Full Breakdown
Brandon Dawson Crowned Champion at 2025 World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off
10/16/2025, 7:13:57 AM
Record-Breaking Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay
The 52nd annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off took place on October 13, 2025, in Half Moon Bay, California, where Brandon Dawson from Santa Rosa emerged victorious with his impressive 2,346-pound pumpkin. This event, a cherished tradition, attracts pumpkin growers from across the United States, each vying for the title of the heaviest gourd.
Dawson's win marks a significant achievement after he was the runner-up in 2024 with a pumpkin weighing 2,465 pounds, narrowly losing to Minnesota's Travis Gienger, who had a 2,471-pound entry. This year, Dawson's pumpkin not only secured the top prize but also earned him $21,114, calculated at $9 per pound. Although he did not break the world record of 2,749 pounds set by Gienger in 2023, the competition remained fierce, with Dawson's pumpkin outpacing the second-place entry by over 300 pounds.
The Journey of Pumpkin Growing
Brandon Dawson, a manufacturing engineer at Rivian Automotive, has been cultivating giant pumpkins for five years. His expertise in precision techniques from his engineering background has aided him in optimizing the growth conditions for his pumpkins. “My mind is kind of racing because I was in this position last year when I lost by 6 pounds,” Dawson reflected after his win. He enjoys involving his children in the pumpkin-growing process, emphasizing the family aspect of this endeavor.
The pumpkin-growing process is intensive, requiring a commitment of approximately 180 days, starting from seed planting in April to harvesting in October. Dawson's pumpkin was nurtured with meticulous care, growing at a rate of 50 to 70 pounds per day during peak growth periods.
Notable Competitors and Community Spirit
Travis Gienger, last year's champion, attended the event as a spectator after his pumpkin split earlier in the season. Gienger expressed the emotional investment that comes with growing giant pumpkins, stating, “It’s a lot.” Despite not competing, he showed support for fellow growers, highlighting the camaraderie that defines the event.
The weigh-off also featured other awards, including the "Most Beautiful Pumpkin," which went to David Schuman of Morgan Hill. The event serves as a precursor to the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, which celebrates the local agricultural community and attracts numerous visitors.
Official Statements & Responses
Dawson's victory was celebrated not only by his family but also by the local community, which values the tradition of pumpkin growing. The event organizers noted the excitement surrounding the weigh-off, emphasizing its role in fostering community spirit and agricultural pride.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Dawson's pumpkin was confirmed as the heaviest, discrepancies arose regarding the exact prize amounts and additional awards. Some sources reported his total winnings as $22,114, including bonuses for the largest pumpkin from California, while others noted a base prize of $21,114.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It feels amazing,” — Brandon Dawson, Champion Grower
- “It's a 180-day commitment,” — Travis Gienger, Former Champion
- “We like to spend time out in the patch and watch the thing grow,” — Brandon Dawson, on involving his children in pumpkin growing.
Dawson's triumph at the 2025 World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off not only highlights his dedication but also reinforces the significance of this annual event in celebrating agricultural achievements and community bonding in Half Moon Bay.
