100 richest people: Meet the 10 richest Americans

The 100 richest people in the world gained $241 billion in net worth last year, according to Bloomberg's Billionaires Index. Americans dominated the list, occupying five of the top 10 spots. This countdown of the top 10 wealthiest Americans features a casino mogul, software tycoons, and a lot of Wal-Mart money. 

8. Rob Walton

April L. Brown/AP/File
Rob Walton, left, son of the late Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton, talks to his mother, the late Helen Walton, right, in this 2001 file photo. Rob Walton is the chairman of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Net Worth: $26.6 billion

Wealth source: Wal-Mart

Residence: Bentonville, Ark.

World Ranking: 15th

The eldest Walton son has been chairman of the retailer since his father Sam Walton’s death 20 years ago. He and his siblings own a 47 percent stake in the company, and he individually owns around 339 million shares. Mr. Walton holds a law degree from Columbia University

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