It looks like Bill Gates has finally been dethroned as the world’s richest man. Considering he has always balked at this particular distinction he probably doesn’t mind the fact. For about 13 years Bill Gates has lead the pack, Microsoft stock putting his wealth at just under $52 Billion dollars. Recently, this technology pioneer has been surpassed by Carlos Slim, a Mexican telecommunications tycoon.

Slim Pickings

Slim has been gaining on for months now. On Tuesday, a 27% surge in his stock price has put his net worth at an astronomical $67.8 billion. This places him well above Warren Buffet who has held strong at position number two with $42 billion.

Web 2.0 Roundup

As of 2007, here is the list of the top five richest men on the planet.

Carlos Slim. At $67.8 billion dollars Mr. Slim is the new leader of the pack, his company American Movil is the source of that wealth.

Bill Gates. Everyone’s favorite software mogul is estimated to be worth $52 Billion, Microsoft is the killer app that has kept Bill on the top for 13 years.

Warren Buffer. As the story goes, Warren Buffer claimed a tax deduction on his bike when he was still a paper boy. This financial mogul pulls in about $100,000 a year from Berkshire Hathaway but investments and holdings put his net worth at around $42 Billion.

Lakshmi Mittal. The leader of Mittal Steel Company has not done too badly for himself, his war chest consists of about $23.5 billion and his business interests range from the Ukraine to the U.S. Starting from humble beginnings in India, it is rumored that Lakshmi paid $128 million for his London residence in 2003.

Paul Allen. Microsoft’s co-founder owns a football team (the Seahawks), has an honorary Masters from Washington State and has a diversified portfolio including everything from biotech to energy. For all this, he comes in 5th with an estimated net worth of about $22 billion.

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