73rd anniversary of the 1953 Hank Wolek beard and mustache contest.

Friends, Competitors, and Champions in the Making,

It is with great enthusiasm—and no small amount of pride—that I invite you to enter the arena and take part in one of the longest-running and most spirited beard competitions in the country. This is not merely a contest of whiskers; it is a celebration of courage, craftsmanship, and the willingness to be counted among those who dare greatly.

Whether you stand before the judges in person, compete from afar online, or test your discipline in the traditional Mustache Growing Competition, know this: the credit belongs to the one who shows up. If you have ever thought, “Maybe next year,” this is your year.

IN-PERSON BEARD CONTEST

Saturday, February 21, 2026

• 1:30 PM – Check-in opens & pre-judging
• 3:00 PM – Contest begins
• 4:30 PM – Awards Ceremony
• 6:30 PM – Live music featuring Stevie G as Elvis

Due to the large crowd expected for the Elvis stage show, separate reservations may be required for seating. We strongly recommend contacting www.thefriartuck.com in advance to secure reservations.

👉 You must appear in person to compete in the in-person beard contest.

MUSTACHE GROWING COMPETITION

A test of patience, resolve, and character—conducted in the spirit of the 1953 tradition.

• Shave at the start of Lent on February 18
• Email a “baby-face” photo to beardchampionship@gmail.com
• Grow your mustache through the end of Lent, April 2
• Email a final mustache photo on April 2 to qualify

🏆 Winner announced Saturday, April 4, 2026

ONLINE COMPETITION

For those who cannot attend in person but still wish to stand among the bold:

• Photo submissions due by 5:00 AM Eastern Standard Time on February 21, 2026
• Submit photos to beardchampionship@gmail.com

Online entries are judged by a separate remote panel of legitimate barbers and accredited hair-styling professionals. Judges are not competitors.

Judging criteria include shape, density, and proportion.

Winners will be announced on or about February 21, 2026 on Instagram.com/beardchampionship. Results may occasionally be delayed while judges return scores—accuracy always comes before haste.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE BONUS COMPETITION

If you elected to enter:

• Your photos will be posted on Instagram.com/beardchampionship on February 21, 2026
• Share your post far and wide
• The winner is determined by the highest combined total of likes, comments, and shares

📅 Voting concludes March 2, 2026

This contest belongs not to spectators, but to participants—to those willing to step forward, be judged, and be celebrated. Whether your beard is mighty or modest, natural or masterfully groomed, there is honor in entering.

Sharpen your razors, ready your cameras, and mark your calendars.

We look forward to welcoming you—early, prepared, and proud.

Dare greatly. Enter boldly. Grow with purpose.

Yours in good fellowship and great beards!