The Vegas High Roller is the current Guinness World Record Holder for the tallest observation wheel. Standing at 168 metres tall, it is a major new landmark for Las Vegas, and the key feature in a new pedestrian street development in the city. The wheel carries 28 fully air conditioned, spherical cabins. It is the first giant observation wheel not to use a truss for the rim, but a single, tubular chord - a more elegant and distinctive structural solution which minimises views of the structure, providing passengers with a unique floating sensation.
The judges were impressed by two aspects of this engineering feat. Firstly, the logical development of Giant Observation Wheels from a three chord rim in London to a two chord rim in Singapore and now, the ultimate, a single tube at Las Vegas. And secondly, the rigour and diligence of engineering the mechanical details and fatigue resistance throughout.