Popular Competitions Worldwide
Beard and mustache competitions celebrate facial hair enthusiasts and groomers around the globe. They showcase skill and style through various categories and rewards.
World Beard and Moustache Championships
The World Beard and Moustache Championships stand as a pinnacle event in the beard competition calendar. Biennially, it attracts competitors from all over the world, eager to win the prestigious title for the finest facial hair. With a variety of categories, from natural beards to intricately styled mustaches, participants display their dedication and creativity.
National Beard and Moustache Championships
Specific to the United States, the National Beard and Moustache Championships invite American facial hair aficionados to compete in national-level contests. Winners often move on to international competitions. This event unites a diverse group of beard enthusiasts, who often spend months, if not years, perfecting their facial hair for this moment.
Other Recognized Tournaments
In addition to the well-known international and national championships, there are numerous other smaller-scale contests held annually.
Events like the ones found on The Beard Calendar offer more localized platforms for bearded participants to showcase their facial hair. Many focus on charity and community. These tournaments provide additional opportunities for beardsmen to test their grooming skills and show solidarity with fellow beard enthusiasts.
Rules and Judging Criteria
In the distinctive world of beard growing competitions, contestants are judged on various factors that may include the length of their beard, defining style characteristics, and the overall presentation. Specific rules help maintain fairness and consistency across competitions.
Length and Style
Contestants should be aware that competitions often categorize beards based on length and style. A beard can fall into one of several categories, such as natural full beard or styled mustache.
Events like The World Beard and Moustache Championships list specific style categories such as the “Alaskan Whaler” for participants to enter. The length of the beard is carefully considered, but finely crafted styles could be of equal importance.
Grooming and Presentation
The overall grooming and presentation of a beard is meticulously evaluated. Judges may look for cleanliness, neatness, and how well-groomed the beard appears. For example, in the “natural” categories, the use of aids might be prohibited, demanding that the beard must be presented well without any external styling products.
According to the guidelines provided by some competitions, like the North American Beard and Moustache Championships, certain styling aids are permitted depending on the category.
Creativity and Originality
A significant aspect of judging involves a contestant’s creativity and originality. Unique and imaginative styling, often showcased in the artistic or freestyle categories, can set participants apart from one another.
Spectators and judges alike are often looking for a beard that is not just well-maintained but also creatively presented.
Clubs and Associations
Many cities and regions boast their own beard clubs and associations, serving as hubs for facial hair aficionados to meet and prepare for competitions. These clubs often play a pivotal role in organizing events like the World beard and mustache competition, where categories can span from “Full Beard with Styled Moustache” to “Natural Chevron Mustache.” They not only foster a sense of community but also offer a structured environment for those looking to compete professionally in facial hair styling and grooming contests.
Editorial Credit: WBUR Flickr
Really enjoyed the piece on beard and mustache comps! I’ve been growing mine out and thinking about entering. Any tips on how to stand out in these contests? Cheers!