It wasn’t long ago that the reality billionaires battled it out in primetime, with Sir Richard’s Rebel Billionaire challenging The Donald’s Apprentice and Marc Cuban contributing his own take. (Cuban’s show had the best business lessons, by the way, while Branson’s had the best adventure.) Along the way, the billionaires also took jabs at each other, with Trump at one point even saying that Branson couldn’t be worth much because airlines lose money.

Well, the good people of Forbes Magazine beg to differ…

245. Richard Branson, Britain, age 55, $2.8 billion (from Virgin)

278. Donald Trump, New York, age 60, $2.6 billion (from real estate)

428. Mark Cuban, Texas, age 48, $1.8 billion (from Broadcast.com)

It’s still pretty close, but good to see that Branson edged out Trump by "just" $200 million. Amusingly, from Trump’s eternal arrogance, you would think that he was among the top 10 richest in the world, but a whole 277 people are richer. And much more than the money, if Sir Richard can show young children that a high-school dropout and balloon enthusiast can do business his way and still make more money than The Donald, well… that’s practically a public service announcement. The More You Know, indeed.  

PS: For anyone who thinks I admire Branson for his money, a long-time family friend is listed in the top 25, much higher than Sir Richard— but you don’t see me blogging about him. (Would be easier for me to get an interview with him too.) But Branson’s business style and flair for adventure are what make him worth writing about…