Forget superhero movies – the real epic showdown happened in Half Moon Bay this week, where massive pumpkin growers transformed the sleepy coastal town into a heavyweight agricultural arena.

The 52nd annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off wasn’t just another farming competition – it was a full-blown gourd gladiator match where size definitely matters. Brandon Dawson from Santa Rosa emerged as this year’s pumpkin prodigy, rolling in with a jaw-dropping 2,346-pound behemoth that made other gourds look like sad, shriveled appetizers.

The Pumpkin Playoff

Dawson wasn’t a rookie in this agricultural arena. Having previously placed second in 2024, he came back with a vengeance, proving that persistence pays off – especially when you’re cultivating produce that could double as a small vehicle. The competition offered a tantalizing $30,000 prize for anyone breaking the current world record, set in 2023 by Travis Gienger with a mind-blowing 2,749-pound pumpkin.

More Than Just a Pretty Gourd

The Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival isn’t just about massive produce – it’s a full community celebration. With events like a pumpkin pancake breakfast, the Great Pumpkin Parade, and a pie-eating contest, it’s basically the Super Bowl of squash-based festivities. Pro tip: local boys’ basketball team benefits from the pancake breakfast tickets, so you can stuff your face and feel good about supporting youth sports.

While most of us are out here struggling to keep a houseplant alive, these agricultural artists are cultivating pumpkins larger than some studio apartments in San Francisco. Respect.