Norwegians compete in World Beard and Moustache Championships

Lars Olav Braa (top right) and Ole Johan Løkberg (top left). Foto: ABC Nyheter / worldbeardchampionships.com.

Every two years, the owners of the world’s most elaborate facial hair come together for the World Beard and Moustache Championships. On May 23 the competition was held in Anchorage, Alaska.

Since 1995, the championships have been held every two years. In 1997, the championships moved to Trondheim, Norway, where they were organized by the Norwegian Moustache Club (Den Norske Mustaschklubben), headquartered in Trondheim.

In Alaska this weekend Lars Olav Braa (55) and Ole Johan Løkberg (71), both from Trondheim, competed with hairy men from across the world. Approximately  250 participants competed in the championships, which featured a variety of categories that include everything from the delicate Dali moustache to the outrageous full beard freestyle. The competitors appeared before a panel of distinguished judges charged with the responsibility of awarding the coveted world titles to the best of the best.

This facial-hair celebration is open to everyone and spectators are welcome. The host for WBMC 2009 is the South Central Alaska Beard and Moustache Club.