Minnesotan Wins Big (Again) With Massive Squash Named Rudy

At least SOMEBODY in this state is winning a world championship, #Vikings!

An Anoka-area man has won his FOURTH World Championship for a gargantuan gourd.

Minnesotan Wins Big (Again) With Massive Squash Named Rudy

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Travis Gienger has a knack for growing massive gourds. He set a Guinness World Record with his 2,749-pound pumpkin (named Michael Jordan) just last year (2023).

The 51st Annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-In at Half Moon Bay, California, took place this past Monday (October 14th). Travis is becoming the Tom Brady of this event, with 3 championship wins already under his belt.

This year, he took home the gold (orange?) again with a 2,471-pound squash named Rudy.

For his efforts, Travis gets prize money to the tune of $9 per pound of Rudy. You do the math on that. It's a decent chunk of change.

It should cover the cost of hauling his prize, as contestants are responsible for transporting their gourds to the weigh-off. The entries are then weighed with the aid of forklifts, special harnesses, and brute strength manpower.

Other prizes include "Biggest California Pumpkin", Biggest Coastside Pumpkin, and the "Joe Cotchett Family Most Beautiful Pumpkin”.

Travis' winner may not be pretty, but it got the big prize!

The Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-In kicks off the annual Art & Pumpkin Festival, which returns this weekend (October 19th & 20th).

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H/T: UPI