A pumpkin weighing more than 1.3 tons broke a world record for the heaviest pumpkin and won the 50th annual World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off held yearly in Half Moon Bay, California.

Defending champion Travis Gienger, 43, of Anoka, Minnesota, won it all again with his 2,749-pound pumpkin, named “Michael Jordan,” besting the old world record of 2,702 pounds set in 2021 by Italian grower Stefano Cutrupi. For his massive pumpkin, Mr. Gienger won $30,000.

Despite his history with record-breaking pumpkins — his 2022 winner at 2,560 pounds set the U.S. heaviest pumpkin record that has now been surpassed — Mr. Gienger told The Associated Press he was surprised to have broken the world record as well.

Mr. Gienger has won three of the last four championships, winning it all in his first year doing the contest in 2020.

“I was not expecting that. It was quite the feeling,” Mr. Gienger added. He does not weigh his entries before the contest.

“I don’t believe in that. It’s gonna be what it’s gonna be, and I want people to get a real reaction,” Mr. Gienger told Bay Area news site SFGate.

While the prize money was substantial, thanks to the pumpkin’s poundage, Mr. Gienger invested a significant sum in growing it, spending $15,000 on it from the time it was planted on April 10.

The prize money is underwritten by sponsor Safeway.

On Saturday, “Michael Jordan” and Mr. Gienger will serve as the centerpiece of a noontime parade as part of the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival. Along with the record-breaking winner, other top pumpkins will also be displayed in the town on both Saturday and Sunday.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.