HALF MOON BAY, Calif. (AP) - In a remarkable display of horticultural prowess, California engineer and avid gardener Brandon Dawson triumphed at the 52nd World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off held in Half Moon Bay, California. Dawson’s colossal jack-o-lantern gourd weighed an impressive 2,346 pounds (1,064 kilograms), securing him the coveted title and a $20,000 prize.
The contest took place on Monday, October 13, 2025, and Dawson, who resides in Santa Rosa, California, celebrated his victory with exuberant gestures, pumping his arms in the air. He also shared the moment with his two young children, Roman, aged 2, and Ayla, aged 4, by placing them atop the giant pumpkin—an object weighing comparably to a small sedan or a large bison.
Dawson, who works as a manufacturing engineer at Rivian Automotive, attributed his success to skills he honed in his profession, utilizing engineering principles to optimize his pumpkin's growth conditions, including precise watering and sunlight exposure. This year marked his fifth consecutive attempt at cultivating enormous pumpkins, and he expressed the joy of involving his children in the growth process. “We like to spend time out in the patch and watch the thing grow,” he stated, emphasizing that his 4-year-old is now more aware of the intricacies involved in raising such massive gourds, particularly since they can gain weight rapidly—up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms) in a single day.
Brandon Dawson’s achievement comes on the heels of a near miss the previous year, where he placed second, falling just 6 pounds (3 kilograms) short of the winning pumpkin grown by Minnesota horticulture teacher, Travis Gienger. Gienger’s pumpkin, which weighed 2,471 pounds (1,121 kilograms), emerged victorious in 2024. However, Gienger was unable to participate in this year’s contest, as his prized gourd was damaged earlier in the season.
Interestingly, the world record for the heaviest pumpkin was set by Gienger in 2023 at the same California contest, when his pumpkin tipped the scales at a staggering 2,749 pounds (1,247 kilograms). Moreover, just weeks prior to Dawson’s victory, two brothers from England claimed the title of the heaviest pumpkin worldwide with their impressive gourd, which weighed 2,819 pounds (1,278 kg).
The pumpkin weigh-off event celebrates not only agricultural excellence but also brings a sense of community and family involvement. It highlights the dedication and skill of pumpkin growers, showcasing the labor that goes into cultivating these enormous fruits, many of which undergo extensive care and monitoring throughout the growing season.
As Dawson rejoices in his well-deserved victory, his story reflects the blend of science, family, and a passion for gardening, embodying the spirit of competition that characterizes this cherished annual event in Half Moon Bay. The competition continues to attract enthusiasts and spectators alike, contributing to its long-standing tradition and the growing pumpkin farming culture across the nation.
