In a recent interview with Dave and Carol Stelts, the couple expressed their immense pride after claiming the title of “Giant Pumpkin Growers of the Year” at the Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers Weigh-off. Their extraordinary haul of three pumpkins weighed a staggering total of 7,729 pounds, securing their place at the top of the global pumpkin-growing scene.

The weigh-off took place on October 14, and the Stelts couldn’t contain their excitement about their victory. “Each year, we pour our hearts into growing these giant pumpkins, and this win feels incredibly rewarding,” Dave shared.

The couple’s pumpkins are truly colossal, with the largest weighing in at an impressive 2,731.5 pounds—just 18 pounds shy of the current American and world records.

Dave hinted that winning the GOTY award might inspire him to retire and take Carol on a vacation, but now that they’ve achieved this milestone, his passion for pumpkin growing seems to be reignited. “I can’t let my biggest competitors, the Paton brothers from England, take my title away from me. I have to keep beating them,” he stated.

Ian Paton, of the competitive Paton family, previously mentioned in an interview his goal of breaking the 3,000-pound barrier and jokingly remarked, “This is all just nuts.”

Despite their fierce rivalry, the Paton brothers and the Stelts maintain a friendly competition, often teasing each other whenever the opportunity arises.