Meet “Rudy”, the $22,000 Pumpkin

Quick Facts:

• Pumpkin Name: “Rudy”
• Weight: 2,471 pounds
• Prize: $22,239
• Grown By: Travis Gienger, a horticulture teacher from Anoka, Minnesota
• Event: 51st World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off, Half Moon Bay, California
• Fun Fact: Rudy’s journey to victory involved a 35-hour drive across the U.S.!

A Pumpkin Worth $22,000

In the world of giant pumpkins, “Rudy” stands tall—both literally and figuratively. This 2,471-pound pumpkin, grown by Minnesota horticulture teacher Travis Gienger, recently earned a whopping $22,239 at the 51st World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, California. For Gienger, who has a passion for both teaching and pumpkin growing, Rudy was not just any pumpkin—it was the result of months of hard work, care, and dedication.

Rudy’s Record-Breaking Journey

Rudy may not have broken the world record, but it secured Gienger another prestigious title. Last year, he set the record with a 2,749-pound pumpkin named “Michael Jordan.” This year, Rudy came close, weighing in at 2,471 pounds, and clinched victory by a narrow margin of just 6 pounds. Rudy may not have been the biggest pumpkin Gienger has ever grown, but it was big enough to take home the top prize at the weigh-off.

From Minnesota to California

Rudy’s story isn’t just about size—it’s also about the journey. Gienger and his family drove 35 hours from Anoka, Minnesota, to Half Moon Bay, California, with Rudy strapped to the back of a pickup truck. The dedication required to haul a pumpkin weighing over a ton across the country demonstrates Gienger’s unwavering commitment to his craft.

For his victory, Gienger earned $9 per pound, bringing his total prize to $22,239. In addition to the monetary reward, he also received a Pumpkin King Champions Ring, a Grand Champion Grower’s Jacket, and a luxury stay at the Ritz Carlton. Not bad for a giant pumpkin!

https://apnews.com/video/california-california-golden-bears-2113c6025bcf42d189261a69184632da

Rudy’s Next Chapter

What happens to a 2,471-pound pumpkin after it wins a prestigious contest? Rudy’s journey isn’t over yet. The pumpkin will be making its way to Southern California, where it will continue to impress pumpkin enthusiasts with its sheer size. While it didn’t break the world record, Rudy’s victory has cemented its place in pumpkin history.

The Unexpected Journey of a Teacher

What makes Rudy’s story particularly remarkable is the man behind the pumpkin. Travis Gienger, a horticulture teacher by profession, has turned his passion for growing pumpkins into a competitive sport. His ability to balance teaching with cultivating world-class pumpkins is a testament to his skill and dedication. Gienger’s success shows that even the most unexpected hobbies can lead to extraordinary achievements.

This isn’t Gienger’s first victory—nor will it be his last. Whether breaking world records or winning prestigious competitions, Gienger’s love for pumpkin growing continues to inspire. And with Rudy as the latest symbol of his success, Gienger’s legacy in the pumpkin-growing world is only growing larger—just like his pumpkins.

Why Rudy Matters

At its core, Rudy’s story is about more than just a pumpkin. It’s about hard work, passion, and the unexpected ways in which people can excel. From the classroom to the weigh-off stage, Gienger’s journey with Rudy reminds us that success can come from unlikely places—and that even a humble pumpkin can make a big impact.

So, while Rudy may be worth $22,239 in prize money, its true value lies in the dedication, perseverance, and love that Gienger put into growing it.