8 Incredible Facts About Sultan Kösen: The World’s Tallest Living Person In 2025

As of today, December 10, 2025, the title of the world's tallest living man remains firmly held by Sultan Kösen from Türkiye. Standing at an astounding 251 cm (8 ft 2.8 in), Kösen has become one of the most recognizable figures on the planet, using his extraordinary height to travel the world and inspire millions. His life story is a fascinating blend of medical marvel, global celebrity, and the everyday challenges of living on a truly massive scale.

This article dives deep into the current record holder's life, his recent activities, the medical condition that caused his growth, and the incredible history of the men who have held this legendary title, including the undisputed tallest man of all time.

Sultan Kösen: Complete Biography and Profile

Sultan Kösen's journey from a farmer in rural Türkiye to a Guinness World Records icon is a testament to resilience and modern medicine. His life is defined not just by his height, but by his successful battle to stop his growth and live a healthier life.

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• Full Name: Sultan Kösen
• Current Title: Tallest Living Man (Guinness World Records)
• Height: 251 cm (8 ft 2.8 in)
• Date of Birth: December 10, 1982
• Place of Birth: Mardin, Türkiye (Turkish-Kurdish heritage)
• Date of Measurement: February 8, 2011 (Ankara, Türkiye)
• Medical Condition: Pituitary Gigantism and Acromegaly
• Other Records: Largest hands on a living person (male), measuring 28.5 cm (11.22 in) from wrist to fingertip.
• Occupation: Farmer, Public Figure, and Global Ambassador for Guinness World Records.

The Medical Story Behind His Immense Height

Kösen’s incredible stature is not natural; it is the result of a rare medical condition known as pituitary gigantism, which later developed into acromegaly. This condition is caused by a tumor affecting his pituitary gland, leading to an overproduction of Growth Hormone (GH), a process that continued well into his adult years.

The constant, unchecked growth presented severe health risks, including skeletal and joint problems that necessitated the use of crutches.

In 2010, Kösen traveled to the United States to seek specialized treatment at the University of Virginia Medical Center (UVA). There, he received a revolutionary procedure called Gamma Knife radiosurgery from a team including Dr. Mary Lee Vance. This non-invasive treatment successfully targeted the tumor. By 2012, doctors confirmed that Sultan Kösen had finally stopped growing, a life-saving medical achievement that secured his future.

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Recent Life and Global Impact (2024–2025)

Despite the challenges, Sultan Kösen has embraced his status as a global celebrity. His life is far from the quiet farm he once knew; he now spends his time traveling, meeting dignitaries, and participating in international events.

In late 2023 and 2024, Kösen secured his title for the 15th year in a row, attending the launch of the latest Guinness World Records edition in places like Milan, Italy.

One of his most publicized recent meetings occurred in early 2024 when he met Jyoti Amge from India, who holds the record for the world’s shortest living woman at just 62.8 cm (2 ft 0.7 in). The stark visual contrast of the two record holders meeting in California created viral headlines worldwide, symbolizing the incredible range of human diversity.

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The Undisputed King of Height: Robert Wadlow

While Sultan Kösen is the tallest *living* person, the record for the tallest man in history belongs to an American named Robert Pershing Wadlow. His story is a poignant one, showcasing the medical limitations of the early 20th century.

Biography of the Alton Giant

Robert Wadlow, often called the “Alton Giant,” was born on February 22, 1918, in Alton, Illinois, USA. Like Kösen, his massive size was due to pituitary gigantism that caused him to grow continuously until his death.

At the time of his final measurement on June 27, 1940, just 18 days before his passing, Wadlow stood at an unbelievable 272 cm (8 ft 11 in).

Wadlow's life was tragically cut short. He died on July 15, 1940, at the age of just 22. His death was caused by a septic blister on his right ankle, which was a result of a poorly fitted leg brace required to support his immense weight and height. The infection rapidly spread, and without the benefit of modern medical treatments like those available to Sultan Kösen, he succumbed to the illness.

A Historical Look: Other Notable Giants

The history of the world’s tallest people is filled with fascinating figures who captured the public imagination. Their stories help to illustrate the progression of medical understanding about gigantism and acromegaly.

The Tallest Men in Recorded History (Non-Living)

Excluding Robert Wadlow, several other men have been officially recorded with heights far exceeding the average human, adding significant topical authority to the subject of human extremes.

• John “Bud” Rogan (USA): Considered the second tallest man ever, Rogan (1867–1905) reached a height of approximately 267 cm (8 ft 9.1 in). His growth was also due to gigantism, but he suffered from ankylosis, a condition that fused his joints and left him unable to stand.
• Väinö Myllyrinne (Finland): Standing at 251.4 cm (8 ft 3 in), Myllyrinne (1909–1963) was recognized as the tallest living man for a period and is one of the tallest men in European history.
• Leonid Stadnyk (Ukraine): Stadnyk (1970–2014) was controversially claimed to be 257 cm (8 ft 5 in), but he refused to be officially measured under the strict new guidelines of Guinness World Records, leading to Sultan Kösen retaining the title.
• Fyodor Makhnov (Belarus/Russia): Makhnov (1878–1912) was an unverified giant, with some historical accounts placing his height at a remarkable 285 cm (9 ft 4 in), though this is generally considered unreliable due to the lack of modern verification.

The comparison between these historical figures and Sultan Kösen highlights a crucial difference: modern medicine has allowed Kösen to halt his growth and manage his condition, thereby extending his life and improving his quality of life significantly compared to his predecessors.

In conclusion, Sultan Kösen continues to hold the record for the tallest living man, a title he has maintained thanks to the successful medical intervention he received. His life today is a powerful symbol of human resilience, global connection, and the advancements in treating rare hormonal conditions. As he continues to travel and share his story, he reinforces the fact that the world's tallest person is more than just a measurement; he is a global phenomenon.