Cedar Point in Ohio will in 2024 debut "Top Thrill 2," a strata roller coaster that not only will be the world's tallest, but also the world's "fastest triple-launch strata roller coaster," a press release said.

As of early 2026, the record for the world's tallest roller coaster is in a state of transition following the permanent closure of Kingda Ka (456 ft) in late 2024. Currently, the tallest operating coaster is Top Thrill 2 at Cedar Point, standing at 420 feet. However, Six Flags Great Adventure has officially broken ground on a multi-world-record-breaking launch coaster set to open in 2027 to replace Kingda Ka. While the specific height hasn't been leaked, industry insiders anticipate it will aim to reclaim the global height crown. Additionally, the long-delayed Falcon's Flight at Six Flags Qiddiya in Saudi Arabia is projected to reach a staggering 640 feet upon completion. Until these new titans open, the title is "up for grabs," but 2027 is shaping up to be the year that the 450-foot barrier is definitively smashed once again.

That’s a great question, but the answer is a bit of a moving target due to intense competition and long construction times. As of late 2024, the title is held by “Falcon” at Wanda City in Harbin, China.

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Current Tallest (2024): Falcon

• Height: 479 feet (146 meters)
• Location: Wanda City, Harbin, China
• Status: Opened in August 2024.
• Details: A massive B&M hyper coaster that dethroned Kingda Ka. It focuses on speed and airtime rather than a vertical drop, as it’s built on the side of a large, themed structure.

Previous Record Holder: Kingda Ka

• Height: 456 feet (139 meters)
• Location: Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey, USA
• Held the record since: 2005.
• Note: It remains the tallest in the United States and the Western Hemisphere.

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The “In Development” Contenders (The Future Kings)

This is where it gets exciting. Several projects aim to smash the 500-foot barrier, with one targeting an astonishing 700+ feet.

1. The Frontrunner: “Catapult” (formerly “The Giga Coaster”) at Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi, UAE

   • Projected Height: Over 700 feet (213+ meters).
   • Details: Announced in 2022, this Intamin multi-launch coaster is designed to be the world’s fastest, tallest, and longest roller coaster loop. If completed as planned, it will dwarf all current records. Construction appears to be underway.

2. The “Falcon” Challenger: “Hyper