Unbelievable Yet Again: Minnesota Pumpkin Grower Wins World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off

For the last 51 years, Half Moon Bay, California has hosted "The Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off". Every October, farmers of the squash hail from all over the globe for a chance at weighing in the largest pumpkin in the world.

Since 2020, one farmer has stood above the rest. Minnesota native Travis Gienger has secured the pumpkin weigh-off victory four times, in 2020, 2022, 2023, and now 2024. Gienger's trophy weighed in at a whopping 2,471 pounds.

If you can believe it, that is 278 pounds lighter than his 2023 victory hauled him. According to Gienger via Minnesota Public Radio, his pumpkin had a slow start to the season, inspiring him to name it "Rudy" after the underdog in the classic Notre Dame football movie.

With this being his fourth time winning the crown, what might be his secret to success? “Focus on soil biology and soil health, and the rest should take its course,” he said according to Minnesota Public Radio.

As with anything worthwhile, Gienger's hard work and dedication has paid off yet again, crowning him the reigning champion of Half Moon Bay.