11 self-made American billionaires who are on the Forbes 400 list for the first time
But only those with a net worth of at least $2 billion made the 2017 Forbes 400 list, which was released on Tuesday. That's 18% higher than the $1.7 billion minimum net worth required in 2016.
Even with the higher hurdle to join the richest of the rich in America, 22 newcomers made the Forbes 400 list this year. Some of the 22 inherited their fortunes, while others are self-made entrepreneurs, such as Netflix founder and CEO Reed Hastings.
To determine the ranking, Forbes took into account stakes in public and private companies, real estate holdings, and other assets including art, jewelry, cars, and planes. All net worth estimates are current as of October 17, 2017.
Scroll through to see 11 of America's self-made billionaires who joined the Forbes 400 list for the first time in 2017, how they made their fortune, and and how much it's worth today.