The Sports Direct chief rose more than 150 places in Forbes, the American magazine's list of billionaires.
His net worth is estimated by the magazine at $2.5 billion.
Its entry claims that Ashley added $140 million to his fortune last year when Sports Direct bought 32 stores he was leasing.
He was the 15th richest UK resident on the list. Richard Branson, whose Virgin Money is also based in Newcastle, ranked 255th on the world list.
The 61-year-old tycoon has a net worth of $4.2 billion, according to the magazine.
WIN A COPY OF - "Magpies In Europe"!It features match reports and individual features from Toon fans on Newcastle's 120 European games ... including eye witness accounts the 60 'away' trips the Mags have made in Europe.
Sports Journalist Richie Everson: "At last a book that the fabulous Newcastle United fans can relate to. It's informative, all the facts and figures are there, plus the 120 match reports from all the fixtures ... but it is the articles by the supporters that amazed me.
"I went to many of those games, and this is the only book I can honestly say 'hits the nail on the head'!
"Yes we know the results and the scorers, but some of the facts in this book had me so wrapped up in it I couldn't put it down.
"Was Benny Arentoft cup-tied when he played in the final? Big Wyn and his battle with John McGrath; McFaul scoring a penalty when the crowd had gone home; the trouble in Palermo; it is all amazing stuff.
"I would honestly give this book 10 out of 10."
MAGPIES IN EUROPE From Antwerp to Zurich Price: £9.99 (including post) The book is available NOW! Please include your address in a letter and send a cheque (or postal order) for £9.99 payable to Mr K Fletcher, to:
'MAGPIES IN EUROPE', K Fletcher, 5 Dunelm, Sacriston, Co Durham DH7 6NU.
WE HAVE THREE COPIES TO GIVE AWAYSimply answer these three questions:
1) What year did Newcastle win the Fairs Cup? 1969, 1979 or 1989?
2) When Tino Asprilla (pictured right) scored his hat-trick against Barcelona, who was the Newcastle manager? Joe Harvey, Kevin Keegan or Kenny Dalglish?
3) Our last European game was against AZ Alkmaar. What country are they from? Turkey, Holland or Belgium?
Send your answers (with your name) to:
E-Mail: Kevnumad@fsmail.net
Winners will be drawn on Friday March 9th.
Good luck!
Source: FOOTYMAD
