An automatic release system for a riser includes a guide funnel assembly that receives a shaft coupled to the riser. A pull-head is located inside at least a portion of the shaft and coupled to the shaft. The pull-head is coupled to a pulling mechanism. One or more spring-loaded dogs are mounted on the outside of the shaft. The dogs radially move in and out through one or more openings in the shaft aligned with the dogs and engage a groove on the pull-head when radially moved in through the openings. One or more stopper mechanisms are mounted on the outside of the shaft and aligned with the dogs. In a first position, the stopper mechanisms inhibit the dogs from disengaging from the groove in the pull-head. In a second position, the stopper mechanisms allow the dogs to disengage from the groove in the pull-head.