These People Traveled Across the Globe for the World Beard and Moustache Championships

Comb-over mustaches, handlebars and lots of gel. These were just some of the facial hair patterns on display at the 2019 World Beard and Moustache Championships.

Beard-off contestants invaded Antwerp, Belgium, with their wildest and spikiest styles.

Categories included “Imperial Mustache,” “Natural Full Beard More Than 30 cm,” and “Freestyle.” Hundreds participated in the event.

Some traveled from thousands of miles away just to get in on the action.

"I came all the way from America for this, for the World Beard and Moustache Championships. The Freestyle category, which is usually the last, I think it's the hardest to win,"  said Gary Faulkner. "I create something different every time I compete and never the same thing, so I try to use my comb-over beard and create something new that's never been done."

There was also a competition for the ladies, where they competed for "Realistic and Creative Expression of Artificial Beards and Mustaches."

The event has been held every two years since 2001.

The next championship will be held in Auckland, New Zealand in 2021.

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