Gatis Badovskis took the second and third places with mighty pumpkins weighing 263.5 and 183 kilograms respectively.
As part of the championship, the 'Most Beautiful Pumpkin' was also determined by jury vote, grown by Kaspars Pundurs, who must be swollen with pride. The criteria for pumpkin beauty standards were not made public, but, by the looks of the participants, a big round belly is always appreciated.
The 19 participating plump pumpkins were weighed at Rīga Zoo, with top weightlifters Dainis Zāģers and Māris Krievelis giving a helping hand.
However, in a difference to most beauty contests, the contestants remained at the zoo after competition in order to be fed to the residents or carved into atmosphere-enhancing jack-o-lanterns in the run up to Halloween.
"The passion and concern of pumpkin growers will also be appreciated by residents of the Riga Zoo, who will enjoy the great vegetables for lunch and dinner," said Liene Dupate-Ugule, head of communications for Maxima Latvija.
Below is a photo gallery for you to marvel at these mammoths.
