Travis Gienger, a horticulture teacher from Anoka, Minnesota, has once again claimed victory in the prestigious World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off held in Half Moon Bay, California. Competing for the fourth year in a row, Gienger’s enormous gourd weighed in at an astounding 2,471 pounds, securing his title as the reigning champion.
This year’s victory was no easy feat. Gienger’s pumpkin narrowly surpassed his closest competitor by just 6 pounds. Despite the impressive size, it fell short of the world record of 2,749 pounds, a record Gienger himself set in 2023.

 

 

Gienger, 44, attributes his success to the health of his soil and the nourishment he provides to his plants. However, he acknowledged that this year’s colder autumn, coupled with record-breaking rainfall, posed significant challenges for his crop. “We had really, really tough weather and somehow, some way, I kept on working,” Gienger remarked. “I had to work for this one, and we got it done at the end, but it wasn’t by much.”
His determination paid off after a grueling 35-hour drive to transport the gargantuan pumpkin to the competition site in California. But the journey of this massive gourd is not yet over. Next, Gienger’s prize pumpkin will be featured at a Halloween event in Southern California, where professional carvers will transform it with a 3D design, adding yet another layer of artistry to its story.

 

 

The World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off is held annually in Half Moon Bay, a coastal town just south of San Francisco, and it draws competitors from across the country. Gienger’s consecutive victories have solidified his place in the contest’s history, showing not only his skills in growing but also his relentless commitment to his craft.
With each win, Gienger continues to inspire both his students and the pumpkin-growing community, showing what can be achieved through passion, hard work, and a little bit of luck from the weather.

 

 

 

Floating Vimeo Video