Bill Gates is world’s richest man again

Forbes has updated its World's Billionaires list, and boy have things changed. The list has lost 373 people: last year there were 1,125 billionaires and this year there are just 793 people rich enough to have the title. Even these 793 have lost an average of 23 percent of their wealth. The economic downturn isn't being very picky. The average net worth sits at around $3 billion, which is essentially where it was six years ago. Of these 793, Bill Gates has managed to regain the top position, despite a loss of $18 billion. That's right, Bill Gates is once again the richest man on Earth.

Gates lost the title in July 2007 to Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim Hel�. Hel� was second last year, but now sits at third after dropping $25 billion. Warren Buffett, who was first last year, saw his fortune decline $25 billion. Here's the top 10 list as it currently now stands:

1. William Gates III, 53, holds a US citizenship, resides in the US, and has a net worth of $40.0 billion
2. Warren Buffett, 78, holds a US citizenship, resides in the US, and has a net worth of $37.0 billion
3. Carlos Slim Helu, 69, holds a Mexican citizenship, resides in Mexico, and has a net worth of $35.0 billion
4. Lawrence Ellison, 64, holds a US citizenship, resides in the US, and has a net worth of $22.5 billion
5. Ingvar Kamprad (and family), 83, holds a Swedish citizenship, resides in Switzerland, and has a net worth of $22.0 billion
6. Karl Albrecht, 89, holds a German citizenship, resides in Germany, and has a net worth of $21.5 billion
7. Mukesh Ambani, 53, holds an Indian citizenship, resides in India, and has a net worth of $19.5 billion
8. Lakshmi Mittal, 58, holds an Indian citizenship, resides in the UK, and has a net worth of $19.3 billion
9. Theo Albrecht, 87, holds a German citizenship, resides in Germany, and has a net worth of $18.8 billion
10. Amancio Ortega, 73, holds a Spanish citizenship, resides in Spain, and has a net worth of $18.3 billion