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Meet the determined grower striving to become world champion with Europe’s heaviest pumpkin


Belgium’s Mario Vangeel was crowned champion at the European Pumpkin Championship in Ludwigsburg, Germany with a pumpkin weighing 1,152kg. Mario attributed his success to a combination of factors, including a good seed and optimal growing conditions. In his hometown of Kasterlee, known as the ‘Town of the Pumpkin Eaters’, growing giant pumpkins is a tradition with a thriving club of around 50 members.

While Mario’s pumpkin was a success, other growers in Kasterlee faced challenges with snails damaging their crops. The biggest pumpkins, not bred for taste due to high water content, are often showcased at exhibitions and fairs. Some smaller pumpkins are used for the town’s annual Pumpkin Regatta, where participants row in hollowed-out pumpkins. The Vangeels offered recipe suggestions for cooking pumpkins, including pumpkin soup and spaghetti pumpkin.

Looking ahead, Mario has his sights set on breaking the world record for the heaviest pumpkin, currently held by American Travis Gienger at 1,296kg. He plans to continue growing bigger pumpkins each year, turning his hobby into a competitive sport.

While Mario dreams of breaking the world record, his wife Bieke is relieved the season is over, joking that Mario’s pumpkin receives more love and kisses than she does. The Vangeels are proud to represent their town’s pumpkin-growing heritage on the international stage and look forward to future competitions.

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Photo credit www.euronews.com

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