Half Moon Bay, CA — Brandon Dawson, a Santa Rosa grower, claimed victory at the 2025 Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-off in Half Moon Bay, California, with his impressive 2,346-pound pumpkin. Dawson, who was the runner-up in 2024 with a 2,465-pound pumpkin, finally took the top spot at this year’s event.
A Familiar Face at the Top
Dawson’s pumpkin earned him a $21,114 prize, with the contest awarding $9 per pound for the winning gourd. The event was a moment of redemption for Dawson, who narrowly missed out last year to Travis Gienger, the 2024 champion.
Gienger, who set the 2023 world record with his 2,749-pound pumpkin, was back at this year’s weigh-off, but not as a competitor. Instead, Gienger attended as a spectator after his pumpkin split earlier in the season.
“It was heartbreaking to see it split, but I’m here to support my friends who are competing,” Gienger said.
Record-Breaking Prizes and Competition
While Dawson claimed victory, the $30,000 bonus for breaking the world record remained unclaimed this year. Gienger set the current world record at the 2023 weigh-off when he won with his 2,749-pound pumpkin, a feat that remains unbeaten.
The competition, known for its friendly yet fierce rivalry, draws pumpkin growers from all over the country, each aiming to break records and take home the top prize.
A Community Celebration
Despite the tough luck for some competitors, the event was a major success, drawing a large crowd of spectators eager to see some of the largest pumpkins in the world. Dawson’s victory added to the rich history of pumpkin-growing excellence in Half Moon Bay, a town famous for its annual pumpkin festival.
For Dawson, the win marks a milestone in his pumpkin-growing career, and he’s already looking forward to next year’s competition.
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