UPDATE: A roller coaster enthusiast known as Jacob Backall has just unveiled his top 10 roller coasters in a viral TikTok post that has amassed 4.6 million views since its release on July 25, 2023. This thrilling ranking is sparking excitement among thrill-seekers and amusement park fans alike.
Jacob, a 22-year-old theme park marketing professional, has personally ridden nearly 500 roller coasters across multiple continents. His slideshow includes the best coasters located in the U.S., showcasing the excitement found in Florida, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, and Tennessee.
In Jacob’s words, “Using these acquired skills, I share my passion by working on the marketing team for one of the largest theme park chains in North America.” His expertise is profound, as he has transformed a childhood passion into a career, sharing his experience on social platforms like @jacob_backall on TikTok and Instagram.
Jacob’s roller coaster journey began in 2012 with a visit to Dorney Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania. “I rode the Wild Mouse. Not a big coaster, but it had me hooked. It changed my life,” he recalled. His fascination with roller coasters quickly escalated, leading him to become a self-proclaimed encyclopedia of coaster statistics and experiences.
Among his top picks, Jacob’s favorite is the Steel Vengeance at Cedar Point in Ohio, a hybrid roller coaster that stands at 205 feet. “It’s arguably the greatest roller coaster of all time,” he stated. This coaster, originally opened in the 1990s as Mean Streak, was revitalized in 2018, showcasing the innovative transformation of older rides.
Jacob emphasizes that the best roller coasters aren’t always the tallest or fastest. “For true roller coaster enthusiasts, a creative layout and airtime are key,” he explained. Airtime refers to that exhilarating moment when riders feel weightless, a sensation he cherishes.
As Jacob approaches the milestone of riding 500 coasters, he is just eight rides away from achieving this personal goal. “By the end of the year, I’ll hit that mark, and then it’s on to 1,000,” he stated with enthusiasm. His journey not only highlights the thrill of rides but also the friendships forged within the roller coaster community.
The top 10 roller coasters Jacob listed reflect both innovative designs and thrilling experiences, including:
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. **Stardust Racers** at Epic Universe, Florida
6. **Pantherian** (formerly Intimidator 305) at Kings Dominion, Virginia
7. **Skyrush** at Hersheypark, Pennsylvania
8. **Lightning Rod** at Dollywood, Tennessee
9. **Maverick** at Cedar Point, Ohio
10. **Pantheon** at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia
This ranking has struck a chord with roller coaster fans worldwide, providing valuable insights into the best rides in the industry today. Jacob’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of how passion can lead to incredible experiences and community connections.
Stay tuned for more updates as Jacob reaches his goal of riding 500 roller coasters and shares even more thrilling adventures in the world of roller coasters. For the latest trends and developments in amusement parks, follow Jacob on his social media channels.
