UPDATE: A roller coaster enthusiast has set the internet ablaze with his top 10 roller coaster rankings, gaining 4.6 million views on TikTok since July 25, 2023. Jacob Backall, a 22-year-old theme park marketing professional, shared a slideshow of his favorite rides, showcasing the thrill of nearly 500 coasters he has experienced globally.
The ranking features all roller coasters located in the U.S., highlighting attractions from Florida to Ohio. Among the top picks is the acclaimed Steel Vengeance at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, which Backall describes as “arguably the greatest roller coaster of all time.”
Backall’s passion for roller coasters ignited during a visit to Dorney Park in Pennsylvania in 2012. He recalls, “That day I rode the Wild Mouse. Not a big coaster, but it had me hooked.” Since then, he has become a self-proclaimed “human encyclopedia” of roller coasters, memorizing their heights, speeds, and unique features.
His favorites reflect a preference for RMC Hybrid roller coasters, which combine wooden supports with steel tracks. “The most important quality of a coaster for me personally is airtime,” he shared, highlighting the exhilarating feeling of being lifted out of one’s seat.
Jacob’s journey has not only been about the rides; he emphasizes the camaraderie within the roller coaster community. “I have made many great friends over the years through my travels,” he noted. With just eight coasters left to reach his milestone of 500 rides, Jacob is eager to achieve this goal by the end of the year.
His top 10 coasters are:
1. Steel Vengeance at Cedar Point, Ohio
2. Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal Islands of Adventure, Florida
3. Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa, Florida
4. Fury 325 at Carowinds, North Carolina
5. Pantherian (formerly Intimidator 305) at Kings Dominion, Virginia
6. Skyrush at Hersheypark, Pennsylvania
7. Lightning Rod at Dollywood, Tennessee
8. Maverick at Cedar Point, Ohio
9. Pantheon at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia
10. Guardians of the Galaxy at EPCOT, Florida
Jacob’s journey reflects a growing trend among thrill-seeking adventurers, eager to conquer the world’s most exhilarating rides. As his viral post continues to gain traction, it has captured the attention of roller coaster fans and casual observers alike.
Looking ahead, Jacob aims to expand his collection of coaster experiences, with the goal of reaching 1,000 rides in the future. As he continues to document his adventures on social media under the handle @jacob_backall, roller coaster enthusiasts worldwide are watching closely for his next thrilling updates.
This surge of interest in roller coasters speaks volumes about the connection between adventure and community, making Jacob’s story not just about rides, but about shared experiences that unite thrill-seekers everywhere.