The 5 Tallest Men In World History: Unveiling The Current Record Holder (Updated 2025)

As of December 2025, the title of the Tallest Man Living in the World belongs unequivocally to Sultan Kösen from Turkey. Standing at a colossal 251 cm (8 ft 2.8 in), Kösen has held this prestigious and challenging Guinness World Record since 2009, a testament to his extraordinary stature caused by a rare medical condition. This article dives deep into the life of the current record holder, his medical journey, and compares him to the legendary "Alton Giant," the tallest man who ever lived. The fascination with human extremes, particularly height, has captivated the world for centuries. While Kösen is the tallest man alive today, his height is still surpassed by the all-time record holder. We explore the facts, the medical science behind their growth, and the daily struggles faced by these towering figures.

Sultan Kösen: The Tallest Man Alive (Updated Profile)

Sultan Kösen is a Turkish-Kurdish farmer whose life was dramatically changed when his immense height was officially recognized by Guinness World Records. His story is one of overcoming significant physical challenges and embracing a unique place on the world stage.

• Full Name: Sultan Kösen
• Nationality: Turkish (Turkish-Kurdish ethnicity)
• Date of Birth: December 10, 1982
• Place of Birth: Mardin, Turkey
• Verified Height: 251 cm (8 ft 2.8 in)
• Record Held Since: 2009
• Occupation: Farmer (Part-time)
• Medical Condition: Pituitary Gigantism and Acromegaly
• Other Records: Holds the record for the largest hands on a living person (28.5 cm or 11.22 in) and previously held the record for the largest feet (36.5 cm or 14.4 in).

Kösen’s incredible stature is the result of a condition known as pituitary gigantism, which is caused by a tumor affecting his pituitary gland. This tumor leads to an excessive production of growth hormone (somatotropin) in the body, a condition often referred to as acromegaly in adults. His growth spurt began around the age of ten, making his childhood and adolescence distinctly different from his peers.

The Medical Battle to Stop His Growth

The continuous, unchecked growth associated with gigantism can pose severe health risks and shorten life expectancy. For Kösen, stopping his growth was a matter of life or death. In 2010, Sultan Kösen traveled to the United States and received specialized medical care at the University of Virginia Medical Center (UVA Health). There, he was treated by endocrinologist Dr. Mary Lee Vance, a specialist in pituitary disorders. The critical procedure was a non-invasive treatment called Gamma Knife radiosurgery, which targeted the tumor in his pituitary gland to stop the abnormal production of growth hormone. The treatment was successful. By 2011, doctors confirmed that Kösen had finally stopped growing, stabilizing his height at the record-breaking 251 cm. This medical intervention was a pivotal moment, allowing him to live a more stable and fulfilling life, despite the ongoing challenges of his immense size.

Life's Challenges for the World's Tallest Man

While his record-breaking height has brought Sultan Kösen global fame, it also presents significant daily struggles that most people cannot imagine. Simple tasks become monumental efforts. Finding clothes and shoes is a constant issue; his custom-made shoes are size 60 (US size 28.5), and his clothing requires specialized tailoring. Due to the strain on his joints and skeleton, Kösen often requires the use of a cane or crutches to walk, highlighting the musculoskeletal difficulties associated with his condition. Despite these physical hurdles, Kösen has embraced his role as the world's tallest man. He has traveled to over 125 countries, meeting other record holders, including the world's shortest woman, Jyoti Amge, and using his platform to advocate for people with similar conditions. In 2013, he married Merve Dibo, though the couple later divorced. He has often expressed his desire to find a new partner who is a good match for his unique life.

The All-Time Tallest Man: Robert Pershing Wadlow

To understand the true ceiling of human height, one must look back at the historical record. The tallest person in recorded history for whom there is irrefutable evidence is an American man named Robert Pershing Wadlow. Wadlow, often nicknamed the "Alton Giant" after his hometown of Alton, Illinois, holds a record that is unlikely to be broken anytime soon.

• Full Name: Robert Pershing Wadlow
• Nationality: American
• Date of Birth: February 22, 1918
• Place of Birth: Alton, Illinois, USA
• Verified Height: 272 cm (8 ft 11.1 in)
• Date of Death: July 15, 1940 (Age 22)
• Medical Condition: Hyperplasia of the pituitary gland (similar to gigantism)

Wadlow was still growing at the time of his death. His immense size was attributed to hyperplasia of his pituitary gland, which resulted in an abnormally high level of growth hormone throughout his short life. Tragically, Wadlow's life was cut short at the age of 22. He developed a fatal septic blister on his right ankle, which was caused by an ill-fitting leg brace he needed to walk. The resulting infection, coupled with his weakened immune system, led to his death in 1940. His passing is a somber reminder of the severe health consequences of untreated or uncontrolled gigantism.

Other Notable Giants: Second Tallest and Historical Figures

While Sultan Kösen and Robert Wadlow top the list, several other individuals have achieved extraordinary heights, contributing to the rich history of human verticality. These figures further illustrate the spectrum of gigantism and the geographical reach of this rare condition.

1. Brahim Takioullah (The Second Tallest Living Man)

The second-tallest living man is Brahim Takioullah, a French-Moroccan national. Standing at 246.4 cm (8 ft 1 in), Takioullah is only slightly shorter than Sultan Kösen. He is also famous for holding the Guinness World Record for the largest feet on a living person, with his feet measuring 38.1 cm (15 inches) in length. His condition, like Kösen's, is attributed to acromegaly.

2. Vaino Myllyrinne (Historical Giant)

Vaino Myllyrinne of Finland (1909–1963) was an historical figure who was once recognized as the world's tallest man. He reached a height of 247 cm (8 ft 1 in) and is a key entity in the history of measured giants.

3. Leonid Stadnyk (Controversial Claim)

For a period, Ukrainian Leonid Stadnyk was rumored to be taller than Kösen, with claims of 257 cm (8 ft 5 in). However, he reportedly refused to be measured under the strict new verification guidelines set by Guinness World Records, leading to Kösen retaining the official title. Stadnyk died in 2014.

4. Vikas Kumar Uppal (Unverified Tallest Man of India)

Vikas Kumar Uppal (1986–2007) of India was an unverified giant who was widely claimed to be 249 cm (8 ft 2 in) tall, though official Guinness measurements were never taken. His inclusion highlights the challenges in definitively verifying extreme height records globally. The stories of these giants—from the current record holder Sultan Kösen to the historical titan Robert Wadlow—are not just about numbers and measurements. They are narratives of medical marvels, personal resilience, and the extraordinary human spirit in the face of unique physical challenges. The ongoing medical advancements, such as the radiosurgery that stabilized Kösen's growth, offer a hopeful future for those living with gigantism today.

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