California Man Wins Pumpkin Championship With 2,346-Pound Gourd

Brandon Dawson claimed victory at the 2025 Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-off in Half Moon Bay, California, with his 2,346-pound pumpkin. Dawson, whose 2,465-pound entry finished second in 2024, earned $21,114 for his winning gourd at $9 per pound. Defending champion Travis Gienger did not compete this year after his pumpkin split during the growing season, instead attending as a spectator to support fellow growers. Gienger won the 2024 contest with a 2,471-pound pumpkin and set the world record in 2023 with a 2,749-pound entry. The competition offers a $30,000 bonus prize for breaking the world record, which Gienger achieved two years ago. (Story URL)