significant resurgence last year, buoying Gates to the top.

Forbes also revealed that, after years away from the company to focus on his charitable foundation, Gates will again return to Microsoft, working with the company's current CEO Satya Nadella on strategies to combat the onslaught of Google and Apple. Meanwhile Amancio Ortega posted a net worth of $64 billion to give him third position. Ortega has seen tremendous growth in his global chain as well as a growing worldwide real estate portfolio.