Who was the richest person on Forbes’ 2010 billionaires list?

Carlos Slim was the richest person on Forbes’ 2010 billionaires list, with an estimated net worth of about $53.5 billion.

Slim built much of his fortune through América Móvil, one of the largest telecommunications companies in Latin America. His business interests also included construction, finance, retail and other sectors, giving him a diversified corporate empire.

The 2010 result was notable because Slim displaced Bill Gates, who had held the top position for much of the previous decade. Warren Buffett ranked third that year, while Gates ranked second. Such changes reflect both business performance and movements in stock markets and currencies.

Forbes’ annual list records wealth at a particular point in time. It should not be confused with a ranking of the world’s most influential people, largest companies or highest-paid executives. Those are separate Forbes features with different methods.