Facebook CEO Zukerberg richer than Google founders

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has beaten Google founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, once again. And no, we are not talking about the success of the trio's social networking ventures. Zuckerberg is now richer than the Google duo.

With an estimated fortune of $17.5 billion, Zuckerberg breaks into the ranks of the richest 20 Americans for the first time -- coming in at No. 14 on the 2011 Forbes 400.

Last year, Zuckerberg surpassed Apple's Steve Jobs, courtesy Facebook's mighty valuation. This year with his paper fortune of $17.5 billion, he races past Google's Brin and Larry (at $16.7 each).

The other tech czars Zuckerberg leaves behind are Dell founder Michael Dell ($15 billion) and Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer ($13.9 billion).

Zuckerberg, who is at No. 14 on the list, jumped 21 positions from last year. Page and Brin sharing space at No. 15 on the list saw their net worth jump from $15 billion last year.