Minnesota teacher wins annual California pumpkin weigh-off with 2,471 pound gourd

While this year's pumpkin fell short of the world record 2,749-pound gourd he set in 2023, Gienger’s win further solidifies his dominance.Photo byJon TysononUnsplash

Travis Gienger, a horticulture teacher from Anoka, Minnesota, secured his fourth consecutive victory at the 51st World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, California, on Monday. Gienger's massive gourd weighed in at 2,471 pounds (1,121 kilograms), beating his closest competitor by just 6 pounds.

While this year's pumpkin fell short of the world record 2,749-pound gourd he set in 2023, Gienger’s win further solidifies his dominance in the competition. The event, held annually in Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco, attracts pumpkin growers from across the country, vying for the prestigious title of having the heaviest pumpkin, the organizers stated.