# Giant Pumpkins Battle World Record

> California growers compete for world's heaviest pumpkin prize.
- Title: Giant Pumpkins Battle World Record · ABC7 New York | Shortify
- Summary: California growers compete for world's heaviest pumpkin prize. Travis Gienger and Brandon Dawson compete in Half Moon Bay for the world record pumpkin…
- Keywords: giant pumpkin, pumpkin weigh-off, half moon bay, travis gienger, brandon dawson, world record, pumpkin contest, news, local, Giant, Pumpkins, Battle
- Source: ABC7 New York — https://abc7ny.com/story/giant-pumpkins-battle-heavyweight-glory-world-record-california/19931852
- Published: 2026-10-12T11:37:49+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: giant pumpkin, pumpkin weigh-off, half moon bay, travis gienger, brandon dawson, world record, pumpkin contest, news, local
## Pumpkin contest begins
At least 30 giant pumpkin growers signed up for the 53rd World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, California.
## Travis Gienger returns
Four-time champion Travis Gienger, a horticulture teacher from Minnesota, will compete after his winning streak ended last year.
## World record contender
Gienger grew a pumpkin with a circumference large enough to challenge the world record set in England last week.
## World record details
The new world record was set by Ian Paton in England with a giant squash weighing 2,857 pounds (1,296 kilograms).
## Prize money
The winner will earn $9 per pound of pumpkin and receive $30,000 if they break the world record.
## Next steps
The contest will take place on Monday in Half Moon Bay, California, with a parade and pumpkin carver appearance.
## Key takeaway

Travis Gienger and Brandon Dawson compete in Half Moon Bay for the world record pumpkin weighing 2,857 pounds set in England last week.