Half Moon Bay, California — A horticulture instructor from Minnesota has once again claimed victory in an annual pumpkin-weighing competition held in Northern California, having secured the top title for the fourth consecutive year.

Travis Gienger, hailing from Anoka, Minnesota, showcased his colossal pumpkin, which weighed in at an impressive 2,471 pounds (1,121 kilograms), surpassing his closest rival by 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms) at the renowned 51st World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, located south of San Francisco.

Despite this achievement, Gienger’s winning pumpkin did not exceed the world record of 2,749 pounds (1,247 kilograms) that he set the previous year. The 44-year-old acknowledged that various factors influenced the size of his pumpkin this year, including a cold fall accompanied by record rainfall that likely hindered its growth potential.

“We faced incredibly challenging weather conditions, but somehow I kept pushing forward,” Gienger explained. “It was hard work this time, and although we managed to pull through, it was by a narrow margin.”

The journey to California was no small feat, as Gienger and his family transported the enormous pumpkin over a grueling 35-hour drive.

Looking ahead, Gienger mentioned that his giant pumpkin’s next adventure will take place in Southern California, where a group of professional carvers will create a 3D carving masterpiece at a Halloween celebration.