A California engineer celebrated a significant victory at the annual pumpkin-weighing competition in Northern California. On October 13, 2025, Brandon Dawson from Santa Rosa showcased his extraordinary gardening skills by presenting a giant pumpkin that weighed in at an impressive 2,346 pounds. This achievement secured him the top prize at the 52nd World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off held in Half Moon Bay, located south of San Francisco.
With his children, Roman and Ayla, by his side, Dawson expressed his excitement after clinching the title. He had narrowly missed out on victory the previous year, losing by a mere 6 pounds (approximately 3 kilograms). “My mind is kind of racing because I was in this position last year when I lost,” he remarked, reflecting on his journey in the competitive world of giant pumpkin growing.
Dawson, who works as a manufacturing engineer at Rivian Automotive, has dedicated the last five years to cultivating massive pumpkins. He attributes his success to the precision skills from his profession, which have allowed him to optimize watering and sunlight exposure for his prized gourd. “We like to spend time out in the patch and watch the thing grow,” he noted, highlighting the family aspect of his hobby. His children, ages 2 and 4, have become increasingly engaged in the process, especially as giant pumpkins can grow by 50 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kilograms) daily.
In addition to the title, Dawson received a prize of $20,000 for his achievement. His pumpkin had previously placed as the runner-up in last year’s contest, where Travis Gienger, a horticulture teacher from Anoka, Minnesota, won with a gourd that weighed 2,471 pounds (1,121 kilograms). Gienger had set a world record in 2023 with an impressive pumpkin weighing 2,749 pounds (1,247 kilograms). Unfortunately, he was unable to participate in this year’s contest after his giant pumpkin suffered damage earlier in the season.
Interestingly, earlier this month, two brothers in England broke Gienger’s record by growing a gourd that weighed 2,819 pounds (1,278 kilograms). This ongoing competition among growers continues to capture the public’s imagination, showcasing the dedication and skill involved in cultivating these oversized fruits.
Dawson’s win not only reflects his personal dedication but also highlights the community spirit and enthusiasm surrounding pumpkin growing in the region. As the event concluded, families and enthusiasts celebrated the creativity and effort that goes into producing such remarkable specimens, ensuring that the tradition of the World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off remains vibrant and engaging.
