Agricultural
6 April, 2026
Former champ reclaims Ekka ‘pump-king’ crown
Minden’s Geoff Frohloff has grown his way back to glory in the Ekka’s Giant Pumpkin Competition with a massive 342kg whopper.
The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) giant pumpkin judging took place at the Brisbane Showgrounds on Saturday.
Long-time entrant Geoff took home the prize for the coveted Champion Heaviest Pumpkin of Show title, reclaiming the crown he last won in 2021.
Claiming second and third place in the Open class was Geoff’s son Tony Frohloff with whopping 326kg and 279kg entries.
The Frohloff’s are the Ekka’s most legendary and awarded growers with a third generation of Frohloff growers also in the patch with grandson Riley winning the Youth / Schools category with a monster 249kg gourd.
Reigning record holders Downlands College won second place in the Youth / Schools category with a 148kg entry, with Harristown State High School coming third with a 75.5kg pumpkin.
Downlands made headlines in 2024 when their 368.5kg pumpkin set a new Ekka best, squashing the previous record held by Geoff Frohloff.
To take advantage of the premium pumpkin-growing season, judging was held outside the August Ekka dates.
Those interested in entering next year’s competition can claim their free Atlantic Giant pumpkin seeds at the Show or visit www.ekka.com.au when entries open on October 31, 2026.
