(Los Angeles) A gigantic pumpkin weighing more than a ton has broken the record for the largest cucurbit in the world in California, allowing its grower to pocket a prize of 30,000 US dollars.
Weighing 1,247 kg on the scale, the enormous pumpkin wowed the counters on Monday at the Half Moon Bay pumpkin festival, near San Francisco, according to a press release from the competition organizers.
Wearing an orange t-shirt for the occasion, Travis Gienger raised his arms in triumph during the weigh-in, while amplifiers blared We Are The Champions of the group Queen in the background.
The 50-year-old competition sees mega-squash growers from across North America compete.
Originally from Minnesota, in the northern United States, Travis Gienger’s pumpkin beat its closest competitor by more than 110 kg
The previous world record was set in 2021 in Italy, with 1,226 kg
The triumphal squash will be on display this weekend at the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin and Art Festival.