World’s Tallest Roller Coaster Loop Is Coming to a U.S. Theme Park — and It’s Not in Florida or California

When people think of record-breaking roller coasters in the United States, Florida and California usually steal the spotlight. These states are home to some of the most famous theme parks in the world, packed with attractions that push the limits of speed, height, and imagination. But in 2026, that narrative is changing.

A massive new roller coaster featuring the world’s tallest vertical loop is coming to Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, proving that the next era of thrill rides doesn’t belong only to the coasts. This ambitious attraction, called Tormenta: Rampaging Run, is already turning heads in the amusement park industry and among thrill seekers worldwide.

A New Record in Roller Coaster History

The defining feature of Tormenta is its jaw-dropping 179-foot-tall vertical loop, officially making it the tallest of its kind ever constructed. To put that into perspective, most roller coaster loops are between 60 and 100 feet tall. Tormenta’s loop nearly doubles that height, creating a visual landmark that can be seen across the park and beyond.

But this ride isn’t just about one record. Tormenta is expected to break several world records when it opens, including:

The tallest dive coaster in the world

The fastest dive coaster, reaching speeds of up to 87 miles per hour

The longest dive coaster track

The highest Immelmann inversion (a dramatic upside-down maneuver at extreme altitude)

With these achievements combined, Tormenta is shaping up to be one of the most technologically advanced roller coasters ever built.

Why Texas and Not Florida or California?

For decades, Florida and California have dominated the theme park conversation. Parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Six Flags Magic Mountain have been known for unveiling groundbreaking attractions that draw millions of visitors each year.

So why Texas?

Six Flags Over Texas has a long history of thrill ride innovation and is one of the original Six Flags parks, opening in 1961. With this new coaster, the park is making a bold statement: Texas is ready to compete with the biggest names in the amusement industry.

The decision also reflects a shift in tourism trends. Theme parks across the country are expanding and investing heavily in unique attractions to stand out. States like Tennessee, Virginia, and now Texas are becoming major players in the thrill ride market, offering visitors new reasons to travel beyond the traditional destinations.

Engineering at an Extreme Level

Tormenta is being developed with the help of Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), a Swiss company famous for creating some of the smoothest and most intense roller coasters in the world. Their designs are known for combining massive scale with rider comfort and safety.

This ride introduces a new category known as a giga dive coaster, blending the dramatic vertical drops of dive coasters with the towering height of giga coasters. Riders will be lifted more than 300 feet into the sky before plunging down a nearly vertical drop at a 95-degree angle.

The result is not just a thrill ride, but a carefully engineered experience that balances fear, excitement, and innovation.

More Than Just a Ride

Tormenta: Rampaging Run is not simply another attraction—it represents a larger investment in the future of Six Flags Over Texas. The park is using this coaster as a centerpiece of its transformation, upgrading guest experiences, expanding entertainment options, and enhancing infrastructure.

The timing is also symbolic. The park will celebrate its 65th anniversary around the same period as Tormenta’s debut, making the ride a tribute to its long history while also pointing toward its future.

For the park, this coaster is a declaration that it intends to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving theme park industry.

What This Means for Thrill Seekers

For roller coaster fans, Tormenta offers something truly special: a chance to experience multiple world records in a single ride. The towering loop alone will create sensations that few riders have ever felt before, combining speed, height, and inversion in one continuous rush.

It also means that thrill seekers no longer have to travel exclusively to Florida or California for groundbreaking attractions. Texas is becoming a new destination for extreme amusement rides, opening the door for a more diverse theme park landscape across the United States.

This shift could influence where future record-breaking rides are built, encouraging parks in other states to dream bigger and aim higher.

A Cultural Moment for Theme Parks

Beyond engineering and entertainment, Tormenta reflects a cultural shift in how Americans view theme parks. Innovation is no longer centralized in a few locations. Instead, it’s spreading nationwide, creating competition and creativity across the industry.

This evolution benefits guests, who now have more choices and more reasons to explore parks in different regions. It also pushes designers and engineers to constantly redefine what is possible, resulting in attractions that are taller, faster, and more immersive than ever before.

Looking Ahead

As construction continues and anticipation builds, Tormenta: Rampaging Run stands as a symbol of the future of roller coasters. Its record-breaking loop, massive drop, and cutting-edge design promise an experience that will be talked about for years.

Most importantly, its location sends a powerful message: the next great thrill ride doesn’t have to come from Florida or California. It can rise from Texas, challenging expectations and reshaping the amusement park world.

When Tormenta opens in 2026, it won’t just be another coaster—it will be a milestone in roller coaster history, proving that innovation knows no boundaries and that the thrill of the ride can be found anywhere.