The Art of Competitive Beard Growing: A Look into the World Championships

In recent years, there has been a rise in the popularity of competitive beard growing. While some may view it as a quirky hobby, for many enthusiasts, it’s a serious sport with fierce competition and intense training. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the strange world of competitive beard growing and explore the world championships.

First off, what is competitive beard growing? Essentially, it’s a competition where men (and sometimes women) grow out their beards over a period of time and then compete in various categories based on the length, thickness, and style of their facial hair. Competitions can range from small local events to large international championships, with thousands of participants.

The history of competitive beard growing dates back to the 19th century, when it was popular among European men. In the mid-1800s, a group of German men formed the “Bartverein” (Beard Club) to promote the growing and grooming of beards. They held regular competitions to determine who had the best beard, and the tradition soon spread throughout Europe.

In the United States, the tradition of competitive beard growing was popularized in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Beard and Moustache Club of America was founded in 1904 and held its first national competition in 1937.

However, interest in the sport waned in the mid-20th century as the clean-shaven look became popular. It wasn’t until the 1990s that competitive beard growing experienced a resurgence, thanks in part to the rise of the “hipster” subculture and the popularity of facial hair in pop culture.

The World Beard and Moustache Championships were first held in 1990 in Höfen an der Enz, Germany. The event was organized by the Bartclub Bartmänner Höfen, a local beard club, and attracted over 100 participants from around the world.

One of the most prestigious competitions is the World Beard and Moustache Championships, which has been held biennially since 1990. The event attracts hundreds of competitors from around the world, all vying for the title of “World Champion” in their respective categories.

There are three main categories in competitive beard growing: mustaches, partial beards, and full beards. Within each category, there are subcategories based on style and length. For example, the mustache category includes the “Dali” (named after Salvador Dali’s famous mustache), the “English” (a thick, bushy mustache), and the “Imperial” (a curled mustache that extends beyond the edges of the mouth).

Competitors spend months (and sometimes years) growing out their facial hair and perfecting their style. They also undergo intense training, which can include using special beard oils, trimming and shaping their beards, and practicing posing for the judges.

At the championships, competitors are judged based on several factors, including length, density, grooming, and overall presentation. Judges use a scoring system to rate each participant, and the highest-scoring competitor in each category is declared the winner.

But it’s not just about winning for many of these competitors – it’s also about the camaraderie and community that comes with being a part of the competitive beard growing world. Many competitors form friendships and support each other, sharing tips and advice on how to grow and maintain their facial hair.

There are also charitable aspects to some of these competitions. For example, the World Beard and Moustache Championships donate a portion of their proceeds to various charities and organizations.

So, why has competitive beard growing become so popular in recent years? Some attribute it to the rise of the “hipster” subculture, which has embraced the rugged, lumberjack look associated with beards. Others see it as a reaction to the clean-shaven, corporate look that has dominated for so long.

Regardless of the reason, competitive beard growing shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, it has become so popular that there are now even reality shows and documentaries dedicated to the sport, such as “Whisker Wars” and “The World Beard and Mustache Championships.”

In conclusion, competitive beard growing may seem like a strange and quirky hobby to some, but for those involved, it’s a serious sport with a dedicated community and intense competition. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just a casual observer, the world championships offer a fascinating glimpse into this unique subculture. Who knows – you may even be inspired to start growing out your own beard and join in on the fun!