Xinhua News Agency, New York, March 10th (reported by Lei Yang) - The American magazine *Forbes* announced its 2010 billionaire rankings in New York on March 10th. Mexican telecommunications tycoon Carlos Slim Helú surpassed Microsoft founder Bill Gates to claim the top spot. This is also the first time in 16 years that an American has lost the title of the world's richest person.
Based on total personal assets as of market closing on February 12th this year, Carlos Slim Helú, who ranked third last year, jumped to first place with personal assets totaling $53.5 billion. Last year's richest man, Gates, came in second due to having $5 billion less than Helú.