As someone approaching the thirtieth anniversary of hanging up my razor for good, this is close to my heart (no, in reality closer to my neck, I guess; my beard is not that long these days).

“The World Beard and Moustache Championships will take place in Carson City, Nevada, on November 1, 2003. A panel of distinguished judges will determine which beards and moustaches in seventeen separate categories merit their owners the championship trophies and the coveted world champion titles. Special prizes will also be awarded to the youngest contestant, the contestant who traveled the farthest to attend, and the people’s favorite. ” The site has a number of photos of stupendous facial hair (the Germans seem to have us covered) and links to the winners of past competitions.