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Minnesota teacher Travis Gienger, who has a passion for gardening, achieved a remarkable feat by growing the world's heaviest pumpkin on record, a massive 2,749-pound pumpkin. Gienger affectionately named his colossal creation "Michael Jordan" after the basketball legend. He teaches landscape and horticulture at Anoka Technical College.

Gienger nurtured this enormous pumpkin in his backyard and transported it to the 50th World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, California. It outstripped the previous world record, held by Italy's Stefano Cutrupi since 2021, by 47 pounds.

The pumpkin earned its name "Michael Jordan" because 2023 marks the year '23, and Michael Jordan is considered the greatest basketball player of all time. Gienger noticed its perfectly round, basketball-like shape as it grew.

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The process 

The process of growing "Michael Jordan" required an investment of about $15,000 in feeding and care. Gienger, who has been growing pumpkins since his teenage years, followed a family tradition. In the last four Pumpkin Weigh-Offs, he secured victory three times. This year, his achievement earned him $30,000 in prize money and a ring reminiscent of a Super Bowl championship ring.

Gienger plans to utilize his winnings to cultivate an even larger pumpkin in the coming year. "I put in the work so that I can put a smile on people's faces, and it's just so nice coming out here to see everyone in this town," he shared.

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Gienger faced strong competition from neighboring regions like Napa and Sonoma at the weigh-off. Pumpkin growing in Minnesota's relatively cold climate can be challenging, with fluctuating temperatures in the spring. Despite the lack of prize money, many growers like Nick Kennedy participate because of their love for the art of pumpkin cultivation.

The top three heaviest pumpkins will be on display in Half Moon Bay for visitors to marvel at and take photos with.